AMERICA’S BOATING CLUB • GREAT BLUE HILL
Learn Boating Basics
AMERICA’S BOATING COURSE has taught the ABCs of enjoyable boating to millions. 2023 courses begin April 22 ABCs INFO
If you have children, they will need a Mass Boating Certificate CERTIFICATE INFO
Advanced Boating Skills
BUILD CONTINUED CONFIDENCE in boat handling and navigation. Coastal and offshore. Paddling, power and sail. One-evening skills seminars and advanced courses. INFO
Meet Boating Friends
GATHER WITH BOATING ENTHUSIASTS for cruises, informal get-togethers, educational activities, dinner talks and events. Welcome to our next Boat Talk.
America’s Boating Club
America’s Boating Club® is the world’s largest recreational boating organization. For Boaters, By BoatersTM. INFO
who we are
Great Blue Hill Sail & Power Squadron is a unit of America’s Boating Club®. GBH launched in 1969 as a non-profit, educational organization. We are dedicated to making boating more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation, vessel handling, on-the-water safety and other boating subjects.
Our motto is “Come for the boating education … Stay for the friends.” We gather on cruises, at Boat Talks and for other special events where we can share our love of being on the water with fellow boaters.
Our members live primarily in Boston and the south and southwestern suburbs. However, our boats are harbored all across eastern New England: Boston harbor, Buzzards Bay, Narragansett Bay, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Maine.
I Want To...
-
America's Boating Course
-
Massachusetts Boating Rules
-
One-Evening Seminars
-
Advanced Courses
-
Free Vessel Check
-
GREAT BLUE HILL BOAT TALK
Boating ABCs • Begins Apr 22
America’s Boating Course • A must for new boaters, this course will introduce you and your family to safe boating. Qualifies for a Massachusetts Boating Certificate (needed for young boaters). In person at the Walpole Library. DETAILS and REGISTRATION
Courses & Seminars
IN-PERSON & ONLINE • The local clubs of the Southeastern New England district offer in-person, online and hybrid classes throughout the year. Their members taking full-length courses can receive tuition reimbursement. A reason to join! The current schedule is available here. DETAILS Or for even more information, scan the QR below.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE • Begins JAN 16
IN-PERSON IN WALPOLE • The Engine Maintenance course stresses the diagnosis, care and maintenance of modern systems, while also teaching the basics of engine layout and operation. Gasoline inboards, outboards, & diesel engines are taught in a way that reinforces the common aspects of how engines work. DETAILS and REGISTRATION
boat safety
VESSEL SAFETY CHECK – Learn how to schedule a courtesy VSC, at no charge, with a qualified USCGA or United States Power Squadrons Vessel Safety Examiner. Also learn how a VSC will improve your understanding of safety equipment as well as state and Coast Guard regulations.
GBH YouTube Channel
NEW! GBH’s YOUTUBE CHANNEL is now live! Its first online videos stream the GBH 50th ANNIVERSARY slideshow, Wonderful Memories and archive footage of our 25th Anniversary Celebration. See GBH captains, mates, crew and boats across 50 years.
More GBH VIDEOS
DON’T MISS! Our AO, Jim Andersen, is a fine videographer. He has posted new videos sharing GBH members’ on-the-water adventures. Take a look at our Maine Windjammer Cruise, Summer Rendezvous on Cape Cod and the 2017 Dual Bays Cruise to Narraganset and Buzzards bays. Also, catch Jim’s Catboat Adventures, below.
View from the Blue
NEW! March issue — Keep up with Great Blue Hill happenings. The current issue of our newsletter, View from the Blue, is now online. The current issue features officers’ reports, an article on the Jump Start program, a spring start-up checklist, information about the March dinner meeting and much more. Boating season will be here before we know it!
Resources for boaters
Check out these new websites from the United States Power Squadrons® — America’s Boating Club® and friends of Great Blue Hill. They are full of tips and ideas to make your boating fun, safer and more enjoyable.
AMERICA’S BOATING CHANNEL is loaded with safe boating videos and boater education digital media created especially For Boaters, By BoatersTM . You’ll find how-to videos on basic skills, boating safety, life jackets, navigation rules, jet ski operation and more. Created with a grant from the US Coast Guard. America’s Boating Channel
BOAT LIVE 365 BOATING IS SERIOUS FUN Boat Live 365 empowers recreational boating groups to create a safe boating culture 365 days a year. At the Resource Library you can download materials and ideas to help spread the message. And the Come Aboard Webinar shares best practices that have worked for others. Boat Live 365
CATBOAT ADVENTURES is the new YouTube Channel created by GBH’s own Jim Andersen, AO. Check out the collection of “Skinny Waters” videos he created to give viewers a real taste of a classic New England catboat prowling the coves and rivers of Buzzards Bay. Catboat Adventures
KIDDE RECALLS FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
The Kidde company has recalled some 40 million fire extinguishers manufactured since 1973. Recalled models have plastic handles that are difficult to press or may fail to function during a fire emergency. Some have broken apart in use and pose an impact danger. One death has been reported. To learn if your boat (or your home) extinguishers are being recalled and to request free replacement(s), click below.
Live Wind Speed
Calendar
Now ONLINE during COVID emergency. Contact us for instructions. Great Blue Hill Executive Board meetings are open to all GBH members. Now ONLINE during COVID emergency. Contact us for instructions. Great Blue Hill Executive Board meetings are open to all GBH members. Now ONLINE during COVID emergency. Contact us for instructions. Great Blue Hill Executive Board meetings are open to all GBH members.
AMERICA’S BOATING CLUB • GREAT BLUE HILL
— Website updated November 16, 2023 —