The following set of info and info links should be shared with everyone involved in use of motorized boats; MCA helping to spread the word with  pleasure boaters and fishermen/women; young and old. The new boater safety certificate people will need to complete and carry with them falls under the new

Hanson-Milone Boating Act, signed into law in 2024 and takes effect in 2026.

This new boater safety education laws applies to everyone, not just commercial boat operators. So, for example, if you have a 15 foot canoe with a trolling motor, the fisherman/woman will need to take a boater safety class and carry their certificate of completion when operating their boat, even if the person is the only person in the boat. This applies to young boaters from age 12 onwards.

The links for the boater safety class and certification

https://www.mass.gov/news/massachusetts-environmental-police-raise-awareness-campaign-for-new-boater-education-law

https://www.mass.gov/how-to/boat-safety-certificate-course

https://boatingindustry.com/news/2025/01/14/hanson-milone-safe-boating-act-signed-into-law/

The reminder of what types of boats need to be registered in MA with size and motors

https://www.mass.gov/boat-registration

State law requires any motor-powered boat, or boat operated on a Massachusetts public waterway, to be registered. This includes motorized fishing boats, canoes and sailboats with motors, and jet skis or wet bikes.

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/boat-registration-faqs

Some examples of boats that require registration include fishing boats with motors, recreational motorboats, canoes or sailboats that use motors (includes electric motors), and personal watercraft such as Jet Skis or wet bikes

All boats 14 feet or greater in length that are designed for use with a motor, or that use a motor at any time, must be titled. For example, sailboats 14 feet or longer with a backup motor in use, or sailboats designed for use with a backup motor, must be titled. Even canoes 14 feet or longer that use a motor of any type must be titled.

What Does This Mean for Boaters?
Starting April 1, 2026, anyone wishing to operate a motorized vessel in Massachusetts will be required to complete an approved boating safety education course. 

The goal is to ensure that every boater has the skills and knowledge needed to operate their vessel safely, reducing accidents and ensuring a more enjoyable experience for all. The education program will cover important topics such as:

Navigation Rules: Understand how to safely maneuver on the water and avoid collisions. Emergency Procedures: Learn what to do in case of an emergency to protect yourself and your passengers. Environmental Protections: Gain awareness of practices that protect Massachusetts' treasured natural resources.

To get started, boaters can visit the official Massachusetts Boater Education website at www.mass.gov/how-to/boat-safety-certificate-course 

Do you need to take a boaters safety course to get a Massachusetts boating license?
Anyone born after January 1, 1989, has until April 1, 2026, to obtain their boater education certificate, provided that no operator shall be assessed a penalty until September 1, 2026. Anyone born on or before January 1, 1989, must obtain their certificate before April 1, 2028. 

Operators of motorboats and PWCs will be required to show proof of completion of an approved boater education course when underway on the waters of the Commonwealth. No person under 12 years of age may operate a motorboat. No person under 16 years of age may operate a personal watercraft (PWC).

https://www.boatsafe.com/what-is-a-pwc/

Easter Egg Hunt And Pictures with the Easter Bunny!

Sunday 4/6 at 2PM. This is a MEMBERS ONLY EVENT!

Come down for some Easter fun with the kids! We'll be doing an Easter Egg hunt and pictures with the Easter Bunny!

Please register children attending ASAP so we can plan for the number of eggs to hide and prizes. To register send an email to thenieuwenhoffs@gmail.com with how many children are attending.

Mark your calendars for Saturday May 31st for another deep sea fishing trip!

Trip will be 7AM to 3PM. Cost is $125 and it includes the boat trip, rod rental, tip for mates, prize pool, and lunch.

We will be sailing on Eastman’s out of Seabrook, NH. Boat sails promptly at 7AM so please arrive by 6:45AM. Feel free to bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages but no alcoholic beverages are allowed as they are sold on the boat.

There will be a sign-up sheet at the Club at the bar along with envelope for money. If paying by check, please make it out to Pete, Fishing Chair.

We are doing another gun raffle to raise money for our Wounded Warrior Appreciation Day Fundraiser! 

Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased at the bar on Friday evenings, at General Membership meetings or by contacting Larry, Bar Manager. 

Raffles will be drawn once 200 tickets are sold. Winners for 1st, 2nd and 3rd that get their choice of one of the three below firearms. 

Registration for the 2025 Trap League will be held on Sunday mornings 9AM till noon at the Trap House until April 13th. No registration will be accepted  on the day the trap league starts.

The league will start on Tuesday April 29th and run for the next 7 consecutive weeks. Makeups must be completed no later than two weeks after your missed week. No more than one makeup is allowed per week.

Should it be necessary, due to weather, Tuesday will be held on Thursday of the same week at the same time. Start time: 5:30PM. All participants must be present no later than 6PM on the day of the event. 

Cost for 8 weeks league event is $60, payable in full at registration. Registration received after April 13th will be assessed a $10 late fee. For members, each squad will cost $5 ($10 per evening) or the use of your trap card. For non-members, each squad will cost $5.50 ($11 total). 

The limit for the number of participants for Trap League is 25.

Due to low attendance, we have decided to cancel Friday night Trap until April 2025. Trap will still resume as normal on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:30AM. Stay tuned for an update in the spring regarding Friday night Trap!

The pistol range will re-open Monday 11/4. Please note that steel is back in use and is only to be used in the middle and right side of the berm when facing away from the pistol house. Please do not remove the steel from its current location unless you are looking to shoot paper on the right side of the berm unobstructed. If the steel is moved, please place it back where it was originally.

We please ask everyone be respectful of all the work done as a lot of effort went in to fixing the pistol range from a multitude of people.

Thank you all for your patience and understanding while the range was closed. Happy shooting!

We would like to thank everyone who participated in the Rifle Range work parties on 6/6, 6/8, and 6/9.  We had 22 individuals and a total of 116 work hours over the 3 days.

Some important information regarding the new reconfiguration of the Rifle Range - 

• New target rails were installed at the 150, 200, and 250 yard positions.  
• Berms 1 and 2 were dug out, rear of the range cleaned up, brush cut, and some debris removed. 
• The 150 yard position requires a much taller target stand due to the location of the berms.
• Please refrain from shooting the rails and/or shot blockers for the rails.
• Position the targets accordingly.  Please position steel targets away from the rails in a spot where the berm is present and rail is not.

As a friendly reminder when using the Campground and Race Track gates, please lock them when you are done. The gates are there to protect your club and keep the property use for members only.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

It has been brought to our attention that someone is shooting broadheads at the outdoor targets. This is not allowed at the Club as the targets are not made for broadheads.

As a reminder, FIELD POINTS ONLY please!