Community Boating

Great place to rent a sailboat and spend some time on the water. The staff were very helpful and friendly. I am looking forward when I come back to Boston to coming back here and spending some more time on the river.

I went here for a Swing Dancing event and it was very cool dancing on the docks! Now if only the weather cooperated we would have been golden, but regardless still a great time. There were tents to dance under so parts of the docks stayed dry and more suitable for «rock step’n.» Music was blasting and the view was gorgeous. A little tricky to find from the Mass Eye and Ear parking lot, but that’s where they validate parking… so all in all… worth the walk over. Just follow signs to the Esplanade and you will find it. Don’t starting walking all the way across the Longfellow Bridge. Oh and there were vending machines that takes credit cards… after all that dancing we needed a little treat.

Spent most of my free time windsurfing here when I lived there. Did a bit of sailing too, but windsurfing was my thing. Ended up working there too. Great program for adults and kids.

This is my first real review on Unilocal!Here it is!
CBI is a great place for fun, if you live close enough or would have time to come frequently. The annual membership is very affordable. What you get from this membership is a lot of fun. I especially like that they will allow members to take guests out for sailing or kayaking for free. I took out my friends many times and they liked it a lot.
I think I will renew my membership this year again.
Good job!

Came here on a hot summer afternoon with my kids hoping to rent paddleboats or kayaks. Stood in line for a very long time while there were ~6 staff people hanging out talking with each other — no one even said hello or asked if they could help us. Their rental rates for kayaks were significantly more expensive than other kayak rental places along the Charles River.

I’ve been sailing here for two years now and love it. I started when I moved to Boston as soon as it opened. They have a long season (⁴⁄₁ — ¹⁰⁄₃₁) and they make the most of it. Prior to joining, I had never sailed before. You take three classes (all of which can be done the first day) and you’re able to take out your own boat! If your comfortable with just that, you don’t have to test anymore. If you’re a bit more adventurous, there’s a series of classes and sailing tests (all on the water to test your maneuverability of the boat – no paper and pencil here!) to advance to taking out faster boats. And, they offer informal instruction, where you can sail with other members willing to take you out and show you some techniques. Currently, I’m able to take out the small mercuries in any wind conditions and the large keelboats (Sonars and Rhodes 19s) in light winds. I didn’t rush progressing through any of the ratings and am really enjoying working through them. Next week, we’re taking a windsurfing class – another benefit of CBI.
The other members and staff are really helpful and want you to do well. Most of the classes are volunteer-​led by very passionate members, and the advanced classes are offered by staff who offer some really great tips.
Sailing at CBI is a great way to enjoy Boston. All in all, it’s about the cost of a gym membership (it works out to roughly $ 50/​month), and you get to sail on the Charles enjoying the Boston skyline. It doesn’t get much better than that!

CBI is one of the best kept secrets in Boston. With annual membership and appropriate ratings under your belt, you can take out any boats (that your ratings qualify you for) for free during any hours while the season is open. Its junior program have a variety of classes for kids over the summer.
Better yet, they offer scholarship for the junior programs, though I pay full fees and make extra donations to support this excellent program and facility.
My kids love the summer program. The staff and instructors are always friendly and helpful. It’s a safe environment for kids to learn sailing, independence, and confidence over the water.
CBI used to allow parents to wait for the kids on deck, but they have since disallowed it which is a sensible decision since it can get overcrowded with all the kids, staff, instructors, and then having a large number of adults lounging around.
A few words of caution: There’s no parking; there isn’t even a proper place to drop off kids. The closest on-​street parking is on Beacon Hill which is more like winning a lottery. Alternatively, you can park in the garage parking at MGH or the hotel. The best way to get there is by public transport (the T, aka train/​subway) where the T stop («Charles River» T stop on the red line) is literally right next door.
Another word of caution for preparation: Kids need to prove basic swimming requirements before the sign-​up, including swimming for 75 yards (or 50 yds?), and treading water (for 5 mins with no assist?).

I was asked to remove this review.

