This article is part of FT Globetrotter’s guide to New York.
As the sun began to set on Tuesday, our boat encountered an issue with our spinnaker sail. We were racing near Ellis Island, making our way towards the southern tip of Manhattan. The spinnaker sail, a wide and powerful option for racing with the wind, was causing us trouble. It required us to change direction and replace it with a different sail to keep up with our rival sailboats. However, the spinnaker proved to be quite difficult. Our crewmate in the bow struggled to haul it down to the deck as it fought back against the wind. Our skipper yelled in frustration as we started to lose speed.
Sailboat racing is a sport that can be as aggressive and competitive as any land-based game. Outmaneuvering your opponents is the key to victory. It’s like a game of chess on the water, pitting the crew against the wind, currents, and even passing barges.
Many people may experience sailing on the Hudson River in a more relaxed and luxurious capacity, such as on a company-chartered cruise or a leisurely sunset ride for a friend’s birthday, capturing selfies with the Statue of Liberty in the background. However, to truly understand and embrace New York’s sailing culture, lessons are the best way to go.
Whether you’re racing or cruising, sailing in New York offers breathtaking views of the city skyline and unforgettable sunsets that can’t be experienced on land. It transports you back to a time when bridges and tunnels didn’t exist, and traveling by boat across the harbor was the only option. New York has various sailing options for beginners and skippers alike. However, if you’re a tourist looking to rent a sailboat for a solo adventure in the harbor, you’re out of luck. Your best bet is to find some local sailing enthusiasts who can take you out on their boats.
In New York, there are three types of sailing experiences: lessons, club memberships, and eventually becoming a sailing skipper. Lessons are the most affordable and quickest way for beginners to get a taste of sailing. They also teach you about the unique aspects of New York’s waterways, such as strong currents, fast barges, and an abundance of jet skiers. Knowing the right-of-way rules is important, but you’d better steer clear of Circle Line cruises that circle around Manhattan, as they won’t hesitate to run you over.
For those who want to make sailing a part of their New York lifestyle, there are two types of memberships available at various sailing clubs. General memberships grant access to club facilities, but you’ll need to sail with a skipper. Only trained skippers are allowed to take boats out on their own and lead a racing crew. However, even as a regular member, you can still enjoy the thrill of racing as part of a crew.
When I moved to New York in 2019, I was eager to join the sailboats on the water. For my Tuesday evening race that was plagued by spinnaker problems, I joined a crew from the Manhattan Yacht Club. Founded in 1987, this club is credited with the revival of recreational sailing in New York. Before 1986, the city used to dump raw sewage into the Hudson River. Today, while the water isn’t perfect, it’s home to seals and whales.
New York’s sailing options are increasingly popular and cater to people of all ages. There are even lessons available for kids, as well as social events for everyone to enjoy when the wind isn’t favorable. So leave your worries behind and check out my top recommendations for sailing in Gotham.
The Manhattan Yacht Club, located in Jersey City, New Jersey, is an excellent option for those looking for exciting races and the opportunity to meet international sailors. However, it may not be convenient for those who live outside of New Jersey. The club owns a 157-foot yacht called the Arabella, which can be booked for luxurious cruises to Martha’s Vineyard in the summer and the Caribbean in the winter.
During my racing excursion with the Manhattan Yacht Club, I was part of a crew racing in a J/24 against other club boats. Although I learned to sail as a child, I’m not an experienced racer. My main responsibility during the race was to avoid getting hit by the boom. Despite my limited contribution, everyone on the team was welcoming and even allowed me to sail the boat back to the docks after the race. Being in close proximity to the financial district, this club attracts many Wall Street professionals. Its membership fluctuates with the booms and busts of the financial industry. The club also hosts corporate regattas involving Wall Street banks like UBS and Deutsche.
Membership at the Manhattan Yacht Club comes with a yearly fee of $1,700 for regular members, with additional costs for skipper privileges. The club also offers lessons through the Manhattan Sailing School, its public teaching arm. Their weekend instructional program starts at $590.
As the saying goes, sailing is what you do in between drinking. That’s why the Manhattan Yacht Club offers a vibrant atmosphere for members to grill, drink, and socialize after races. They also have an indoor clubroom, which was undergoing renovations during my visit.
Another great option for sailing in New York is the One°15 Brooklyn Sail Club. Located near the Brooklyn Bridge, this club provides high-speed, modern boats and easy access for residents of Brooklyn neighborhoods. However, if you don’t live in Brooklyn, getting here can be inconvenient. The marina also has two eateries – a bakery and a restaurant – for when you need a break from sailing.
Stephen Yip, the executive director of sailing at One°15 Brooklyn Marina, previously worked as an instructor at the Manhattan Sailing School and is familiar with the Manhattan Yacht Club. He aims to create a more inclusive and less club-like atmosphere at One°15. While they don’t have a trophy-filled clubroom, they do boast a fleet of fast boats, including Melges 24s and J/80s, which are known for their speed on the water. These boats don’t require spinnaker poles, making races less complicated without sacrificing excitement. The club’s races take place south of Governors Island, providing stunning views of the sunset against the backdrop of the financial district’s illuminated towers. After the race, crew members gather at Estuary, the marina’s restaurant, for drinks, dinner, and a discussion about the race.
Membership at One°15 Brooklyn Sail Club requires an annual fee, but the exact cost wasn’t mentioned in the article.
Sailing is a unique and thrilling way to experience New York City. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sailor, there are options available for you to enjoy the beauty of the city from the water. So why not leave your worries on the shore and set sail on an unforgettable adventure?
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