Sail Central Park is located on the Park’s Conservatory Water, one of the most iconic model boat sailing venues in the world. Situated between 72nd and 76th streets just west of 5th Avenue, “the Pond” has been a site for model boat sailing since the 1860s. Inspired by the Grand Basin model boat pond in Paris' Luxembourg Gardens, the Conservatory Water was originally called the “Ornamental Water” and was intended to complement a large greenhouse displaying tropical plants. When funding constraints scotched plans for the building, the pond began attracting model boaters who recognized its design as ideal for sailing.

On the eastern shore of the Conservatory Water sits the Kerbs Memorial Boathouse, designed by architect Aymar Embury II in 1954. The boathouse is built in the Georgian style in red brick with a copper hip roof and steeple. Kerbs houses both the Sail Central Park concession, where the public can rent radio-controlled sailboats, and the historic Central Park Model Yacht Club. Founded in 1916, the Club has been a champion of model yachting in America since its inception.

Sail Central Park is run by Rocking the Boat, a Bronx based youth development non-profit that engages middle and high school students from the South Bronx in programs in marine science, sailing and wooden boat building. Sail Central Park is run by a full team of Rocking the Boat alumni who are thrilled to be able to deliver a great small boat experience to the general public.

Friday Activities: 3-6pm, ongoing.

Visitors to Sail Central Park for OHNY Weekend will tour the Kerbs Boathouse as well as receive a free model boat sailing session. (A model boat will be available for use).

Children 5+ are welcome accompanied by an adult.