Earlier this month, I made my way to Hunts Point to visit our friends at Rocking the Boat (RTB).  Walking up to their bright blue but unassuming building in an industrial section of the Bronx River waterfront, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. But as soon as I stepped inside, I found myself in the happy maelstrom of a thriving youth program.
 
Students were grabbing food from a hot buffet, chatting with peers and mentors, checking in with career and college counselor Ricardo Almonte, playing team-building games, preparing scholarship applications, and rigging boats—all with a sense of energy, focus, and camaraderie. There was too much happening to capture it all in one newsletter, but a few things stood out:

Hands-On Learning: More Than Just Boats
 
RTB students start in middle school with an introduction to all their disciplines. In high school, they choose one of three tracks, each designed to build practical skills, confidence, and leadership:

Boatbuilding – Led by Leland Gibson, this program is at the heart of RTB. Students don’t just build boats — they build skills in math, physics, engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork. They learn to read technical plans, handle tools, and manage long-term projects—valuable lessons that extend far beyond the workshop. Their boats, including the Whitehall 17 and Whitehall 14, are built from cedar and white oak, including fallen trees from the New York Botanical Gardens, turning urban forestry into functional craftsmanship. 
Environmental Science and Justice – Under Lily Buck’s leadership, students engage in air quality monitoring, beekeeping, water testing, and habitat restoration. One of their most impactful efforts is managing three local wetlands. Wetlands are often overlooked, but they are critical ecosystems—they filter water, protect against coastal erosion, and support immense biodiversity. That distinctive “ocean” smell so many associate with the sea? It’s actually the scent of wetlands—the interface between land and water, where life flourishes. Just as the Architects Regatta connects architecture and the waterfront, RTB students are bridging the built and natural environments in a meaningful way.
Sailing – Guided by Juan Pablo Sarmiento Torres, students experience a broad range of sailing disciplines. They race 420s and Quests, sail the classic wooden boats they’ve built, and even experiment with high-performance sailing, rigging boats with spinnakers and trapezes. RTB also provides opportunities for blue-water sailing, taking students on voyages to the Chesapeake and the Caribbean—an extraordinary expansion of horizons for young sailors from the South Bronx. Watching these programs in action, it struck me that RTB isn’t just teaching skills—it’s teaching identity. These students don’t just build boats—they become boatbuilders. They don’t just test water quality—they become environmental stewards. They don’t just sail—they become sailors.

RTB’s tagline—“Kids don’t just build boats, boats build kids”—couldn’t be more fitting.

RTB is a vibrant and multifaceted organization, and I encourage you to experience their work firsthand.

Free Public Rowing & Sailing – Every Saturday from May 24 to August 30, you can hop into one of RTB’s handmade wooden boats at Hunts Point Riverside Park—no reservations needed.  Ther is also a birdwatching program for those who prefer to stay on land. rockingtheboat.org/public-programs/free

Model Sailboat Concession in Central Park – Staffed by RTB alumni, this iconic New York experience lets you sail and stay on land. The doors open seven days a week starting April 1.  Check their website for hours.  https://sailcentralpark.com/

Rocking the Boathouse – The best chance to meet the RTB team and hear about their programs! This lively cocktail party at the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park supports their incredible mission. rockingtheboathouse.org 

Rocking Manhattan – This annual day-long row around the island a thrilling physical and symbolic journey. If you’re interested in participating, this year’s event is scheduled for September 20, the weekend after the NY Architects Regatta. rockingmanhattan.org

A Personal Note of Thanks
 
RTB is a large organization, and the Architects Regatta is just one of many supporters. But Jaye Pockriss, RTB’s Chief Operating Officer (and my tour guide), has always gone out of her way to make me feel that our support is valued and makes a difference.  I want to pass that appreciation on to you. Every donation made to the Regatta helps organizations like Rocking the Boat change lives.
 
Looking forward to seeing you all on the water soon!
 
Best,
Charles Prettyman
President, New York Architects Regatta Foundation