Calling All to the Ocean
Canal Dock Boathouse opens doors for New Haven to engage its waterfront
Photos by Ian Christmann (may not be reused without permission)
We’ve watched the walls rise and the architecture emerge on the striking new building on Long Wharf. Passing by on I95, or after a trip to the food trucks or Ikea, we’ve navigated construction fencing and closed sidewalks. But on September 22, 2018, all traces of hard hats and machinery disappeared, and the doors to New Haven’s newest landmark — the Canal Dock Boathouse — opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that drew hundreds (see photos from the ribbon-cutting ceremony below). As guests toured the gleaming halls and spacious rooms, the building buzzed with salty possibilities, yet the excitement would have to wait just a little while longer, as final occupancy details kept the boathouse shuttered for the fall.
Today, warmer weather beckons us outside and sea-side, and the Canal Dock Boathouse is ready to greet us, “opening New Haven’s waterfront for adventure, discovery and growth” with opportunities that include rowing lessons, rowing-based fitness, paddling excursions, boat storage, youth programs, interpretive displays, and event-ready meeting rooms with breath-taking views.
So if you’re ready to engage the sea, here are ways you can do it at Canal Dock.
- Visit. Visiting hours are Tuesday through Sunday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Guests can explore the building’s unique architecture, which blends modern design with historic elements from the original Adee Memorial Boathouse. History buffs will also appreciate the many interpretive displays chronicling New Haven’s harbor and rowing history, the Adee Boathouse, as well as the Connecticut Freedom Trail. And no visit would be complete without a stroll along the water on the community plaza, where views and breezes abound.
- Learn. Are you captivated by the allure of rowing, but never held an oar? Canal Dock provides opportunities for all ages to learn the sport. Private or small-group lessons are available at $75 per hour or $325 for five (one-hour) sessions. For youth (8th – 10th grade) Canal Dock will offer an “Intro to Rowing” camp this summer with four, one-week sessions (June 24 – June 28, July 8 – July 12, July 22 – July 26, August 5 – August 9). Hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. No prior rowing experience is necessary. Participants will learn to scull in single shells, learn plyometric & stretching exercises, row on Concept2 ergometers, and have fun exploring the New Haven Harbor and Quinnipiac & Mill Rivers in New Haven. Space is limited to nine youth per session. Cost: $575 for a one-week session. Contact Nicole for more information. (nicole@canaldock.org)
- Join. If you’re ready to dive in and make rowing or paddling a regular part of your fitness and recreation routine, Canal Dock membership provides access to equipment, outings, social events and more. Contact Jan for more information. (jan@canaldock.org)
- Basic Membership: $100 annually
– fitness classes (when available)
– social events
– locker room access
– boat storage program (additional fees apply for boat storage) - Paddling Membership: $250 annually (over age 30), $200 annually (under age 30)
– fitness classes (when available)
– social events
– locker room access
– boat storage program (additional fees apply for boat storage)
– use of Canal Dock paddling equipment
– group paddling outings 2 – 4 times per week - Rowing Membership (rowing competency must be demonstrated prior to activation of membership): $250 annually (over age 30), $200 annually (under age 30)
– fitness classes (when available)
– social events
– locker room access
– boat storage program (additional fees apply for boat storage)
– group rowing outings 2 – 4 times per week
– use of Canal Dock rowing equipment - Paddling and Rowing combined: $300 annually (over age 30), $250 annually (under age 30)
– fitness classes (when available)
– social events
– locker room access
– boat storage program (additional fees apply for boat storage)
– group rowing or paddling outings 2 – 4 times per week
– use of Canal Dock rowing and paddling equipment
- Basic Membership: $100 annually
- Celebrate. Have an event and need a venue? Consider treating your guests to Canal Dock’s waterfront beauty. The Boathouse has two rooms available for private meetings or events: the Canal Dock Room (just over 3600 square feet) and the Adee Room (just shy of 1300 square feet). Both rooms offer direct access to a large outdoor balcony with expansive views of New Haven Harbor and Long Island Sound. Click here for more information and pricing. Contact Erika for more information. (erika@canaldock.org).
- Race. Ready for a fun, high-spirited, team-building experience? Canal Dock’s annual Dragon Boat Regatta promotes camaraderie, community-building, and light-hearted competition. On Saturday, June 1, 2019, participants of all sizes and ages will paddle in unison to the beat of their very own drummer as they propel 41-foot dragon boats over a 200-meter racecourse. After the races, the festivities will continue with Long Wharf’s annual Food Truck Festival. So grab your friends, co-workers, or colleagues and get on board for a unique dragon boat adventure. Canal Dock supplies all boats and equipment. Space is limited and registration ends on May 20, 2019. Click here for more information.
- Contribute. Canal Dock Boathouse aims to give all New Haven residents opportunities to experience New Haven’s waterfront, and they could use your help. Although Canal Dock operates in a shiny new building, the organization itself is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, leasing the City-owned boathouse building. Canal Dock runs Metro Boating, a free weekly program for students from Metropolitan Business Academy. Your support of Canal Dock enables them to continue low-cost community rowing, as well as expand opportunities to introduce more New Haven youth to the physical and social benefits of paddling and rowing. Click here to donate.
