formerly Canal Dock Boathouse - new name same mission
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Please note that a Sail Haven membership is required for sailing lessons.
The session will begin April 19 th , 2026. The last day of the session is June 19 th , 2026. There will not be practice on Mothers’ Day (5/10) or Memorial Day Sunday/Monday (5/24-25).
Experience sculling in singles and team boats on New Haven Harbor. Whether you're brand-new to the sport or an experienced sculler, our team-focused and supportive environment will help you build rowing skills, strength, confidence, and community, on and off the water.
NHCB provides coaching to all skill levels. Our coaches will meet you where you are and help you grow.
We supply everything you need to get out on the water safely. We plan to run two sessions on Mondays and Fridays to accommodate both out experience and novice scullers. On Sundays, we will practice as a group!
Arrive 15 minutes before the start of practice to settle in and warm up.
Experienced scullers have prior experience sculling in NHCB programs (Summer/Fall 2025).
Novice scullers have not had on the water experience.
Bring: Water in a non-metal water bottle, sunscreen, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, etc.), moisture-wicking/quick-dry athletic clothing (with layers for cooler days), sneakers.
The deposit system helps ensure committed participation so program spots are reserved for families who will actively attend throughout the session.
This program is perfect for youth rowers looking to advance their sculling technique and potentially compete in local regattas. Whether you're building on past clinic experience or continuing from previous NHCB programs, this session offers excellent preparation and training opportunities.
If you have submitted a waiver and/or swim test in the past then you're all set.
Open Sailing Spring and Summer Weekends 1pm - 7pm.
Please Note:
This course covers safety, rigging, sail trim, and steering.
*Please note: if you’re unable to make the first lesson in a course you will be rescheduled into another course.
This course reviews the Beginner I & II courses for members feel they might have forgotten over the long winter. This Review Course can help you get on the water with confidence.
Sail Haven's “Fun Spring Racing Series” is the perfect way for members to boost their sailing skills while enjoying some friendly competition. As you navigate around other boats and master the racecourse, you'll find your sailing becoming more instinctive. Whether you're teaming up or competing against friends, the thrill of the race is undeniable.
And even if you don't win, those moments of brilliance on the water can be incredibly satisfying. We’ll be racing Lasers, Sunfish and 420s. All are welcome to join in the fun, no racing experience required. All participants will be asked to help in the Race Committee Boat, again no experience required. Scores may or may not be recorded!
Racing will be on Thursdays from 5:30pm to 7:00pm we will run as many races as possible, so please come, even if you are late. The Spring Series will include 6 evenings.
No RSVP required to race - just show up.
We do ask that if you race with us, you "Check In" with the Race Committee boat. This will allow us to record who is racing with us.
*Please note:
What is in the Harbor Seminar Series, hosted by Sail Haven, University of New Haven, Sound School, and the Milford NOAA Lab.
Monthly discussions of what lives and happens in our Harbor, lead by professionals in their field. Fish, shellfish, algae (seaweeds), history, mammals, plankton, zooplankton, invertebrates, ....
Registration is Free, but not required: Register Here
In Beginner II you’ll learn how to sail with a mix of classroom and on-the-water instruction building on skills learned in Beginner I with the goal of your becoming a confident skipper. Skills include capsize recovery, docking and rigging.
In Beginner II you’ll learn how to sail with a mix of classroom and on-the-water instruction building on skills learned in Beginner I with the goal of your becoming a confident skipper. Skills include more sailing, steering with the sails, reefing the sails, docking and rigging.
Come Play on the Water with Us!
We're opening our doors for a free day of fun on New Haven Harbor. Come try rowing in the morning and sailing in the afternoon!
Morning Rowing Fun: 9am - noon
Try rowing a boat, paddling a kayak, or joining others in a dragon boat! Never done it before? No problem! We'll show you how it works, both on land and water. Kids need to be at least 9 years old to join in and must be accompanied by an adult.
Afternoon Sailing Adventure: 1pm - 4pm
Want to go sailing? Our friendly volunteers will take you out for a sail around the harbor. Kids 5 and older can sail with their parents.
What to Bring:
Quick Tip: If you're coming for rowing or paddling in the morning, wear clothes that aren't too loose or baggy - they can get caught in the equipment.
Everything else you need will be right here. Just show up ready to have fun on the water!
Ready to take your rowing to the next level? These clinics are designed for athletes who already know the basics and want to sharpen their technique, build fitness, and put in real time on the water.
Who This Clinic Is For
This program is built for experienced rowers who have completed at least one season with Row Haven and can demonstrate solid safety awareness and boating fundamentals. If you know the drills and are ready to do the work, this is your summer.
What a Typical Day Looks Like
Every session runs about two hours, with on-the-water rowing as the priority whenever conditions allow.
Before You Register
Two items are required to participate:
Life jackets are available to every athlete and are encouraged for all on-the-water activities.
Have you ever watched rowers glide across the water and wondered what it feels like? This summer, find out. Our beginner clinics are the perfect introduction to the sport - no experience necessary, just a willingness to try something new and have fun doing it.
This program is designed for first-time rowers who are new to Row Haven and to rowing altogether. You'll learn the fundamentals of the sport in a supportive, encouraging environment with coaches who meet you exactly where you are. After completing one Beginner Rower session you can register for an Experienced Rower session.
What You'll Work On
Participant Waiver – Must be completed before the first session
Swim Test Certification – Required for all participants
In Beginner II you’ll learn how to sail with a mix of classroom and on-the-water instruction building on skills learned in Beginner I with the goal of your becoming a confident skipper. Skills include more sailing, steering with the sails, reefing the sails, docking, and rigging.
Sail Haven's “Fun Summer Racing Series” is the perfect way for members to boost their sailing skills while enjoying some friendly competition. As you navigate around other boats and master the racecourse, you'll find your sailing becoming more instinctive. Whether you're teaming up or competing against friends, the thrill of the race is undeniable.
Sail Haven's “Fun Fall Racing Series” is the perfect way for members to boost their sailing skills while enjoying some friendly competition. As you navigate around other boats and master the racecourse, you'll find your sailing becoming more instinctive. Whether you're teaming up or competing against friends, the thrill of the race is undeniable.
Racing will be Saturdays from 1:00pm to 3:00pm we will run as many races as possible, so please come, even if you are late. The series will be six Saturdays.
Please "Check in" with the Race Committee when you arrive at the race course. Helps us keep track of who is racing with us.
New Haven Dragon Boat Festival
Dragon boating is a thrilling water sport that originated over 2,000 years ago in ancient China. Traditionally, it was used in rituals to honor the water dragon deity and promote community unity. Today, dragon boating has evolved into an exciting competitive sport that embodies teamwork, synchronization, and a festive spirit. Join us as a sponsor to support this amazing New Haven community-building tradition!
CDBI Contact:member@canaldock.org
Event Space Rental:Contact the City of New Haven
Privacy Notice Disclosure
Online Waiver
Mailing Address:CDBIPO Box 8442New Haven, CT 06530
