A Typical Day

9:00

Campers arrive and gather on the docks for a quick meeting discussing the day's activities and lessons. This is also the time of day where we work on land based lessons such as knots and splicing.

9:30

After a short dinghy ride to the mooring field, campers rig the boats for the day's activities. Sail covers are removed, engines fired up, radios powered, weather and tides checked and a course is planned.


10:00

Campers man the helm, raise the sails and release mooring lines. We depart the Boat Basin. Campers are in control of everything on board, sails, lines, motors, electronics.  The instructor is onboard to teach and guide them. 


10:30

On a southbound course towards the Statue of Liberty we take in the inspiring New York City skyline while learning to navigate using landmarks.

11:30

Since almost everyday is a beautiful one on New York harbor, we decide to pull just past the statue to drop anchor and eat lunch on deck. Campers sometimes assist in food preparation and all meals are plentiful and fun - big part of the sailing experience!


1:00

The anchor is weighed and we’ve set sail again, this time for some casual racing. Campers take turns at strategy and quickly learn how to be the fastest boat on the water.

1:15

The adrenaline is pumping as the crew scrambles across the deck and into the cockpit. Campers station themselves at the winches as the skipper, waiting for his or her next signal. “Ready to tack?” he yells over the sound of the wind. “Ready!” he's assured by the crew. “Hard alee,” he calls as he begins to head up, turning the boat through the wind. He shouts “Break,” as the sails start to luff and you begin to grind them in like crazy. You know the faster you work the better chance you and your crew have of catching the boat ahead. Crewmates are cheering you on as you expertly trim the sail. The boat cuts through the water and continues to gain speed. “Wow, I’ve only been sailing for a few days!” is the comment we hear most. 


2:30

After the races and post race celebrations it's time to put the boats to bed. We steam back to the docks, campers in charge of the helm, throttle and the entire mooring procedure. We pull along our designated moorings, tie up, wash down the deck, cover the brightwork, fold sails and wrap up the days lessons.

3:00

A short dinghy ride back to the dock, this time campers at the helm, during a short boat handling under power lesson.

3:30

Say goodbye and dream about tomorrow's adventure!