Frequently Asked Questions

Who are you?

We’re a group of Laser sailors of all ages and abilities who get together and race on Sundays during the winter in an environment of good competition and camaraderie. Some of us are year-round Laser sailors; others sail other boats in the summer.

Where do you sail?

We sail in the waters of Boston Harbor, from the Cottage Park Yacht Club in Winthrop, MA, just north of Boston. Directions below.

When do you sail?

We sail nearly every Sunday, November through April. First start is 1:00 PM. We try to get in a number of short races and then we meet afterwards in the clubhouse for food, drink, and a review of the day’s sailing. Full schedule.

Are you out there all by yourselves?

No. We share equipment, race committee work, crash boats, etc. with the Interclub fleet of the Winthrop Frostbite Sailing Club There is also a Rhodes 19 fleet that sails with us in the fall.

Do you sail even in bad weather?

Bad is in the eye of the beholder. We sail when the wind is between 3 and 20 knots and the temperature is warmer than 20 degrees F (-7 C). If you are uncertain of the conditions you can check the wind conditions at Logan Airport via Sailflow or via NOAA (Conditions; Forecast)

What kind of gear do I need?

A Laser, for starters. It doesn’t need to be a beautiful new one. And if you haven't got one, talk to us about loaner boats. Some generous fleet members have made their boats available to borrow. In the past, in the interest of getting as much sailing in as possible, we’ve scored Standard and Radial rigs together. There’s no reason we couldn’t do things differently if people want. Our rules, and the basic dictates of sanity, require you to wear a heavy wetsuit or a drysuit, and a PFD. Most of us sail in drysuits, neoprene boots, and neoprene gloves. A good hat makes a great deal of difference.

How good do I need to be?

You should be comfortable sailing in the conditions we encounter, allowing for the fact that everything’s a little more difficult when your muscles are cold and you’re dressed like the Michelin Man. The conditions are easy to determine, since the race course is right off the pier. That also means if you become unhappy with the conditions, you can come in easily. We also have a “Three capsizes and you’re done for the day” rule.

Our racers are of varying levels of ability.

How do I get there?

The club is located at the end of Orlando Ave. in Winthrop, near Logan airport, 6 miles from downtown Boston and 2 miles from the Orient Heights T stop. Detailed directions can be found on the CPYC directions page; for a map see Google maps. There is street parking available.  We are also willing to help arrange carpools for sailors who don't have cars.

Unless you are a CPYC member, please park on the street and not in the CPYC lot. The club is being generous and supportive towards us. Please repay the kindness by leaving the members’ parking spaces for the members.

What launching facilities are there?

Drive to the club; we will help you carry your boat down to the floating docks.

Can I keep my boat at the club?

Registered, paid-up competitors can leave a boat right on the float. It doesn’t get any easier: flip your boat upright, rig it, slide it into the water, and sail 100 yards to the starting area. There is a rack for spars, or you can leave them with your boat. Bring your sail and blades home with you. Be sure to tie your boat securely to the float or it will go sailing by itself on a windy day.

Storage is only available to registered, paid-up competitors. Anyone else leaving a boat on the float runs the risk of having it moved elsewhere at his or her own risk and expense.

How do I join?

Just show up! We welcome everyone. Before you race you’ll need to complete and sign an entry form -- you can fill it out online, print it out, and bring it with you, or we have blank forms at the club.

What does it cost?

We're still doing the numbers for 07-08 -- we operate at about break-even. It'll be well under $200 for a whole winter of sailing, with a big discount for CPYC members, and a discount for under 18 and college students. We encourage people who aren’t sure to try it out: You can sail once for free, a second time for $20.  After that you must pay the remainder of a full season’s membership. Please pay by check made out to ‘CPYC Laser Fleet’.

Sailing in the winter? Are you nuts?

Yes.

How can I find out more?

Join our mailing list, either by sending a blank message to CPYCLaser-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or by visiting http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CPYCLaser

Get in touch with any of us on the contacts page.

Download and read our unofficial Notice of Race or Sailing Instructions.

Fill out our Entry Form (2007-08 available soon)

Or.... just show up!