Learn about the membership, and receive the link to join and pay
A focused Thursday-evening orientation for Hudson River Sailing that walks you through membership tiers, safety basics, and how to get signed up. Ideal for new sailors and locals who want regular, low-cost access to sails on the Hudson.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
60–90 minutes
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; the meeting is seated with short dockside demos possible.
Wildlife
History
The Hudson has been a center for New York boating for centuries; recreational sailing grew alongside the city’s waterfront revitalization in the late 20th century.
Conservation
Members are briefed on Leave No Trace principles for urban waterways and on avoiding sensitive riparian habitats; operators emphasize minimizing fuel use and proper waste handling.
Hudson River Community Sailing
Learn about the membership, and receive the link to join and pay
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
Show up 15–20 minutes before start time to complete paperwork and meet crew—orientations begin punctually.
Bring Photo ID
You’ll need ID for registration and any paperwork; a small notebook helps record next steps and schedule details.
Dress in Layers
Evening river breezes can be cool—wear a windproof layer and closed-toe shoes for any short dockside demo.
Plan Transit
Public transit (subway or PATH) is often faster than driving; allow extra time for walking from the nearest station to the pier.
Photo ID
Required for registration and any safety paperwork.
Closed-toe shoes
Useful for dockside demonstrations and boarding boats during follow-up sails.
Windproof layer
Evening river conditions can be chilly; a light shell keeps you comfortable.
fall
Notebook and pen
Handy for jotting down membership steps, schedules, and contact names.