Growing a Community Through Sailing

Reposted from August 23rd, 2022.

Thanks to community partnerships, a wonderful event unfolded at the Hudson River Maritime Museum (HRMM) in Kingston, New York and on the Hudson River on Saturday, August 13, 2022.  

Fourteen middle school age girls from underserved communities that usually do not have access to waterfront activities and sailing, along with eight adult women mentors, spent a day at the Rondout Creek waterfront and sailing on the Hudson River as part of the National AdventureSail Program, organized by the National Women’s Sailing Association.
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Participants experienced the world of sailing for the first time: the beauty of the Hudson River, the tranquility and peace of sailing, the focus and skill required by sailing well, the ability to stay calm despite challenges, the teamwork required and the connections built  as part of a crew.

Girls and mentors met their skippers and crew members, everyone suited up with life jackets, boarded their boats, and eight sailboats headed out the Rondout Creek to the Hudson River.  The day was spectacularly beautiful with fluffy clouds, sun and blue skies, warm temperatures that were not too hot, and a brisk 12-15 knot breeze over sparkling water.
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Many of the boats opted to sail under mainsail alone (in contrast to the usual jib and mainsail configuration)  to ensure the new sailors were comfortable. Everyone enjoyed a beautiful sail on the River, South of the Kingston/Rhinecliff Bridge and North of the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse, until 1:00 pm, when they returned to the dock at HRMM.

At the closing circle, girls shared what they learned and what they liked about the day. Most had never been on a sailboat before. One participant said, “ It was all new, so I loved all of it!” Another said, “It was interesting to learn the zig zag motion to get where we wanted to go.” One girl said, “I liked meeting new people, and it was fun sailing with them.” The food got high marks too.  Several girls plan to apply for scholarships for 2023 youth sailing classes at the Sailing School at HRMM in 2023, so they can learn more! 

One of the adult mentors from Mentor Me said, “Thank you so much for the experience. It was amazing to see the Girls feel so proud!”
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Finally, the day was crowned by a delicious ice cream cake which was enjoyed by all, and everyone bid their new friends goodbye. ​

It took a village to create this memorable event: The National Women’s Sailing Association provided guidance and information as well as donating backpacks for the girls. Kati Haynes of HAYNES MARKETING + MEDIA ​documented the day with her beautiful photographs. 
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MentorMe of Ulster County identified interested girls and mentors, explained to parents (many of whom do not speak English) what the day would entail, got permission from parents and transported the girls to the waterfront.

The Hudson River Maritime Museum provided the venue, and The Sailing School at the HRMM provided three sailboats along with skilled, certified sailing instructors who volunteered as skippers,  and Kingston Sailing Club members provided five sailboats with volunteer skilled skippers and crew. Kingston Sailing Club members also donated breakfast foods, water bottles for each girl, and an ice cream cake, the Bruderhof Community donated lunch for everyone, Mother Earth Storehouse donated snacks for the girls, Adams Fairacre Farms donated a beautiful fruit tray for breakfast, and the National Women’s Sailing Association provided string backpacks for all the girls. ​