The Mystic River may wind right around our city, but unless you own your own boat, it's difficult to make your way onto its waters. The nonprofit Boys & Girls Club of Middlesex County, however, offers a solution for aquaphiles. At their Blessing of the Bay Boathouse, all are welcome to rent canoes or paddle boats by the hour. As of this writing, the rates were a reasonable $10 per hour. But there's one catch. The boathouse is open only on weekdays. Sick day, anyone?
For about half a century, the Winter Hill Yacht Club has been a haven of camaraderie for the local boating community. In accordance with its standing as a private club, it requires sponsorship by at least two members, and the waiting list can be as long as five years. Members enjoy use of the club's event facilities and services, such as the kitchen and bar. In addition to the standard slip and marina services, the club also offers dry dock and water storage options for members' boats. Located on the Mystic River, behind Assembly Square Marketplace, the club offers easy access to Boston Harbor and the surrounding islands.