I wish I could leave a better review considering this is a non-​profit that offers free/​discounted programming to the youth of Boston. This review is for the Adult program, which sadly has gone down hill all throughout 2013. This place may be OK if you’ve never sailed before and don’t know any different. But if you’re looking to advance your skills spend your money at another place!
Here are the problems with Community Boating in 2013:
1) The program works by taking a number of classes and tests to advance to sailing different kinds of boats. Their main boats are Cape Code Mercuries, which are awfully slow to respond and maneuver. After the helmsman test, the next test that is required is the jib test, which requires a red flag (lots of wind). So you get up and go to CBI hoping to take your test, and half the time there is not enough wind. You may even check the wind conditions on their website before you leave your house, but by the time you get to CBI the wind has changed. Throughout the summer of 2013, I attempted to take the Jib test four different times there was a red flag, most of the times with the dock house responding «we aren’t giving that test now». The last time there was a red flag, and the employee met me out on the river and set up the course to take the test, and then someone at the dock house changed the flag to yellow. The employee said, oh sorry you can’t take your test now. Really? So I spent the summer sailing the same boat I had sailed before, as there was no opportunity to take the test to advance to the next level.
2) The dock house is run by a bunch of teenagers/​recent college grads that have very little training. Not only are they not able to handle things like long lines, but they only have a certain number of motor boats to go out on the river to watch sailors, and give classes and tests. I’m scared to think how the staff would handle the situation if an actual emergency were to happen. I’ve never capsized on the Charles, but if you do, be prepared to wait a long time for someone to come and help you. There is one very kind and helpful man that volunteers there, but he usually does the intro tours and rigging lessons only. The employees look like they don’t want to be there, and granted they’re probably overworked and underpaid, but are often clueless; they need more training, more structure and leadership, and probably additional employees helping the sailors sail safely.
3) There is a certain employee there with curly brown hair that has a terrible attitude. For example, my friend was tying a knot and he walked up to her, said «you’re doing it wrong,» and did not offer any help or instruction for how she should be tying the knot. This person talks down to people and really does make the Community Boating experience worse.
4) The duck boats make sailing difficult. The duck boat drivers let little kids steer and they approach way too close to sailboats, who have right of way being under wind power. There is a very tricky entrance and exit from the dock to the river because there is an island in the way. They hover the duck boats over the narrow entrance to the dock, making it difficult to approach or leave the dock.
Also, this review is appearing on Unilocal,because I asked the front desk where the suggestion box was (which the website refers to), and they had no clue what to do.
So just be aware that if you purchase the membership, if you want to advance to sailing a boat beyond a Mercury, you may not be able to.
I had recommended CBI to three of my friends who signed up at the beginning of the summer. I felt so awful as they described similar experiences to me. My third year at Community Boating will be my last.

Great way to learn how to sail! right down the street. considering the equipment prices are right. Beautiful views of the city and in the summer the water is nice and warm. friendly staff and members are super nice.

This resource is amazing. 3 hour lessons, ranging all skill levels, and membership for my son was 1 – 99 $, depending. Great boats, docks, volunteers. Highly recommend.

An annual membership is about $ 280, and there are discounts for Harvard students and MGH staff, dropping it to about $ 240 which is a fantastic deal, especially given I work across the street at MGH and can drop by 2 – 3 times a week. I have never sailed before, and its quite easy to learn and become good. You have to be proactive though– informal teaching is probably the best– which is when you stand by the dock where you give them your card to take out boats, and ask people if they are interested in taking a crew out, or simply letting the staff know (though this will take longer). Just target the friendly older folks– they always seem to welcome company and someone to chat with, especially if they came alone.
I’ve gone out with three people so far, and learned a lot, though some are great teachers while others are not.
The classes are good introduction to the basics, but honestly, the only way to learn is trial by fire. Go rig up a boat, and take the boats out on a green or even a yellow. Don’t be scared to capsize.
You have the have the proactive fearless attitude to thrive, as well as be within biking distance so that you can drop by often to make the cost seem extremely affordable.
The only thing left to be desired is the staff– they are young college students, who aren’t always professional and some have a bit of teenage angst/​attitude. But some are really friendly and helpful, and it is a true community– get out there, talk to folks, make some friends, and just go sail!

This is a comment to respond to the review by M.S. of Somerville that was posted on 7÷20÷2012. M.S. clearly failed to take advantage of the unlimited program of informal instruction that is not only offered by encouraged by CBI. M.S. could have gone out on the water with a more experienced member-​instructor and had as much practice as desired. All that was necessary was to present membership card at the dockhouse and request informal instruction. I personally never had to wait for more than a half hour and then was out sailing with another member while learning and gaining more confidence. Its a real shame that M.S. gave up so soon.

I cannot speak highly enough about this organization and how it is run. CBI is a charitable organization like many of the other sailing institutions in the city. The biggest difference (besides location) is cost! They make this extremely affordable and accessible. There are far more types of boats and water sport equipment than any other facility for the cost.
The staff is extremely helpful and vigilant for the safety of all it’s visitors (members of guests). The clubs associated with the organization offer multiple opportunities to race and meet new people.
This is the first sailing group, I got a membership to and it certainly will be the consistent. If you haven’t had the opportunity to sail yet, what are you waiting for? Even if you end up swimming in the Charles, it’s not so bad!

Community Boating is a fixture in the Boston skyline. Any photo collection of Boston needs to have a few images of their sailboats on the Charles river.
I have been a member, off and on, for many decades. The program, primarily for underprivileged city kids, has been a positive force in the community. It is a happy side effect that adults can come down after work and on the weekends and use the facilities.
For those that want to learn. there is a great deal to find here. Sailing, as a spectator sport, takes on new meaning on a blustery day. If you are a complete rookie or someone who thought you knew how to sail (on open water) there is a lot to find (e.g. the buildings in the area create all sorts of interesting wind patterns). And there are amazing people about, who all have interesting stories of their own.
As one of the first such programs and likely the oldest and most recognized, they can clam to be progenitors of these kinds of programs. CBI has effectively fostered a healthy environment for generations and provided relaxation and enjoyment for people all over the globe!
If you are in the area for any time, check them out!

