easy
2–3 hours per session
Participants should be comfortable moving around on a boat, with moderate physical activity involved.
Join the weekend keelboat course at Hudson River Community Sailing to learn sailing skills in the heart of New York City. Perfect for beginners, this program combines hands-on instruction with stunning skyline views.
Earn a US Sailing certification
Embark on an exciting sailing journey with this comprehensive course, designed by US Sailing. Gain essential skills like tacking, gybing, and knot tying, while learning to navigate the waters and predict weather patterns. Complete the course to earn your US Sailing Basic Keelboat certification and set sail into new adventures!
This course provides students with a foundation of sailing skills and follows a curriculum set by US Sailing, the national governing body of sailing. Students learn to sail at different angles to the wind, steer the boat, turn the boat through the wind by tacking and gybing, tie various knots, and learn how to predict the weather. Skills taught on the water are reinforced in the classroom. Successful completion of the course results in a US Sailing Basic Keelboat certification.
The course is $575 per person (+$70 for the certification packet). The course begins Friday with an online classroom session from 7 pm - 8:30 pm. Come prepared to sail from Saturday 11 am - 6:30 pm and Sunday 11 am - 6:30 pm with an hour lunch break each day. The course concludes with an online test session the following Tuesday evening at 6:30pm.
Dress in layers and bring rain gear; weather on the river can change quickly.
Get prepared and receive initial instructions before sailing begins.
Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to stay comfortable during sunny days.
Stay hydrated and energized throughout the course.
The Hudson River has been a vital trade and transportation route since colonial times, playing a key role in New York's development.
The program promotes responsible boating to protect the river's ecosystems and maintain water quality.
Layered clothing keeps you comfortable as weather can vary.
spring|fall specific
Protection from the sun during outdoor water activities.
summer|null specific
Footwear with good grip needed for boat safety.
Additional sun protection for your face.
summer|null specific