Wind SW @ 8 mph • Gust 14 mph • Air 37.6°F • Water 33.8°F • Sunset 4:40 PM
MIT Sailing

Safety Policies

Fundamental Safety

  • Each person using MIT boats must be able to swim at least 100 yards
  • Everyone in MIT boats must always wear a life jacket when on the water
  • Never leave your boat after leaving the dock. If you capsize, stay with the boat until you are rescued or you self-rescue. It is much easier to find a boat than a person in the water!
  • Lower your sail if you need assistance when away from the dock
  • All boats must return to the Pavilion immediately upon any of the following:
    • Sunset -Know what time that is
    • The burgee (the red & white triangular flag) is lowered
    • The dock lights are turned on, on the river-facing side of the building
    • Thunder is heard, or lightning is seen
  • Smoking is not permitted in any MITNA facilities
  • Alcohol is never allowed in the boats
  • Alcohol is only allowed at the Sailing Pavilion for officially registered and approved events. For more information about the registration process, refer to MIT’s event alcohol policy

Boats

  • Boats are not to be left unattended at the dock
  • Lower your sail immediately after tying your boat to the dock upon return
  • Do not land your boat when there is insufficient dock space, and always land with the front of the boat pointing into the wind
  • Do not raise the sail or install the rudder until the boat is in the water
  • Lower the sail, remove the rudder, and raise the centerboard (with bungee attached) before hauling a boat onto the dock
  • Responsibility for a boat remains with the member who checked it out
  • Upon returning to the dock, check for your boat’s disposition at the desk.
  • Report any damage or needed repair to the dock staff. If the damage was your fault you may be asked to help fix the damage and/or volunteer your help in some other area

Sails

  • Do not drag sails on the dock.
  • Clean the sail if needed
  • Roll sails from the bottom to the top so the number is visible

Sailing Area and Rules

  • Do not crash. Avoid collisions.
  • All sailboats must avoid crew shells, canoes, kayaks, and other rowed boats
  • Stay away from very large boats which cannot easily steer away from you
  • Learn and follow the Rules of the Road
  • Sail only between the Harvard and Longfellow bridges
  • Keep out of restricted areas:
    • Charles River Yacht Club
    • Community Boating lagoon and nearby islands
    • 4th of July Fireworks Barges (when present)
  • Keep the MIT dock in sight at all times
  • Land only at the MIT Sailing Pavilion dock