If your kid has ever looked out at the Hudson and thought, “I want to do that,” City Sail from Hudson River Community Sailing is the summer camp they didn’t know they were waiting for. This week-long sailing and STEM adventure lets kids ages 9 to 17 trade classrooms for catamarans and textbooks for teamwork—all while learning to navigate the water and the science behind it.
Held at Pier 66 in Chelsea and Inwood Hill Park, the program combines hands-on sailing instruction with STEM-based lessons in wind, water and navigation. Campers learn everything from tacking and jibing to reading charts and understanding the physics that make boats move. It’s learning, disguised as something cooler.
New sailors are encouraged to sign up for at least two weeks to build a solid foundation and reinforce skills through more time on the water. And no, they won’t be out in a storm. If the weather turns, the focus shifts to land-based activities, games and boat rigging until it’s safe to sail again.
For teens ages 14 to 17, there’s a dedicated Teen Sailing Camp with more advanced instruction and deeper exploration of sailing and leadership. Whether your kid wants to sail competitively or just master a new skill, City Sail is equal parts confidence-builder and memory-maker.
Location: West 26th Street & 12th Avenue, Pier 66, New York, NY 10001; 348 Dyckman St, New York, NY 10034
Contact: citysail@hudsonsailing.org
Price: $740/week
Ages: 9–17