Hudson River CS: The outlook is anything but Dark n' Stormy
THERE ARE COMMUNITY SAILING CENTERS, and then there are CSCs that are big, cool de facto yacht clubs and much more. Two good examples are Sail Newport (Newport, RI) of which your Ed. is a proud co-founder, and San Francisco's Treasure Island Sailing Center. Another is Hudson River Community Sailing in New York City. Now in their 11th year, the primary HRSC location is in Chelsea on New York's lower west side. They occupy the award-winning Pier 66 Boathouse at 26th street inside Hudson River Park. HRCS also has a new, smaller base at the Dyckman Street Marina, tucked along the shore of northern Manhattan adjacent to Inwood Hill Park. Chelsea is the base for our Youth Development Programs, and offers a full array of Community Sailing opportunities.
Their mission statement is, frankly, awesome:
HRCS believes everyone can learn to sail, and that sailing provides a unique opportunity for growth and discovery. We use sailing to fulfill our mission: developing leadership and academic success in underserved New York City youth, and providing maritime education to the city at large. We do this within a vibrant community sailing center, where we offer professional instruction, membership, veterans courses, summer camp, group and corporate events, and community regattas.
Over the past decade I've had the pleasure of being their guest speaker for more than one HRCS fundraising gala. I can attest first-hand to the energy and spirit that they've brought to Manhattan sailing, and our sport, in only ten years.
HRCS gets a lot of good ink in NYC-area media and the business press. Lots. Again, good not only for HRCS but sailing in general.
Tomorrow night is their 10th annual "Dark n' Stormy" benefit. Proceeds from the Dark n' Stormy support Hudson River Community Sailing's mission of developing leadership in underserved New York City youth through sailing education, and providing maritime recreation to the community at large. Hudson River Community Sailing is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
The bad news is that the benefit is SOLD OUT. HRCS has become one of the hot tickets among Manhattan's young movers and shakers. It's a great party. Better luck getting a ticket next year.
The good news is that you can still contribute by purchasing raffle tickets. You do not need to be present to win. Check out the nice raffle prizes:
Six cases of craft beer from Union Beer Distributers
A private workout class at SLT NYC
Tickets to the New York Giants
Time-Tailored Cufflinks
A certificate to Class Pass
A tour of the Rose Island Lighthouse
A two-day intro to race boat handling at J-World Annapolis
Two tickets to Stephan Colbert's Late Night Show
Dinner at the Grey Lady
Classic Harbor Lines tour
Helly Hansen Gear
Tickets to the New York Yankees
Outward Bound climbing lesson
Brooklyn Boulders certificate
North Sails Gear
Bracelets from Lemon and Line
Dinner at La Marina
York River Traders dog lease and collar
Line Cut Certificate at Clinton Street Baking Company
A sunset sail aboard Ventura
Apparel from 12 Degrees West
Or you can make a direct, tax-deductible donation here.
Sold out! But you can still buy raffle tickets (and win without being present) or make a tax-deductible contribution.