Piers Park Sailing Center Youth Programs

Piers Park Sailing Center Youth Programs includes Harbor Explorers, Science of Sailing, Sailing After School, and the Teen Training Program. Harbor Explorers includes sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, games, marine science, local history, and crafts. Science of Sailing is a beginner educational program that supports STEM learning through exploration of the natural environment, and Sailing After School teaches rigging, steering, and water safety.

Programs

• Harbor Explorers — 6-9 · Week long sessions, July and August; full day 9 AM-4 PM, Monday-Friday · Hands-on marine ecology and boating program with sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, games, marine science, local history, and crafts.
• Science of Sailing — 10-13 · Beginner educational program supporting STEM learning through exploration of the natural environment.
• Sailing After School — 9-13 · Beginner program teaching the fundamentals of sailing, including rigging, steering, and water safety.
• Teen Training Program — 14-16 · Intermediate training, mentoring, and employment program preparing teens for full-time summer work and part-time after-school work.

At a glance

• Ages: 6–16 years old
• General schedule: Low-cost and free youth programs; enroll online or in person.
• Facility hours: 11 AM-Sunset, 7 days/week

About the provider

The center was founded in 1998 and has served the local community for over 25 years. Its mission is to provide free and low-cost access to sailing, marine science, and Boston Harbor for people of all ages and backgrounds. The leadership team includes Alex DeFronzo, Omar Sahrour, Sophia Gomez, Erick Morales, and Catherine Domina. The center reports that 100% of its leadership team grew up in the programs, serves more than 3,000 participants yearly, and has fully ADA-accessible facilities.

No experience is required. Sliding-scale tuition is offered; maximum $450/week. East Boston resident families save $150. Students with physical disabilities get free tuition. Summer extended day is available for $50/week.

What families say

“My son, is a young man with complex special needs. Your instructor is doing a tremendous job with him. He intuitively understood how to deal with his physical limitations and his unique way of communicating. He treats him with respect and kindness. Most importantly he treats him like just another kid. We, as parents, could not ask for more.” — Parent

“This summer was truly special for my kids (11 and 6) at Piers Park. They loved every moment and learned so much in such a short amount of time. I've never seen them so enthusiastic about an activity before. I'm so grateful that opportunities like this exist for kids in East Boston.” — Parent

Last updated August 30, 2026.