5 Places To Sail Off Into The Sunset In NYC

A person sitting on a sailboat with the sunset in the background
Photo Credit: www.meetup.com

Envision sailing around the tip of Manhattan while sipping on a dirty martini. Sounds appealing, right? Well, my friends, we have you covered. With the sea at bay, New Yorkers take advantage of the countless spots to set sail! Whether you’re a first timer looking for a sailing certification or a seasoned pro searching for a new launch, these five spots will definitely get your feet wet.

A group of individuals sailing by the Statue of Liberty into a summer sunset.
Photo Credit: https://www.sail-nyc.com

Manhattan Sailing School

When it comes to making time, New Yorkers tend to be strapped. Don’t let your busy NYC lifestyle restrict you from sailing off into the sunset, away from the hustle and bustle. (Even if it’s just for a few hours.) Manhattan Sailing School offers a wide variety of weekend, weekday evenings and mid-week schedules.

For Beginners: For $590, MSS offers a 16 hour course in basic sailing practices. You can choose to do this course over one weekend, 2 consecutive weekdays, or weeknights over the course of several weeks (a good option for those with a 9-5!)

For The Experts: Learn the faster side of sailing with the $590 Learn to Race course, or join the crew for a week of sailing in the British Virgin Islands, which promises to be the “greatest vacation of your life!” You can also become a Skipper member of the group (think unlimited sailing) for $2,340 annually.

Hudson River Community Sailing

If getting certified isn’t on your list of life goals, the Hudson River Community Sailing offers an affordable alternative to experience a few hours on the water without the commitment (perfect amount of time to snap some photos!)

For Beginners: For $445, you will get a 19.5 hour course covering the curriculum set by US Sailing, the national governing body of sailing. A 1 year membership to the club is included in this price. If you’d like a taste of sailing without the commitment of a long course, the $75 Into to Sailing course will be a good fit. It gives a 20 minute on land overview of the basics, and then you’ll spend the rest of the 2 hours on the water.

For The Experts: For $1,695, you can become a Captain member of the group, which includes a year of sailing.

A older women and a man sailing on the NYC waterways with the city skyline in the background
Photo Credit: https://www.vimbly.com

Offshore Sailing School

Coined as being the “Ivy League of Sailing Schools”, the Offshore Sailing School instructors are dedicated to deliver a fun and educational experience.

For Beginners: For $895, you can take the three-day Learn to Sail course. You can also enjoy a leisurely 2 hour sail around Manhattan for $150.

For The Experts: For $2,150, you can become a Skipper member, which includes a year of sailing.

South Street Seaport Museum

A stop on every tourist’s agenda, the South Street Seaport Museum is a beautiful place to spend summer days, especially if you have the added benefit of being able to be out on the water.

For The Experts: If you’re an experienced sailor and you want to put your skills to good use, you can volunteer as an active crew member aboard one of the South Street Seaport museum’s historic vessels. In return for your volunteering you’ll receive free, on-water training sessions. Talk about a NYC experience!

A starboard view of a sailboat with the New York City skyline, at dusk to the left of them from a sailors point of view
Photo Credit: www.newyorkcitysailing.com

Sail NY

While technically you have to head to Weehawken, New Jersey, for this one, you’ll still be getting the same great city views at a fraction of the cost. SailNY, a non-profit association, has brought affordable, public access to New York Harbor.

For Beginners: For $325, you you will receive 16 hours of instruction to complete your beginners’ course.

For The Experts: For $350, you have unlimited sailing during the season (April through October.)

Would love to know… have you sailed in NYC?  Share your favorite spot on our Facebook and Twitter!

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