Hudson River Sloop Clearwater protects the Hudson River and stewards a robust and engaged intergenerational community of river advocates through sailing, education, advocacy, and music. We sail the historic sloop, Clearwater connecting communities from Albany to New York City with the Hudson River. Each year, thousands of students, educators, community members, musicians, and activists come together aboard the Clearwater to learn about the Hudson River and experience its majesty firsthand. Since 1969, more than half a million people have sailed with us.
Our sloop is opperated by our skilled crew with support from trainees and volunteers. Learn more about volunteering onboard and crew positions below.
Volunteer on the Sloop!
Applications are open year-round and are reviewed on a rolling basis starting in Feburary of each year for our April – October sailing season.
One of Clearwater’s greatest assets are our enthusiastic volunteers. Each week of the sailing season our crew is joined by 2-4 volunteers who live and work alongside our crew for a week or more helping facilitate onboard programs, sailing, and with chores and maintenance. Our volunteers bring unique perspectives and energy to our education program and onboard community and help facilitate education programs, sail, and with chores and maintenance.
Work Onboard
The Sloop Clearwater sails on the Hudson River from April to November, docking in communities between Rensselaer and NYC, and works to provide innovative environmental education programs, advocacy, and celebrations designed to expand people’s experience, awareness, and stewardship of this magnificent natural resource. Clearwater spends the Winter Maintenance season undergoing restoration preformed by our professional crew and trainees at our homeport in Kingston, NY. From July 2026 – April 2027 we will be undertaking the fifth and final phase of a 15+ year project to restore the hull of the sloop. Trainee positions are available for the project.