MIT Sailing
75th Anniversary Fleet Renewal Project
A passion that reenergizes the mind
Since 1936, the MIT Nautical Association (MITNA) has given students the opportunity to sail away from the rigor of their labs and Institute classes, and test their mettle against wind and water. MIT sailors around the world consider sailing on the Charles a formative part of their training. The rapidly shifting winds and their constantly changing velocity along the MIT campus instills quick responses in sailors. Few other experiences teach independence and self-confidence like being alone on the Boston side of the river, facing a hard-blowing wind, and figuring out, on your own, how to sail a Tech Dinghy back to the MIT Jack Wood Sailing Pavilion without flipping over.
An important dynamic of sailing at MIT is that it is both a recreational program and a competitive varsity sport, offering students the opportunity to learn skills as well as restore their physical and cognitive well being. Approximately 1400 members of the MIT community learn to sail each year, with most instruction still led by MITNA volunteers; MIT Sailing issues 2,000 sailing cards annually.
Among the many benefits and accomplishments of the MIT Sailing Program, these stand out:
- The largest Recreational Collegiate Sailing Program (2000 members)
- Most National Dinghy Championship Titles (11)
- Most National Sportmansip Awards (4)
- Host of most intercollegiate regattas each year (average 20)
- Consistently ranked in top 15 of 270 schools nationally
- Teach about 20% of the entire (grad and undergrad) student population at MIT how to sail through our volunteer led lessons
- Open for rec sailing 7 days/week from April through November
- Host to state champs for high school, under 14, under 19 and Special Olympics every year
The Plan
MIT's unique sailing program which caters to varsity sailors, veteran advanced racers, novice racers, and all the way to the "learn-to-sail" crowds requires a unique and sturdy fleet of boats. The "Tech Dinghy" is the workhorse of this fleet, catering to all our members. However, a fully educated sailor must be able to handle boats other than a single-sail dinghy. Plus, we can't forget that many of our alumni like to come back decades later for a peaceful sail on a forgiving boat. To attend all these needs, the MIT float is unique and extensive.
The 75th Anniversary Renewal Project will make this fleet even better than today, by adding new ways to extend the sailing knowledge of the MIT community and their friends. The table below lists the current fleet and the renewed fleet of 2011, including the costs to renew each boat, or the whole fleet.
| Boat | Today | 2011 | Each | Fleet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tech Dinghy | 36 | 30 | $12.5k | $375k |
| Firefly | -- | 18 (new!) | $10k | $180k |
| FJ's | 18 | 18 | $10k | $180k |
| Catboat | -- | 6 (new!) | $35k | $210k |
| 420's | 6 | 6 | $10k | $60k |
| K6 | -- | 2 (new!) | $30k | $60k |
| Rhodes 19 | 6 | Retire (See Catboat) | ||
| TOTAL | 66 | 80 | ||
| Laser* | 6 | 3 | ||
| Hobie Cat 20* | 1 | Retire (See K6) | ||
| Windsurfers* | 6 | 10 | ||
| Vanguard 15* | 1 | Retire | ||
| Pavilion Operations | $60k per year | |||
*Small Recreational Boats
The Lasers and Windsurfers are an important part of the recreational sailing program. These boats are immensely enjoyed by recreational sailors during the summer time. After the end of the collegiate season the recreational boats are placed out on the docks. The Pavilion is committed to maintaining these boats in top shape every year. You can help us maintain these important boats by supporting our general operations.
Our goal is to replace all our fleets, so that the program can continue to revitalize a huge percentage of the MIT student body with a lifetime recreational skill. It is becoming critical to replace our aging fleets in time for the 75th Anniversary or we will face repair work which we simply can not stay up with. The Rhodes 19s are in their 24th season. The 420s have been raced hard and are starting to suffer structural failures in the keelson, tank flanges and rails. The techs are used every day with very little down time. On any nice day every single boat is out from 4pm until sunset. The success of the program is simply wearing out equipment very rapidly. We urgently need your assistance in this coming year to continue this fine tradition.
Franny Charles, Sailing Master
|
Full boat donations or Fleet gifts will proudly display a plaque inside the cockpit area for all users to appreciate your generosity. All donors or groups of donors are invited to name their boat as well. Historically, names have been chosen to honor a coach, family friend, interesting inspiration or person of admiration. The choice is yours! We invite everyone to attend a fleet dedication celebration in early June, 2011. |
Contact
Candace L. Royer
Senior Associate Dean for Student Life
DAPER/DSL Office of Advancement
617-253-0153
clroyer@mit.edu
