The change of season brings a time of transition for the sloop and crew, as we downrig Clearwater and begin winter maintenance. Each sailing season on the Hudson is unique, shaped by the mix of new and returning crew, weather conditions, and all the unknowns running a historic wooden sloop on a tidal estuary can bring.

This year we were lucky to have a strong crew, with a core of reliable and skilled professionals, 17 eager trainees, and 65 determined volunteers. Our Education team created a new Pint Sized Pirates Program, for toddler and pre-school age youngsters to explore the deck, sing a shanty, and meet Hudson River fish. We also returned to Bear Mountain for the first time in over 15 years, helping us better serve Orange, Rockland, and Westchester counties.

This season we did a lot of good work on the sloop, with an extended maintenance week in June when we rebuilt our rudder, caulked the hull, built a new rubrail, and prepared the Bear Mountain dock for our return. Looking forward to the winter, we will be addressing a few tired planks, replacing a corner of the cabin house, and upgrading our   batteries for the new fridge we built last year. We’re also strengthening our Winter Trainee Program, incorporating weekly skill-development sessions.

Lastly, I’m continuing to plan for Clearwater’s 2026-2027 restoration of the topsides and transom, the final phase of a 20+ year hull rebuild. We will haul out in mid-July of 2026, and intend to complete it in time for an on-schedule April 2027 launch.

It’s humbling to reflect on the hundreds of hands that have cared for the sloop over the years, and those who will come after me. It’s an honor to steward the Clearwater and pass along my knowledge to the next generation as I work with crew, trainees, and volunteers each season.

About Captain Rory
Born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut, Captain Rory Kane’s first sailing experience was as a volunteer aboard Clearwater in 2012. Since then, in addition to serving in nearly every position on the Sloop, he has vast experience on Tall Ships up and down the East and West Coasts, but always returned to the Hudson Valley because of the Clearwater Community. Having acquired his Captain’s License in 2019, and a decade of experience, Rory rejoined Clearwater as Captain in 2022.

Scenes from the Sloop

A glimpse into our 2025 sailing season.