Clearwater is pleased to announce its 2011 summer group sail schedule. Clearwater’s excellent onboard programs are a great way to enhance classroom curriculum. Educators, Scout leaders, camp instructors, youth groups and those interested in a chartering a vessel for a private event or fundraiser are invited to review the schedule and contact Clearwater to book their group sail adventure, or visit www.clearwater.org/come-sailing/educational-group-sails to submit an application online.
A group sail provides an outstanding way to experience the Hudson River, with the boats departing from several docks from Albany to New York City. Three-hour sails include a dockside orientation, otter trawl to gather specimens for the fish tank, a call for “all hands to the halyards” to help hoist the sails, interactive learning stations on water chemistry, physics, ecology, and history, music provided by the crew with sing-a-longs, and an opportunity to take the tiller. Clearwater sails rain or shine, and it is recommended that groups take the weather into account when booking a sail.
The schooner Mystic Whaler joins the sloop this season from April through June to complement Clearwater’s educational and public sail programs. While onboard the vessels, passengers enjoy the experience of sailing on an historic tall ship. Each sail is an ecological adventure as well as a voyage of discovery, learning about the Hudson, and joining in songs about sailing and the environment. Of course, all sails include time to relax and enjoy the beauty of the River!
Dates are still open to book a group sail onboard the Clearwater and Mystic Whaler. Educational group sails are priced at $1,250; adult non-profit group sails, $2,000; individual private charters $2,500; and business/corporate charters, $3,000. Fees include all costs associated with the sail, but do not include transportation to and from the dock. Clearwater is able to offer a limited number of partial scholarships to schools and groups serving youth in underserved communities. Clearwater education programs meet NYS Learning Standards.
To book a group sail aboard Clearwater or Mystic Whaler, or for more information, please contact Catherine Stankowski, Sail Program Manager, at (845) 265-8080 x7107 or at sailcoord@clearwater.org. Your educational trip aboard sloop Clearwater may be eligible for assistance through BOCES. Check with your local BOCES office for more information.
