History
The MIT Sailing Pavilion, the first facility built specifically for college sailing, was constructed in 1935 and is recognized as the birthplace of modern collegiate sailing. While several colleges had sailing clubs in the late 1800s, these were primarily social organizations of private boat owners. MIT’s Pavilion marked a shift toward organized, competitive sailing and helped launch what would become the Inter‑Collegiate Sailing Association.
The first ten Dinghy Championships of the newly formed Intercollegiate Yacht Racing Association were sailed on the Charles River using MIT’s fleet of cat‑rigged, wooden Tech Dinghies — vessels designed specifically for collegiate competition.
→ Explore the legacy of our Tech Dinghy fleet [TODO no page on tech dingy?)
To this day, MIT hosts more college regattas than any other site in the country, continuing its legacy as a central venue for collegiate sailing.
→ See upcoming events and regattas
In 1994, the Pavilion hosted the first annual Women’s Singlehanded Championship in Laser Radials, reflecting MIT’s long-standing commitment to competitive sailing and inclusivity.
Beyond intercollegiate competition, the Pavilion has long served the broader sailing community. MIT provides practice time and facilities for local colleges and high schools that do not have boats or sites of their own. Teams from Northeastern University, Winsor Academy, and other schools regularly practice and race from the Pavilion.
Today, the Pavilion continues to be a hub of activity — from instructional classes and recreational sailing to varsity racing and community events — connecting generations of sailors on the Charles River.
→ Start sailing with our Learn to Sail classes
Support the Pavilion
Your support helps maintain the Pavilion, sustain our fleets, and provide opportunities for students, alumni, and the wider community to sail. Contributions enable scholarships, facility improvements, and expanded programs for sailors of all ages and abilities.
→ Make a gift to the MIT Sailing Pavilion
Even a small donation makes a meaningful impact on the MIT sailing community and helps continue a legacy of excellence on the Charles River.
