Adaptive Sailing Offshore

Our Mission

As a member-supported non-profit, our purpose is to build the broadest possible sailing community. Adaptive Sailing Offshore (AO) works to expand access to offshore sailing from Boston Harbor.

Aboard our two capable Beneteau Figaro 2s, we run inclusive, skill-building voyages for people with varied abilities and backgrounds. We focus on reducing barriers that have limited participation in the sport, and welcome sailors of different abilities, experience levels, and economic circumstances. Seamanship, confidence, and a diverse offshore sailing community are how we measure success.

Our Fleet: Two Capable Figaro 2s

The AO fleet consists of two 33-foot Beneteau Figaro 2s. These celebrated offshore racers are known for their strength and performance, making them an excellent choice for learning seamanship in true maritime conditions.

As donated vessels, these Figaro 2s provide a versatile and reliable platform for our inclusive programs. Our dedicated volunteers prepared and delivered Raga to Boston this summer, and members have enjoyed several excursions each week. Benita is undergoing further preparation and repair. We're working continuously to equip both boats for sailors with varied abilities and needs.

Our Programs: How We Make Boats Available

Adaptive Sailing Offshore offers two primary ways for members to get out on the water from Boston Harbor, designed to help people of diverse abilities participate and grow their skills safely within New England coastal waters (all trips are within SeaTow coverage and prioritize seamanship, inclusion, and personal growth):

1. Scheduled Sails Led by AO:

These outings are organized and led by Adaptive Sailing Offshore's licensed captains and experienced crew. They are perfect for all members, especially those building new skills or seeking a guided experience. Our scheduled outings include:

• Familiarization Sails: Brief harbor tours to get comfortable with our Figaro 2s and offshore basics.
• Day & Overnight Trips: Exciting sails to destinations like Gloucester or Provincetown, often with an overnight at anchor.
• Coastal Passages: Longer adventures to ports such as Boothbay or Newport, usually including overnight sailing, and a long weekend of cruising a new area.

2. Member-Led Expeditions (Boat Reservation):

For our qualified members, AO offers the unique opportunity to reserve one of our Beneteau Figaro 2s to organize and lead your own non-commercial passages. This empowers experienced members to plan their adventures and share them with their chosen crew.

• Qualification Process: To reserve a boat, members must complete a comprehensive skipper checkout process. This includes demonstrating sufficient offshore sailing experience (via resume and on-water evaluation), familiarity with the Figaro 2 systems, and an understanding of AO's safety policies.
• Planning & Approval: All member-led expeditions require a submitted float plan and approval from AO to ensure alignment with our mission and safety standards.

Whether you're joining a scheduled trip or skippering your own, our Beneteau Figaro 2s provide a capable and exciting platform for your offshore journey.

Become a Founding Member: Secure Your Access, Launch Our Mission

To launch our non-profit mission, we are inviting a limited number of passionate sailors to join us as Founding Members. This is a unique opportunity to provide essential seed funding while securing flexible access to sailing for seasons to come.

Instead of a traditional subscription, think of your membership as a bank of sailing months. An 18-month membership, for example, gives you 18 individual months of sailing access that you can schedule whenever you wish during our active seasons (a month is the minimum unit). Your upfront commitment is crucial for helping us get started.

Financial accessibility matters to us. If the suggested contributions don't match up with your situation, please use our Pay What You Can option on the membership form. You can contribute a lower amount that is affordable, or a higher amount if you're able. Both options support our mission.

Sending in the membership form is the first step. Readiness assessment is required for members wishing to reserve a boat.

Join Our Mission

AO is a volunteer-driven non-profit (501(c)(3) status pending) dedicated to genuine offshore experiences. Your support enables us to get boats ready for offshore sailing with appropriate equipment, safety gear, and adaptations. Our first-year fundraising goal is $50,000 to ensure a strong launch from Boston Harbor, and we are well on our way to reaching it.

We welcome support in many forms: monetary donations for equipment and operations, equipment donations from inflatable tenders to safety gear, volunteer opportunities to learn offshore skills while helping our mission, and in-kind donations to help run our organization.

All membership levels include a Pay What You Can option.