Hudson River Community Sailing gives New Yorkers a chance to learn, grow, and sail — and you help make it happen.
Our mission at the NY Architects Regatta is to support a wonderful collection of organizations doing meaningful work within the community at the edges of the city. Clearly, raising funds and providing financial support is one important way we contribute. But community organizations also depend on community engagement.
One of our members, Scott Herrick, has taken that idea to heart and become a member of Hudson River Community Sailing (HRCS). HRCS has been an incredible partner to the Regatta, most directly by hosting and supporting the wonderful day on the water that serves as the centerpiece of our event. I asked Scott if he could share a bit about his experience with HRCS. His report is below.
Hudson River Community Sailing – what do you know about our host for the Architect’s Regatta? First of all, the HRCS staff do an amazing job of prepping the fleet of J/24 and J/80 sailboats, providing equipment for our teams to use in the regatta, supplying a race committee that sets the courses and runs the races, and even providing skippers for teams that need a seasoned sailor on board.
After competing in the 2022 NYARC, I became curious and explored this community organization further. What I found is a true New York City gem, located at the Pier 66 Boathouse along the Hudson. HRCS is a nonprofit organization defined by an amazing staff and membership that provides opportunities for local residents, students, veterans, and the physically challenged to experience the world through wind and water.
I decided to join immediately and have discovered a dedicated staff always willing to help and share their passion for sailing, and a group of sailors who are building a culture and community around helping others, teaching skills, and volunteering for community outreach.
Students learn STEM skills by building boats, sailing on the water, and navigating the local wind, weather, current, and traffic challenges. Sail Academy draws 250 students from local partner schools and provides many opportunities—teaching leadership, teamwork, science, and math through ocean literacy and maritime skills.
Veterans come together and share time on the water, learning new skills and building camaraderie in the Soldiers Under Sail program.
Several times each season, the club opens its doors and docks to offer neighbors the opportunity to experience the city from the Hudson under sail on one of our Community Days. Members volunteer to make it a fun, adventurous, and safe day for anyone who wants to come down to the water and sail!
Adaptive Sailing for New Yorkers of all abilities empowers participants by providing access to sailing with boats modified to accommodate individual needs, fostering inclusion and welcoming those living with disabilities.
HRCS members are also active in advocacy efforts with local governments and community boards to preserve, protect, and improve the river environment as well as expand community access.
Through the vision of its leadership, strength of its staff, and engagement of its membership, Hudson River Community Sailing is a stellar example of the power of giving back to the New York City community in such a welcoming and inclusive manner. It is truly an organization that deserves the support of NYARC—and one that I am proud to support throughout the year!
Scott Herrick, Skipper for Spark & Friends Team
It has been my pleasure to work closely with HRCS as President of the Regatta, and I can second Scott’s opinion: they are indeed a welcoming, inclusive, and dedicated group of people. I feel genuinely proud that we’re able to support them. And, as I always remind our supporters, it’s really you who make that support possible through your donations to the Regatta.
If you’d like to learn more about HRCS in general, or find out when their next Community Sailing Day is, visit their website:
https://hudsonsailing.org
Charles Prettyman
President, NY Architects Regatta