Put kids on the water with community-run instruction and short, hands-on sails along Manhattan’s northern shore. Learn the basics of seamanship on the Hudson while volunteers guide small groups through real-world tides and wind.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Light to moderate fitness; suitable for children who can follow safety briefings and handle short periods of physical activity.
Wildlife
History
Inwood and northern Manhattan have long maritime ties with the Hudson, where commerce and recreation shaped local waterfront life.
Conservation
The program emphasizes Leave No Trace and urban estuary stewardship, encouraging participants to reduce litter and respect wildlife.
Hudson River Community Sailing
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
Allow extra time to find the launch point and complete safety briefings so the session can maximize on-water time.
Dress in layers
Wind off the Hudson chills quickly even on warm days—bring a windproof shell and closed-toe shoes.
Bring a refillable water bottle
Hydration is important during active sessions; carry water in a leak-proof bottle that won’t fall through deck fittings.
Protect camera gear
Use a waterproof bag or dry pouch and a wrist strap to keep phones and cameras safe from spray.
USCG-approved life jacket
Often provided, but bring your own properly sized PFD if you can for the best fit and comfort.
Windproof shell
Blocks wind and spray during cooler spring outings.
spring
Closed-toe water shoes
Protect feet on docks and wet decks and provide grip while moving aboard.
summer
Sunscreen and hat
Protects skin from reflected sunlight off the water during midday sails.
summer