Mass Bay Sailing League

Participation in the Massachusetts Bay League is contingent upon each team paying its dues and associated fees for the current sailing season as well as any prior season(s). The MBL racing dues are $200 per team. Some regattas charge a small registration fee, and some venues charge a fee for use of their facilities. Membership in NESSA and participation in NESSA events require additional dues and fees.

Invoices for Spring Season dues are sent early in the year by the league treasurer to the school sailing coaches and Athletic Directors.

By April 1, MBL dues should be paid. School Purchase Orders shall be accepted in lieu of payment in full but payment in full is due within 90 days of the issuance of the purchase order. 

After April 15, member schools will not be able to register or compete in any MBL-affiliated event if they have not paid their dues or submitted a purchase order, and a late fee of $50 will be assessed.

After the 90 day period following issuance of a Purchase Order, a late fee of $100 will be assessed if payment has not been received. 

After May 15, an additional late fee of $50 will be assessed on member schools that have not paid their dues or submitted a purchase order for those dues. Also, all race results will be counted as forfeits (for the purpose of League standings and awards) for any member school that has failed to pay their dues or submit a purchase order for those dues. 

Upon receipt of overdue dues and any applicable late fees, member schools will be allowed to register and compete in MBL-affiliated events providing that payment is received at least five calendar days prior to the event and the event is not fully subscribed at that time. 

Failure to pay dues for more than 12 months shall be grounds for the officers of the League to rescind membership in the League for such schools. Notice of such action shall be communicated in writing to the Athletic Director of the school.   Any unpaid dues or fees prior to January 1, 2010, shall not be considered.

We welcome schools that have existing teams or are forming new teams to join the league, but understand this fundamental constraint: All organized high school sailing in New England is school based and sanctioned by school authority. There is no mechanism for participation by individual students. Conglomerate teams (teams made up of more than one school) are allowed in some circumstances and with some limitations. With conglomerates, the school authorities for all schools represented must sanction the team.

1. Identify a core enthusiast(s) who will persevere through a multi-year process to establish the new team.
2. Find a mentor(s) to advise you as you go through the process. ( i.e. sailing league representative, sailing coach or parent at another school who started a team, coach or parent of another new sport started in your school, etc.)
3. Identify core group of sailors:
   • 4 sailors are needed to make a fleet race team
   • 6 sailors are need for a team race team
   • 8 – 10 sailors allow for substitutes and make a more stable team
4. Analyze the requirements and logistical issues:
   • Home sailing venue where you can practice, compete, and store boats
   • NOTE: Community Boating in Boston is fully subscribed with sailing teams
   • Coach(es)
   • Sailboats
   • Coach boat(s)
   • Boat maintenance, security, and off season storage
   • Transportation to practices, events, and meets – vehicles, drivers, etc.
   • Insurance and liability coverage
   • Costs – both start-up costs and on-going operating costs
   • Funding – Sources of start-up and on-going funding
   • NOTES: Be prepared to operate with minimal school funding. Also, sailors must be prepared to obtain expensive sailing gear.
5. Approach school authorities (principal, athletic director, central administration, school board) with a proposal for approval to proceed. They are likely to be concerned with the following:
   • All of the logistical issues
   • How sailing fits within afterschool structures for clubs or teams
   • Safety
   • How a team can participate in a league or other competitive structure
   • Future of the team
6. Raise start-up money. In most cases, the school will look to the participants for all or most of the start-up funding.
7. Buy needed equipment – This may take some time if seeking inexpensive, used equipment.
8. Work with school to hire a coach. Utilize SailOne.
9. Join the MBL - Apply to a league officer in writing using this application form. The application and a cover letter on school letterhead should be signed by a school official such as the athletic director, headmaster, or principal.
10. Especially in the first few years, work hard to keep building enthusiasm, establish a sustainable financial plan, and think one year ahead in terms of sailor participation and having a coach.

Enjoy one of the fastest growing high school sports! Take pride in creating from scratch an incredible opportunity for kids.

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