Welcome!

            Welcome to the Manchester Sailing Association (MSA) and the 2012 summer season.  As I write to you in February, there is still some green in the grass and it is 50 degrees outside...;sounds like a good time to start prepping your boats!

            Here at MSA, we've always got summer on our minds.  Planning for the summer of 2012 began in September of 2011 and continues right through this spring.  As usual, we've made some changes that we think you'll love, but we've maintained the overall structure of MSA that keeps families coming back year after year.

            Check out the "Classes" and "Registration" tabs on this site to take advantage of every opportunity for you and your family this summer.  Continuing a new tradition, we'll have our popular Adult class on Friday afternoons.  What a great way to start your weekend!  Due to overwhelming demand for this class last year, we are currently looking for opportunities for additional adults to join us during the week.  Keep a sharp eye on this website for updates as the summer approaches!  Our 100% online registration makes it easy to sign up the instant you spot a class you like.

            The MSA Instructor Team evolves every year and this year is no different.  You'll recognize some old faces as well as some new ones in our ranks this season.  The priority is always to find the instructors who will most effectively teach our sailors while maintaining all the fun and excitement that are synonymous with sailing.  Check out the "Instructors" tab when the season begins and learn about the 2012 crew.

            The MSA Board is currently in the process of replacing our 18 foot Edgewater, Vegas, which has given both MSA and the Manchester-Essex High School team years of service and safety.  The fundraising at our 40^th anniversary gala last year, along with generous donations from MSA supporters throughout the year, has made such an endeavor possible.  As always, your donations are tax deductible and we are happy to receive contributions of cash, used boats and equipment anytime.  Donations of all types help us to maintain the MSA as a true, award-winning, community sailing program (MSA named US Sailing's 2009 Outstanding Seasonal Program).

            The first of our two-week sessions begins June 25 and we'll be sailing straight through to August 17. Sign up for one session, sign up for them all, but make sure you sign up early because classes fill up quickly and waiting lists grow even faster!  As always, we hope the flexibility of our schedules allows you and your family to take advantage of all the opportunities that the summer offers you while still getting some quality time out on the water with us.

            Sailing is a timeless experience.  This will be my 11^th season with MSA, but it is just as exciting at the start of each summer in the Manchester Harbor.  Whether you are 8 or 80, jump on board for the experience of your life that will last you a lifetime.  The journey starts right here, so get ready!

Doug Nebel - Program Director                               MSA Office: 978-526-8345