SAILING INTO SUMMER

February 15, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Sailing School Contact: Jody Taffet Sterling, Sailing School Director

Media Contact: Kirsty Gaukel, Press & Marketing Manager

The Sailing School at Hudson River Maritime Museum Announces 2024 Sailing Programs

KINGSTON, N.Y. –  The Sailing School at the Hudson River Maritime Museum (HRMM) is pleased to announce that 2024 youth, family and adult sailing programs are now open for registration. As the only accredited US Sailing school in the Hudson Valley, the Sailing School features seeks to inspire a new generation of enthusiasts. encouraging them to embrace the river as their playground and classroom, and fostering a lifelong love of sailing. 

Based out of the Museum’s waterfront campus, situated on the Rondout Creek in Kingston, New York, the Sailing School’s fleet includes three 420s, two capris, a Snipe, and eight Optimist Pram sailboats. Descriptions of the programs available are provided below. For additional information and links to register for individual classes, visit www.hrmm.org/sailing-school or call Jody Sterling, Sailing School Director at (845) 338-0071. Early Registration is recommended as spots in our youth sailing classes do sell out. 
All HRMM members receive discounts on registration fees. Limited scholarships are available for youth programs at www.hrmm.org/youth-sailing-program.

YOUTH SAILING
The following on-the-water classes begin in June, 2024. 

Parent-Child Sailing Class
Ages 5 - 9, with an adult
US Sailing Certified instructors welcome students to sailing in this three, 3-hour session (1 pm-4 pm) class in a comfortable environment,  where students feel safe, have fun and learn some sailing basics while making friends and having new experiences. 

Dates: June 26 - 28 and July 1 - 3
Tuition: $250 (HRMM Member discounts $230-$240)


Introduction to Youth Sailing
Ages 7 - 9
US Sailing Certified instructors welcome students to the world of sailing in a three 3-hour (9 am-12 noon) class in a nurturing environment designed to ensure each student feels comfortable aboard sailboats, is safe, has fun and learns some sailing concepts, while making new friends and having new experiences. 

Dates:June 26 - 28 and July 1 - 3
Tuition: $250 (HRMM Member discounts $230-$240)

Building & Sailing Boats
Ages 10 - 17
Young people will be introduced to woodworking, boatbuilding and sailing in this 4-day (28 hour)  course encompassing a range of STEM focused skills and activities. Cooperation, teamwork, self-confidence, and independence will be gained as students learn to build and sail boats.

Dates:  July 30-August 2 and August 27-30
Tuition: $440 (HRMM Member discounts $380-$400)

Youth Sailing Program​
Ages 10 - 17  
US Sailing certified instructors lead six one-week youth sailing experiences, from 9 am to 4 pm, (35 hours)  for youth ages ten to seventeen.  The focus on safety, fun and learning.  Mixed age and experience levels allow experienced students to take on leadership roles.  New sailors learn from instructors and their peers and proceed at their own pace. 

Dates:  July 8 - 12, July 15 - 19, July 22 - 26, Aug. 5 - 9, Aug. 12 - 16, and Aug. 19 - 23
Tuition: $575 (HRMM Member discounts $529-$552)


ADULT SAILING COURSE OPTIONS

First Sail: Adults will enjoy a relaxing two-hour  introduction to sailing on the Rondout Creek and the Hudson River  aboard our stable catboat Tidbit. Experienced sailors are also welcome. Adults may also sign up children age 5 and older to join them.
 
Dates: Saturdays: 11 am - 1 pm or 2 - 4 pm
June 8, 15, 22, 29; July 13, 20, 27; Aug. 3 & 24; Sept. 7, 14, 21, 2024  
Tuition: $64- $70 per adult, $50 per child

Adult Sailing Series is a four-session (12-hour) class, designed for adults 18 and older, who are either new to sailing or who have some experience but wish to get out on the water and practice their skills. 

Dates: 
Class 1: 4:30 - 7:30 pm, June 11, 13, 18, 20
Class 2: 4:30 - 7:30 pm, July 9, 11, 16, 18
Class 3: 4:30 - 7:30 pm, Aug. 6, 8, 13, 15
Class 4: 4:30 - 7:30 pm,  Aug. 20, 22, 27, 29
Class 5: 3:30pm-6:30pm, Sept. 10, 12, 17. 19

Tuition:​ $400  (with discounts for HRMM members)

US Sailing Basic Keelboat is an intensive,  21-hour class taught by US Sailing Certified instructors and covers many topics which a competent sailor will need to master. The course will use the Basic Keelboat textbook published by the US Sailing Association, and students who successfully complete the course will be eligible to become certified as Basic Keelboat Sailors through US Sailing. 

Dates: 
​Class 1:  Mon. & Fridays, June 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28; July 1, 4:30 - 7:30pm. 
Class 2: Mon. and Fridays, July 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29, 4:30 - 7:30 pm. 
Class 3: Saturdays, July 13, 20, 27 and Aug. 3, 2024; 11:00 am to 4:15 pm. 
Class 4: Mondays and Fridays, Aug. 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 2024; 4:30 - 7:30 pm.
​Class 5: Mondays and Fridays, Sept. 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30; 3:30 - 6:30 pm. 

Tuition: $600 (with discounts for HRMM members)

New in 2024! US Sailing Performance Sailing is an intensive 21-hour class taught by US Sailing Certified instructors for those who have mastered the basics and have already earned US Sailing Basic Keelboat certification. Performance Sailing will cover more advanced skills focused on Sails, Boat Handling, Wind, Basic Racing, Safety and Emergencies. 

Prerequisite: US Sailing Basic Keelboat Student Certification
Dates:
Class 1: Saturdays, 11 am - 4:15 pm, June 8, 15, 22, 29
Class 2: Saturdays, 11 am - 4:15 pm, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28, 2024

Tuition:  $600 (with discounts for HRMM members)​

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The Hudson River Maritime Museum is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the maritime history of the Hudson River, its tributaries and related industries. In addition to extensive collections documenting maritime transportation, industry, recreation, and natural science, the museum offers classes and programs at its Wooden Boat School, Sailing and Rowing School, and aboard Solaris, the 100% solar powered tour boat and floating classroom. The museum is located along the historic Rondout waterfront in downtown Kingston. Visit www.hrmm.org for more information.

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Photos
Photos with captions below:​

Safety, Fun,  Friendship and Learning Abound in Youth Sailing! Photo courtesy of HRMM

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First Sail Students Aboard the Comfortable, Historic Catboat Tidbit. Photo courtesy of HRMM.

Adult Sailors Build Skills and Enjoy the Beautiful Hudson River. Photo courtesy of HRMM