I wish I could recommend this place, but I can’t.
I’m a true beginner at sailing. Never done it before, never really stepped on a sail boat. So I really wanted to learn, and was super excited when I got a membership as a graduation present. It just seemed so lovely, to see the boats on the Charles, and so nice in the summer.
Unfortunately, this place isn’t good for a TRUE beginner. They basically expect you to go solo in a boat after only two classes (a «shore school» class and a rigging class) with no further instruction and no one-​on-​one training. I don’t know about others, but, for me, this wasn’t enough. I was terrified the first time I went out; I literally had no idea what I was doing in the congested Charles waters and nearly ran into one of the bridges. I had a really hard time maneuvering the boat. I went three more times by myself before I gave up. I never got beyond being anxious and scared, and I never enjoyed a minute of it.
The kids who work here were no help. (I’m quite confident these are privileged kids who grew up sailing and literally have no idea what it’s like to be a grown adult who’s never been around sailboats before.) For example, the last time I went, as I was trying to dock my boat, clearly having trouble with the basics of control and steering, one kid yelled out to me to bring the boat in «parallel.» When it was clear that I had no idea what I was doing, he yelled, very condescendingly, if I knew what «parallel» meant. (Yeah, kid, I have a PhD and two master’s degrees. I know what parallel means. Screw you.) So, yeah, that’s the kind of instruction and feedback you can expect: preppy snots talking down to you. I’m sure they’re having the summers of their lives, but it’s no good for people who don’t know how to sail and need genuine help.
Overall, I REALLY wanted to like this place. I think their mission is really noble and they do a lot of good for the Boston area. I personally just need more instruction, encouragement, and feedback than they provide in their two beginning classes. I’m giving up and maybe taking up kayaking. I think I’ll try to see if I can learn how to sail some other way. :(

See if you have a friend who is a member because they can bring in guests for free! I went sailing with some family and friends and on a sunny, breezy day, there’s nothing better. Employees are friendly and I’ve never had issues with the boats themselves (I take full blame for any failures in maneuvering the boat of course). Membership is great if you live in the area, but as a tourist it’s just a nice half-​day outing. In terms of landscape, the area is between two bridges (which serve as boundaries) with a great view of the river bank and a nearby park. Afterwards we went out for dim sum in china town!

The Duke Speaks!
So clearly I come here often…
I had always seen the little sailboats on the Charles, and never got around to checking it out. Then finally!
I first joined Community Boating last year as part of a Groupon. I only had a chance to get my Solo rating for a sailboat, but overall I had a great experience, and a lot of fun.
There’s a significant time investment required at first in order to get a Solo rating, which allows you to take a Mercury sailboat out on calm wind days.
I will admit that the classes were a bit long, but definitely necessary, and quite informative.
The dock staff is generally friendly and helpful, and will offer advice and put up with a lot of silly questions, as well as n00b sailors capsizing and running aground all too frequently.
This year, I picked up the same Groupon for a 1 month membership, and then I extended it to a full year. Now I’m certified to take some guests out on the water, and I’m planning to try my hand at racing!
If you’re looking for a new summer activity to get you outdoors and into the sun, look no further!
Community Boating is where it’s at!

Community boating is where I first learned to sail. I think this place is truly one of Boston’s best kept secrets. For a year membership it’s $ 259, or $ 239 for returning members… or for a lifetime membership $ 3,000 (damn…a few years ago I think it used to be $ 600…should have gotten on that) Still totally worth it… not only can you learn to sail here at no additional cost, but you can become part of the race crew (which I did several times, and was a blast). They also have windsurfing and kayaking, that you can take out once you test out (and there are lessons available for those as well if needed, again at no additional cost.)
They have outer island trips, as well as night sailing, depending on your sailing experience, and members are welcome for the 4^th of July party at night on the docks (great view).
When it’s scorching hot in the city, you would never know it once out on the water… a great escape!

Stop relying on others to teach you to sail, come to Community Boating and take the bull by the horns! That’s what I did. For years I was waiting for any one of my sailing friends to take me out and teach me, but it never happened. I signed up here and within 3 days I was on a boat on my own (in retrospect a frightening thought) learning the ropes (I mean lines).
It truly is the best deal going in all of Boston if not all of the United States. For a small annual fee you learn to sail and have a fleet boats at your disposal whenever you feel like dropping by (no reservations necessary, first come first served), and can eventually stain your first outfit brown when you inevitably capsize at least once in your Charles River sailing career!
So what are you waiting for? Get your tetinus shot and join the fun!

How can you beat a place that’s in the heart of Boston, charges only $ 250 for a full year that includes FREE unlimited rentals and lessons for
1) Sailing
2) Windsurfing
3) Kayaking
They have a great program for kids wherein an annual membership is only $ 1!!!
I live and work near Kendall Sq. so after work I hop on my bike and head to kayak and sail on many evenings. There’s just nothing like it. My friends love to come out with me often. As you can imagine, sailing is a great way to impress a lady! ;)
It’s mostly volunteer run so the onshore trainers and on-​water instructors are regular folks like you and me. When just learning to sail, try to go back often and with different instructors to learn various tips & tricks!
You can take 1 guest kayaking with you and up to 3 for sailing on their regular boats.
Happy sailing!