Courageous Sailing Center

Mission
To transform lives through sailing programs that inspire learning, personal growth and leadership.

Vision
To embrace sailing as a platform for life-long learning and growth; to be a center of sailing excellence committed to removing barriers to access for all Boston youth, the public and people with physical and intellectual challenges.

History
Courageous Sailing was established in 1987 as a 501(c)(3) by the late South Boston sailing enthusiast Harry McDonough. It was Harry’s dream to use sailing to build character and camaraderie among Boston children from all economic and ethnic backgrounds. For 25 years, we have continued to grow and deliver our mission to transform children’s lives through sailing programs that inspire learning, personal growth and leadership. In Harry’s words, “Every child’s perspective is improved 50-yards off-shore.”

Courageous is now a nationally recognized year-round educational center for community sailing and youth development. Courageous offers Boston-area youth free and low-cost out-of-school-time programs in sailing, environmental education, job skills development, and leadership training. In 2011 we were honored to be named one of the top 10 community sailing programs nationwide by both US Sailing and Sail Magazine.

How Courageous Got Its Name
The America’s Cup 12 meter “Courageous” once lived at Pier 4 in the Navy Yard. This two-time America’s Cup winner lent its name to Courageous Sailing in the late 1980s. The boat now resides at the Museum of Yachting in Newport, Rhode Island, where it has been restored and is still being raced.