Sail at our most coveted time.
Board at Pier 66 for a two-hour sunset sail on the Hudson—quiet decks, skyline views, and the chance to learn basic sailing. Perfect for a relaxed evening or a hands-on introduction to sailing in New York Harbor.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Light fitness is fine; you should be able to step aboard a small sailboat and move around a deck at low heel.
Wildlife
History
Pier 66 sits within Hudson River Park, a public waterfront park established in 1998 to convert industrial piers into recreation space.
Conservation
Respect wildlife by not feeding birds, take all trash off the boat, and follow crew guidance to minimize disturbance to tidal flats and shorelines.
Hudson River Community Sailing
Sail at our most coveted time.
Hudson River Community Sailing provides sailing instruction and recreational programs on the Hudson River, operating launch points in Chelsea and Inwood. The organization focuses on practical, on-water teaching for beginners through intermediate sailors, offering short introductory lessons, multi-hour open lessons, private instruction, and extended Basic Keelboat courses that follow US Sailing standards.
Programs include Chelsea Intro to Sailing sessions (weekday and weekend), Chelsea Open Lesson sessions for sailors with basic skills, Group Private Lessons, and a Chelsea Sunset Sail for a relaxed, scenic experience. For those seeking certification, Chelsea and Inwood Basic Keelboat courses provide 18 hours of combined on-water and classroom instruction aligned with US Sailing Basic Keelboat criteria. A new offering provides a consecutive-Saturday format for the Chelsea Basic Keelboat Course.
Youth programming includes City Sail Summer Camp, a week-long camp that combines sailing with STEM activities on the Hudson River. Membership Orientation is offered to introduce prospective members to programs and safety expectations. In all activities, instruction emphasizes safety briefings, hands-on steering and sail control, fundamental boat terminology, and seamanship basics.
Hudson River Community Sailing is positioned as a community-focused provider of instructional sailing experiences, delivering structured courses and flexible lesson formats for students, families, and adults who want to learn sailing skills, earn Basic Keelboat certification, or enjoy scenic sails on the Hudson River.
Locations
Chelsea & Inwood
Two Hudson River launch points
US Sailing
Basic Keelboat courses
Courses follow US Sailing standards
Programs Offered
Lessons, Courses, Camp, Membership
Options for all ages and levels
Trips Offered
11 Experiences
Range from intro to certification
Book intro lessons, private instruction, Basic Keelboat weekends, or a sunset sail from Chelsea or Inwood — practical, on-water learning for every level.
Arrive early for check-in
Pier 66 check-in is prompt; arrive 20–30 minutes early to find parking or transit and complete paperwork.
Dress in layers
Even summer evenings on the Hudson get cool once the sun drops—bring a windproof layer and a hat.
Bring seasickness prevention
If you’re prone to motion sickness, take medication or use acupressure bands before boarding.
Secure cameras and phones
Use a wrist strap or small dry bag—reflections and movement make drops a real risk.
Windproof jacket
Blocks the river wind and keeps you comfortable as temperatures drop after sunset.
Non-slip shoes
Secure footing on wet decks matters for safety and confidence during maneuvers.
Camera or phone with strap
Capture skyline silhouettes and reflections—strap prevents accidental loss overboard.
Light backpack or dry bag
Keeps layers and valuables dry and organized on a moving boat.