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Offering a unique recreational experience for children and adults, free of charge, and reviving the nearly century old tradition of model boating on the Charles River Esplanade.
About Us
Offering a unique recreational experience for children and adults, free of charge, and reviving the nearly century old tradition of model boating on the Charles River Esplanade.
The B.M.S.C. is a program of the Esplanade Association. It was formed in 2002 to reestablish the tradition of model boating on Storrow Lagoon, and to provide an exciting recreational opportunity for all park users. The program is run by its members, who volunteer their time and skills to make the boats available.
Our fleet, which we offer to the public free of charge, is composed of 14 remote controlled laser sailboats and 2 CR914 sailboats. We also encourage people to join in by bringing their own boats out to the lagoon.
The B.M.S.C. hosts regattas, informal races, and is expanding its community outreach to provide opportunities to youth and special needs groups. Activities take place on Storrow Lagoon, and are dependent on weather and volunteer availability.
All activities take place on Storrow Lagoon
The Esplanade is one of the most vibrant, beautiful, and versatile parks in urban America. Most important, it belongs to you. Our job at the Esplanade Association is to help you get the most out of it. Explore the activities on these pages, and find out how the park can add to your life.
To sign up for more information, please email trodriguez@esplanadeassociation.org.
A relaxing day on the Esplanade
Photo by: Michael Hosmer
History
At the beginning of the 20th century, the present day Esplanade was a tidal estuary. Water levels fluctuated nearly 10 feet, and at low tide the area became a mudflat. Boston’s leaders, designers, and citizens, including banker James Storrow, began planning for a new park system, to include tree lined walks along the water and a variety of recreational opportunities for all Bostonians.
In 1910, the construction of a dam at the present site of the Museum of Science turned the estuary into a freshwater basin. Along with the construction of the dam came the first iteration of the Esplanade, a 100 foot wide strip of land built up from materials dredged from the river bottom.
In the 1920’s the park was widened, recreational facilities were added, and Storrow Lagoon was built. The lagoon was a park centerpiece, designed for toy boats and small pleasure craft. These proved to be such popular activities that an elaborate boat house was built there in 1935.
In 1951 the boathouse was destroyed to make way for Storrow Drive, but the tradition of model boating was not lost. On a sunny, breezy day, the B.M.S.C. fills Storrow Lagoon with these miniature boats, and everyone has a chance to catch a little wind.
Our Boats
Our fleet, which we offer to the public free of charge, is composed of 14 remote controlled laser sailboats and 2 CR914 sailboats. We also encourage people to join in by bringing their own boats out to the lagoon.
One of our remote controlled laser sailboats glides along Storrow Lagoon
Photo by: Bill Jones
If you would like to support the B.M.S.C. financially, please click here to become a member or donor to the Esplanade Association.
Racing
Basic definitions, rules and penalties.
Members of the B.M.S.C. enjoy a friendly race
Photo by: Bill Jones
Get Involved!
The success of the Boston Model Sailing Club is wholly dependent on its members and volunteers, who give generously of their resources, time, and expertise to running and growing the program.
If you are interested in getting involved with the B.M.S.C. by becoming a volunteer and participant, contact trodriguez@esplanadeassociation.org to sign up for scheduling and event updates.
If you would like to support the B.M.S.C. financially, please click here to become a member or donor to the Esplanade Association.
Photo ©2005 Header, Bill Jones. Other photos, Trinidad Rodriguez, unless otherwise noted
The Esplanade Association
10 Derne Street
Boston, MA 02114
617.227.0365
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