U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Constitution Flotilla 53, Boston, MA

Congratulations to all that attended the Boat America class that concluded on March 19th at Arlington Community Education. Curious about which boating classes are coming up next? Check this website for the future dates of classes being held in the area -https://wow.uscgaux.info/peclass.php?unit=013-05-03.

We see a lot of Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla's posting funny April Fools Day posts, but that's really not our thing. It's a long story, but here's why...𝐒𝐞𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞

Who is excited, like us, to see the Tall Ships return to Boston in 2026!!! Here is the official website with all the details - https://www.sailboston.com/. As with prior Tall Ships events U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 5 Sector Boston and U.S. Coast Guard Sector Boston will be there making sure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time.

Sail Boston® 2026 | The Tall Ships Return to Boston The Tall Ships Return to Boston Harbor for Sail Boston, offering an unforgettable experience and a world-class maritime celebration.

Get ready for boating season in Boston Harbor but stay alert! Large, deep draft vessels can pose a serious threat to your vessel and even life if you are not cautious. Watch this important safety PSA now:
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/999923/us-coast-guard-sector-boston-and-massachusetts-bay-harbor-safety-committee-deep-draft-psa?fbclid=IwdGRjcAQoKWFjbGNrBCgo_2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHl2W10HAqDkWOiwxc0C4ofbAFghwdrOfgibtxkH_KKSQfZbmPeqdWKXCRXI__aem_iq2-xnqSgjTT3jGg9tMcsg

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Boston and Massachusetts Bay Harbor Safety Committee Deep Draft PSA U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Jessica Hull, the chief of the waterways management branch at Coast Guard Sector Boston, and Bob Blair, a Massachusetts State Pilot, speak about safe vessel operation around deep draft vessels. The video was created as a presentation for the National Harbor Safety Conferen...

🚤 Massachusetts Boaters — Do You Have Your Required Safety Certificate?

New boating rules are now in effect in Massachusetts, and every boater must have a NASBLA‑approved boater safety certificate. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering three upcoming classes that meet the state requirement — an easy, trusted way to get certified before boating season begins.

📘 Boat America (Starts this Thursday)

A great all‑around introduction to safe boating — perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a solid refresher.
👉 Details & registration:
https://wow.uscgaux.info/pe_class_flyer.php?unit=NAT&course=33011

📗 Boat America (Starts in May)

Another NASBLA‑approved option taught by experienced Coast Guard Auxiliary instructors.
👉 Details & registration:
https://wow.uscgaux.info/pe_class_flyer.php?unit=NAT&course=33681

📙 Boat America (One Day)

A third opportunity to meet the Massachusetts safety‑certificate requirement and build your on‑the‑water confidence.
👉 Details & registration:
https://wow.uscgaux.info/pe_class_flyer.php?unit=NAT&course=33657

Public Education Course Flyer: Boat America Boat America is a boating certificate class that offers an in-depth and interesting boating safety course, and provides the knowledge needed to obtain a boating certificate.

One of the four cornerstones of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is Fellowship. This was on full display on January 24th., 2026 when Division Five held their Change of Watch at the Old Colony Yacht Club in Dorchester, MA. Our own member David Cantrell FSO-MT was awarded Rookie of the Year! This award is for new Auxiliarist who go above and beyond in their work in Auxiliary. David was genuinely surprised and speechless when receiving it. BRAVO ZULO!

FYI regarding this summer's Sail Boston event. Please see the attached notice and follow through with the USCG Northeast District if necessary.

Here are a few photos from a recent Aux Air Patrol, on December 20th., 2025, that our Flotilla Commander Noah Lewkowitz took. This was his last patrol required to earn his Observer certification. The photos show him, the main buoys leading from Buzzards Bay into the Cape Cod Canal, and a low water point within Buzzards Bay.

To those who went to the New England Boat Show a few weeks ago we hope you learned a lot and swung by our booth for advice and guidance. If you would like to check out our boating related course offerings etc. throughout the year or would like to request a free vessel safety check attached are the relevant QR codes or go to the flotilla website - https://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=013-05-03&unit=013-05-03 or the national U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary website of https://cgaux.org/.

If you visit the New England Boat Show (at the Thomas Michael Menino Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston, MA) which goes until this upcoming Sunday, you will see helpful people such as these Coast Guard Auxiliarist who volunteered to work the booth earlier this week. From left to right - Dave Cantrell, Charlotte Stone, Jim Healy, and Rob Dolan. Photo courtesy of Jim Healy.

Do you need a boat, dream about owning a boat, own a boat but need it updated?

🛥️The New England Boat Show 2026 is here!!! Auxiliarist from Division 5 and beyond will be manning Booth 582.

🛟The show, this year, is from January 7th.-11th., 2026. https://www.newenglandboatshow.com/

Here are some photos from last year courtesy of Auxiliarist Brion Berghaus FSO PA. Looking forward to new memories this year.