William F. Ryan Boating and Sailing
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The William F. Ryan Boating and Sailing Facility is located in scenic Merrymount Park. The boating facility is located on Black’s Creek, a pristine saltwater lagoon ideally suited for boating and sailing. This facility is named for William F. Ryan, the city’s first full-time director of recreation, serving from 1955-1975. For over 60 years the instructors at the William F. Ryan Boating and Sailing Facility have taught the city’s children ages 8-16 the fundamentals of boating. We have a very experienced and friendly staff that enthusiastically teaches youngsters the fundamentals of rowing, canoeing, and sailing.
Directions to the William F. Ryan Boating and Sailing Facility
You can reach the facility by going through the main entrance of Merrymount Park located on Merrymount Parkway which begins at Adams Field. Proceed up the hill and go through the Pageant Field parking lot. There you will find two granite columns that are separated by a dirt road. Follow this dirt road down the hill and eventually into the facility parking lot.
Novice Boating
The Novice Boating class is dedicated to all first year participants and designed to foster them with basic boating knowledge and skills. This class will include learning essential sailing knots, parts of the boats, how to correctly paddle, and safe boating techniques. The participants will get to explore all of our different boating programs including rowing, sailing, kayaking and canoeing. In order to enroll in this program the participants must pass a prerequisite swim test held at Lincoln Hancock pool. In order to pass the swim test the participants must be able to swim three lengths of the pool, back float for one minute, tread water for one minute and complete a surface dive.
Intermediate Boating
The Intermediate Boating class is for participants that have completed the novice boating class and are ready to enhance their boating skills. Participants will learn the art of sailing including rigging of the sails, navigating the boat, docking the sailboat and how to tell the direction of the wind. The participants will also develop their kayaking and canoeing skills by exploring the creeks that branch out of the lagoon.
Advanced Sailing
The Advanced Sailing class is for participants who can effectively display their sailing skills. In this class students begin to learn the fundamentals of sailboat racing and can be promoted to sailing individually.
Adult Membership
You’ve seen the kids do it, now it’s your turn! The facility also has an adult program where Quincy residents are able to enjoy this popular activity. Adults will be able to kayak on their own through our beautiful creeks and lagoon. Quincy residents may also sail through our lagoon and have the opportunity to take sailing lessons with our staff on an appointment basis in the afternoon.
Membership Prices
Please buy your Membership before you register for class:
Youth - $50.00
Family - $100.00
Adult - $40.00
Adult and Family Boating Hours
Monday through Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Friday's from 12:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday for 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.