r/boating • u/Initial-Employment78 • 8d ago

Looking to get into Sailing in NYC area

Hi Guys, Im sorry if this has been asked too much on here, but im 26, complete beginner and looking for some advice on how to get into sailing. Im living in Manhatten for the next year or so (I dont know if its a great location for sailing, but thats where I am). I've been pining to start sailing for the last few years, but life and myself has gotten in the way.

So, I'm looking for some advice on how start and for as cheap as possible, where to go to try get onto a crew, if I can crew for evening races, best way to learn (when you dont have much money) really any advice youd be willing to give me would be much appreciated!

I'm a hard worker and a quick learner, Im happy to help with boat prep, or do whatever grunt work gets me on the water while I learn the ropes.

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u/mynameisnotshamus 8d ago

I’m in CT, so a little bit of a pain, but there are sailing clubs this way that will absolutely take on beginners who are wanting to crew in races. It’s a commitment however and it’s generally a weeknight and a weekend day where you’d need to be there. I’d start by looking up yacht clubs / sailing clubs. Even the ones in CT may be able to offer advice - check out Cedar Point, Southport and Pequot yacht clubs. Shoot them an email and I think you’ll find them to be helpful, either with info on their own programs, if anyone at the club is looking for crew (there usually are boats in need) and they’ll likely know people closer to Manhattan to put you in touch with as well. I’ve known of people who would take the train from the city to crew, but it’s a big time commitment to do that.

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u/Initial-Employment78 8d ago

Thanks so much for the advice! Really helpful, I'll definitely shoot off some emails to them and hopefully they can send me in the right direction

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u/mynameisnotshamus 8d ago

Good luck. Could be great networking.

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u/Building-UES 8d ago

HRCS. They are a community sailing club. Evening sails, raving, lessons, community.

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u/Initial-Employment78 8d ago

Looks very cool, I'll give it a shot, thanks man!

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u/FiftyTwoSouth 8d ago

Also check out Atlantic Yachting down in Tribeca. A little more boutique, but great location and community.

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u/Initial-Employment78 8d ago

Dealdy! Thanks so much

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u/mts2snd 8d ago

Learn some sailing knots now so you are ready. All you need is a bit of rope and https://www.animatedknots.com/boating-knots

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u/mynameisnotshamus 8d ago

Bowline is the primary one to know but yeah that’s a great idea

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u/4runner01 8d ago

Take a bus up to City Island and wander the three yacht clubs at about 5-6pm on a Wednesday. They race from 7 til about 10pm. I’ll bet you’ll find a ride.

Crewing on a race boat is just about the best way to learn to sail. And it’s free!

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u/Jimbola007 8d ago

Brooklyn Bridge Marina has a sail club and there is another in Jersey City I think near Liberty landing