The late 1960s were a time of political and social upheaval in the United States. Taking action to protect the river was a natural extension of the sentiments of that time, that are once again mainstream today. Clearwater inspired families and friends to work alongside each other to protect the resource flowing through their community. Today, Clearwater holds generations together through collective work to bring about a cleaner, greener, safer world. The memories in the Generations Story Archive share why grassroots generosity and community action are powerful forces for good.

Clearwater Shows That Change Is Possible

December 1st, 2023|

Dear Clearwater, In 2010 I participated in the Young Women at the Helm program. I often credit that experience as one of the starting points of my environmental education journey that has propelled so [...]

Sejle sammen/Sailing Together

November 22nd, 2023|

Dear Clearwater, Clearwater never sailed as far as Denmark, nevertheless she steered me on a course that linked me forever to a Viking ship from a small town on a small island in that [...]

As Long As I Can Haul A Line

November 17th, 2023|

Dear Clearwater, For many people, the words “middle school” bring up memories of awkwardness and questionable fashion choices, but for me, I think of two life changing decisions: joining marching band, which led me [...]

Still Together On the Hudson

November 9th, 2023|

Dear Clearwater,   In the fall of 1973, I borrowed my parents' car to bring my belongings to college for the start of my senior year. When I returned home the next day, I [...]

An Autumnal Thriller

November 3rd, 2023|

Dear Clearwater, Long, long ago, before personal computers were invented, the Clearwater used to honor the fall harvest by having a pumpkin sail the last two weeks in October. We would start in Albany, [...]

“Real Sailing Happens on the Hudson.”

January 23rd, 2023|

Dear Clearwater, I first met Clearwater in 2009 when I started as a month-long winter maintenance apprentice. The stories I have about Clearwater and her people are many. The impact that the boat and the [...]

“Two Unforgettable Weeks Aboard.”

January 9th, 2023|

Dear Clearwater, This year in late September, I visited New York City together with my oldest daughter Rebecca. It was my first visit to the city after exactly 25 years. We stood at the Hudson [...]

“Growing Up Clearwater.”

December 19th, 2022|

Dear Clearwater, My first introduction to Clearwater was a winter maintenance potluck. I was 6 years old and my mom read about it in the paper. By the time I did my first week of [...]

“Clearwater Changed Everything.”

December 12th, 2022|

Dear Clearwater,  This August, I finished my second summer living, working, and sailing on the Sloop Clearwater, and I couldn’t be more grateful. If you told me in June of 2021 that a month later [...]

“The Gift Clearwater Gave Me.”

November 28th, 2022|

Dear Clearwater, My first time on the boat was an autumn sail out of Beacon in 1998, I was part of a Hudson Valley AmeriCorps team, and we had a team building activity (read: party) [...]

“Revolutionary Work.”

November 21st, 2022|

Dear Clearwater, My earliest memories of Clearwater go back to when I was about 4 years old, traveling with my parents Tom and Edral Winslow, going to places like Caffe Lena to see my father [...]

“Learning While Doing.”

November 14th, 2022|

Dear Clearwater, I remember my first trip with my students on the Clearwater and how much the integrative, hands-on experience excited and empowered even the weakest of science students. To prepare for each sail, students [...]

The stories shared include tales from generations of winter’s past, potlucks, protests, volunteering to feed thousands at revival, and most importantly, bringing The Sailing Classroom to hundreds of thousands of Hudson Valley dwellers.

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