At an event held on June 28, 2016 overlooking Battleship Cove near Heritage State Park, it was announced that Block Island Ferry is partnering with the City of Fall River and Greater Fall River RE-CREATION, to launch the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation’s 2016 Fall River Community Boating Program. Block Island Ferry’s support of the program was made possible through a unique partnership with CBS EcoMedia, which generates financial support for community programs through the power of advertising. In 2016, the Fall River Community Boating Program will serve approximately 150 local participants, teaching skills related to seamanship, safety, responsibility, teamwork, leadership, and respect for the environment. Special reduced rates for Fall River residents are offered to a limited number of young people through Greater Fall River Re-Creation. Youth sailing classes run in two-week periods and are designed to give a basic appreciation of watercraft and sailing safety. Participants are placed according to size, ability, and experience into beginner and intermediate classes. Classes are taught in a fleet of Vanguard Optimist Prams, Vanguard Club 420s, and Cape Cod Mercury keelboats. Members enjoy free unlimited boat use during open sailing hours, discounted adult group classes, discounted private instruction, and use of docks and facilities. Click here for a 13-minute video of the event. Click here for photos and video from the 2014 class. For more information about the program, contact Director of Sailing Christopher J. Nardi at 508-324-4345.

(Top row, left) Eight-year-old Hayleigh Stefanski is introduced to State Representative Carole Fiola and Mayor Jasiel F. Correia II by Greater Fall River RE-CREATION Executive Director Grace Gerlling. (Top row, center and right)  Greater Fall River RE-CREATION Program Director Jamison Souza talks with Ray Gove of YouthBuild and Director of Sailing Chris Nardi before joining Paul Moniz, City Grant Writer Jane Dibiasio and CBS Television Director of Business Development and Health Solutions Mike Nelson. (Middle row) Mayor Correia greets Mike Nelson and Jordan McCullough of CBS Television Community Partnerships to discuss a promo that they will do following the program announcement by Ms. Gerling. (Bottom row) Mayor Correia reviews the promo script with Mike Nelson as others gather around the boat house, including Jovani Rodriguez and Jonathan Hurtado who have worked to get the boats ready to sail. (Bottom row) Young sailors receive instruction while sailing in Battleship Cove during the 2014 season.