Setting sail in New York is possible. And we did! The association Hudson River Community Sailing offers all summer introductory sailing lessons for adults. Ideal for romantic outings.
The New York sailing promotion organization offers these three-hour courses, on weekends, in both Inwood (in northern Manhattan) and Chelsea. We tested one in the first quarter, but the available sessions are already full for the rest of the season as they are few. Fortunately, there are still some at Chelsea. Don’t wait to book. Places are going fast. Count 100 dollars the registration per person.
Novices or not
Intro lessons are open to everyone, even amateurs who have already practiced. They consist of groups of four to five people, no more. The training begins with a lesson on land, during which an instructor explains how the sailboat works, the names of the different parts, the role of the sails, some technical terms… It lasts about half an hour, then the group takes place on board the boat. Participants are invited to hoist the sails! Perfect for warming up.
On board, each participant turns at different positions (helm, management of the jib and the mainsail), under the supervision of the instructor who distills some information on the principles of navigation and makes you perform some basic maneuvers ( face the wind, turn port, starboard, etc.). Ours specified that the sailboat could not turn around, which reassured everyone! The experiment presents few risks. Everyone has life jackets. The only dangers? Getting hit by the boom as the mainsail pivots or losing balance while moving. But the instructor insists on the right gestures to adopt before casting off.
Until November
The great bonus of this initiation: the breathtaking views of Manhattan. Mobile phones and other cameras are allowed on board. The instructor will tell you when it is possible to use them.
Introductory lessons are among the many activities offered by Hudson River Community Sailing. Private lessons ($400), for families ($225), at sunset ($100) are also on the menu… The most motivated can become members for easier access to the boats and the organization’s services during the season (April-November). All levels are welcome. Welcome aboard !
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