Set sail on the Hudson with this comprehensive keelboat course in NYC. Perfect for beginners and seasoned sailors alike, learn essential skills amid stunning city views.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
18 hours (weekend course)
Fitness Level
No prior fitness level required, but being comfortable on water helps.
Wildlife
History
The Hudson River has been vital to New York’s development since Dutch colonial times, serving as a major transportation route and cultural landmark.
Conservation
Hudson River Community Sailing promotes sustainable boating practices and maintains awareness of the river's ecological health.
Hudson River Community Sailing
Set sail on the Hudson with this comprehensive keelboat course in NYC. Perfect for beginners and seasoned sailors alike, learn essential skills amid stunning city views.
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.
Check Weather Conditions
Always review the weather forecast before heading out to ensure safe sailing conditions.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
Dress in layers and bring water-resistant clothing to stay comfortable on the water.
Arrive Early
Be punctual to maximize your hands-on time and instructor guidance.
Bring Sun Protection
Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to protect from UV rays during sunny days.
Water-resistant clothing
Keeps you dry and comfortable during sailing practice.
spring;summer;fall
Sunscreen
Protects your skin from the sun while spending extended time outdoors.
summer
Hat and sunglasses
Reduces glare and shields your eyes during sunny sailing days.
summer
Boat shoes or non-marking sneakers
Provides grip and comfort on deck during hands-on sailing.