Courageous Sailing Center for Youth, Inc.
Francis Shiman-Hackett has a diverse professional background in sailing and yacht brokerage, currently serving as a Yacht Broker at Bluenose Yacht Sales since September 2014, where responsibilities include new and used yacht sales, training for new owners, and acting as a yacht delivery captain. From May 2010, Francis has also been a Sailing Instructor at Courageous Sailing, focusing on advanced adult sailing classes. Previous experience includes roles at Fair Wind Sailing School as a Sailing Instructor and Instructor Trainer, managing daily operations and training new instructors, and serving as a Private Sailing Instructor in Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard. Earlier in the career, Francis worked as a System Administrator at Shiman Associates, Inc. Education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Journalism from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, along with completion of studies at Mount Aspiring College and University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy.
Courageous Sailing Center for Youth, Inc.
Courageous Sailing's mission is to transform children's lives through sailing programs that inspire learning, personal growth and leadership. Courageous Sailing was established in 1987 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in a joint effort between the City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department and the late South Boston sailing enthusiast Harry McDonough. Courageous Sailing has since grown into a dynamic, multi-faceted educational facility serving over 1,000 at-risk and disadvantaged children each year. Through the organization’s Courage Curriculum, young sailors develop essential leadership competencies in personal responsibility, communication, problem-solving, teamwork and stewardship. Demand for Courageous Sailing’s programs is at a record high with close to two-thirds (600) of the eager young children who attempt to register for our summer program being turned away due to a lack of sufficient capacity. At Courageous, we are committed to building community around the sport of sailing, and providing the community with some of the best, and most affordable sailing opportunities on Boston Harbor. Our reach extends beyond children, through our adult membership program. As a US Sailing Keelboat School, we offer a full range of courses for novices and experts alike, taught by only the highest quality instructors. Our membership options are extremely convenient and affordable, providing easy access to our fleet and Boston Harbor, from May through October. And the benefits of membership at Courageous includes so much more, from racing and barbecues, to moonlight sails and camping trips, to great discounts on courses.