Sail Salem News

New Boating Certificate Requirements Go Into Effect THIS year!

Massachusetts has passed the Hanson-Milone Act. It requires that people operating a motorized vessel take an approved boating safety course. Motorized vessels include motorboats, PWCs, and even sailboats under engine power. Upon satisfactory completion of the course, including passing an exam at course end, individuals will receive a Boating Safety Certificate. This new regulation is being phased in beginning April 1, 2026. Individuals will be required to carry the Certificate when operating the boat.

Who Needs a Certificate?

  • Born after January 1, 1989:
    • Must obtain a certificate by April 1, 2026
    • No penalties will be enforced until September 1, 2026
  • Born on or before January 1, 1989:
    • Must obtain a certificate before April 1, 2028

Certificate Course Offering in Salem

Sail Salem is joining forces with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary (Marblehead Flotilla 04–03) to offer the course.  The class will be held on April 25 in the Function Hall at Winter Island, in Salem. The cost is $50 which includes 8 hours of instruction, an exam, the textbook, and all paperwork for your Certificate. Pizza will be provided for a working lunch.

After successfully completing the boating safety course, students receive a safety certificate. A temporary certificate is emailed once the instructor submits and processes the results. The permanent hard plastic card is mailed approximately 4-6 weeks later.

Registration for this course is available here. Course enrollment is limited to 25.

Course Schedule:
Saturday, April 25
8:45am: Sign in
9:00am – 5:00pm: Class

REGISTER NOW

2026 Registration for Sailing Programs

Registration for the 2026 summer sailing programs is open. Links to registration may be found on the Youth Summer Sailing and Adult Learn-to-Sail pages.

The Sail Salem April, 2026 newsletter is available here.

Chronicle Visits
Sail Salem

Sail Salem Featured on Chronicle!

Video courtesy of Chronicle 5 WCVB

We are thrilled to share that Sail Salem was featured on WCVB-TV’s Chronicle during their special segment, On the Water, airing on July 30, 2025. It was a wonderful opportunity that showcased the spirit of our program and the young sailors whose lives are enriched every summer on Salem Harbor.

Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers, staff, and supporters, Sail Salem continues to provide transformative on-the-water experiences for Salem’s youth. This summer we served over 220 campers, many on full or partial scholarship; we launched our first-ever Junior Race Clinic, preparing our 420 sailors for Marblehead Junior Race Week, and all our programs have been certified as Clean Regattas by Sailors for the Sea, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability

Your Support Makes It Possible

Every scholarship awarded, every boat repaired, and every skill taught is made possible through your generosity. If you’d like to help us continue growing and serving the community, please visit Donations.

Paul V. McLaughlin
President

DONATE ONLINE NOW!

Sail Salem, Inc. is a U.S. nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.