Programs & Events at SCBC

Open Sail & Row

Thursdays through Oct 29 · sessions at 3, 4 & 5pm · Saturday, Oct 31 · sessions 10am–4pm · Dunphy Park

Experienced sailors and rowers can get out on the Bay right at Dunphy Park, using boats from the SCBC fleet. Before reserving a boat independently, the person operating it completes an SCBC Checkout: staff review your boating experience and have you demonstrate the skills needed to safely operate the type of boat you'd like to use. Once approved, you can reserve an available boat during any Open Sail & Row session that follows.

This is a lightly supervised boating program rather than a traditional boat rental. SCBC staff are on the dock, and an SCBC safety boat patrols the designated boating area during program hours. No beginner instruction is offered during these sessions — if you're not yet qualified to operate a boat on your own, register for the adult and youth classes listed on Parks & Rec, or fill out this form to request something we haven't posted yet.

Dates & sessions

• Thursdays, Sept 24 – Oct 29 — 60-minute sessions at 3pm, 4pm, and 5pm
• Saturday, Oct 31 — 60-minute sessions at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm

Eligibility & qualifications

To take a boat out during Open Sail & Row, the operator must:

• Be 18 or older
• Have prior sailing or rowing experience appropriate for the vessel
• Complete an SCBC Checkout for each type of boat they'd like to use
• Demonstrate the ability to safely rig, launch, operate, return, and secure the vessel
• Demonstrate an understanding of basic boating safety, right-of-way and navigation rules, and VHF radio communication
• Be comfortable in conditions typical of Richardson Bay
• Follow all instructions from SCBC dock and safety-boat staff
• Wear a PFD at all times aboard
• Remain within the designated boating area, and return immediately if instructed

PFDs are provided by SCBC and must be worn at all times by everyone aboard an SCBC vessel. A successful Checkout stays on file indefinitely; a re-check is only needed after a lapse of more than two years, and SCBC may ask for a new Checkout if staff believe a participant should demonstrate current skills.

Passengers

A checked-out operator may bring up to 3 passengers, subject to the capacity of the specific boat. Youth may participate as passengers when accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. Every adult participant completes a waiver; a parent or legal guardian completes the waiver for each participant under 18.

Open Sail & Row is a pilot program — send us your feedback as we shape the 2027 season.