Charlie Zechel Email & Phone Number

As Executive Director of Community Boating, Inc (CBI), the iconic Charles River Basin landmark situated on Boston's Esplanade, Charlie has the best office view of anyone in the city. A non-profit organization launched in 1946, CBI is the oldest, continuously running sail-training, water sports program in the country. CBI serves over 4,000 adults and 2,500 children every year. Dedicated to "sailing for all", CBI provides high quality sail training for children and adults at an affordable price. CBI also provides accessible sailing for disabled sailors, sailing guides for blind sailors (in conjunction with the Carroll School for the Blind) and a safe venue for over a dozen Massachusetts high school sailing teams. Charlie launched both these programs and under his leadership, they have become a staple on the Boston river scene.In 2007, Charlie and his team worked with the DCR to create and launch the Universal Access Program (UAP) to ensure sailors with disabilities could enjoy access to the Charles River on special retro-fitted boats. Today this program serves hundreds of UAP members each season and has been recognized for its work with children with autism. In 2011 Charlie worked with the Massachusetts legislature, Governor Patrick and the DCR to complete a multi-million dollar re-build of the CBI dock. Come down and see it - we're pretty proud of it!In 2011, CBI also launched STEM programs for their junior members that continue today. The projects are amazing and fun ways for young sailors to learn computer coding, water science, celestial navigation and much, much more. In 2014/2015, CBI launched a very successful Indiegogo campaign called Cheers for Chairs that raised $35K that was used to expand the UAP program to accommodate sailors with spinal cord injuries.Charlie continues to lead CBI with dedication and a real passion for his community and his organization, encouraging his staff and CBI members to grow and enjoy the water!

Current certifications:* Instructor Trainer - small boat sailing, small boat racing, powerboat and safety launch operation * Instructor - bareboat cruising, coastal navigation, coastal passage making* Conducted US Sailing Instructor Trainer courses throughout New England. * Presenter at the US Sailing Association Sail Training Symposium - January 2001* Member of US Sailing National Faculty* Former Chair of the Community Sailing Committee of US Sailing * CPR Instructor Trainer