Overview
Union Boat Club, founded in 1851 by eight men with no dues and no boathouse, is the oldest continuously operating rowing club in the Boston area and, by its own count, the third oldest in the country. Its clubhouse on Chestnut Street in Beacon Hill houses squash and fives courts, while the rowing boathouse sits on the Charles River Esplanade behind the Hatch Shell. The club was a delegate at the first meeting of the national amateur oarsmen's body that became USRowing, hosted the national team training camp that produced the 1972 Olympic eight, and today runs sculling, men's and women's sweep, masters and pre-elite squads that race from the Head of the Charles to the Henley Royal Regatta.
- Founded
- 1851
- Federation
- USRowing
- Phone
- +1-617-742-1520
On the water with VesselSOS
- Family see you from shoreA live link in any browser – they don’t need the app.
- One tap to the right rescue centreHere Coast Guard Sector Boston – the app switches centre as you move, with your position and call script even without signal.
- Return-time checkIf you’re not back in time, your people know.
- Shared hazard mapRocks, nets and other hazards reported by other boaters.
Regattas and series
Run or hosted by the club, per the club website. Dates and notices are on the club site.
- Head of the Charles Regatta (participation)the club's crews have raced every Head of the Charles since 1965
Live map, a start clock on every phone and results — when the club runs a race on VesselSOS Racing, it shows up here. Racing is a pilot with clubs for the 2027 season.
No race running right nowSee VesselSOS RacingHistory and achievements
- 1851Eight founding members start the club with no dues and no boathouse
- 1860sFives (English handball) arrives at the club around the time of the Civil War
- 1914A club crew reaches the Grand Challenge Cup final at Henley; a club sculler races the single at Henley
- 1972The national team training camp at the club produces the US men's Olympic eight
Home harbour & location
- Position
- 42°21.37′ N 71°4.37′ W
42.35622, -71.07280 - Address
- 144 Chestnut Street, Beacon Hill
Frequently asked
Who do I call in an emergency at sea here?
Sea rescue: Coast Guard Sector Boston 911. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16.
When was Union Boat Club founded?
In 1851.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: Head of the Charles Regatta (participation).