Hudson River Community Sailing to host 13th annual Sailing for Scholars Gala and Regatta Fundraiser

Hudson River Community Sailing (HRCS) © James Schriebl

Hudson River Community Sailing (HRCS), a leading nonprofit organization that develops leadership and academic success for New York City public school students and provides maritime education and recreation to the community at large, will host its 13th annual Sailing for Scholars Gala and Regatta in New York City from October 19 to October 23.

The gala will be held in the Model Room of the New York Yacht Club on October 19 and will honor Captain Zeita Merchant, Sector Commander/Captain of the Port of NY/NJ U.S. Coast Guard Sector of New York, and Dr. Stacy Blain, co-founder, Chief Scientific Officer, and acting CEO of Concarlo Therapeutics. Sailing teams will raise funds and compete in a two-day regatta October 22-23 at the Dyckman Marina in Inwood.

All proceeds from Sailing for Scholars directly support HRCS's innovative youth development and maritime access programs, including Sail Academy, a multi-year program that uses sailing and boat-building to teach math, science, and leadership to middle and high school students. Concepts are taught on land and water using small-group, experiential learning. The program includes internships, where students learn every aspect of running a commercial sailing school, preparing them with important job skills and career awareness. Students receive vital college access programming and networking opportunities through this program.

Founded in 2008, with locations in Chelsea and Inwood, HRCS currently partners with 13 New York City middle and high schools to offer academic and social-emotional support. The academic curriculum is designed with teachers to support state standards, and students earn academic credit as they learn to sail, navigate, construct wooden boats, and study the marine environment. Earlier this month, HRCS launched a partnership with Community Offshore Wind to offer marine and wind education through sailing to students. Last year, HRCS piloted an adaptive program to serve a range of populations with disabilities.

"We would not be able to offer students various opportunities throughout the year without our generous donors, especially those who support our annual Sailing for Scholars Gala and Regatta," said HRCS Executive Director Robert Burke. "We are grateful for all of the support for our growing organization, which truly makes a difference in the lives of the New York students we support."

The 2022 Sailing for Scholars schedule includes:

• Wednesday, Oct. 19—Gala and Silent Auction—HRCS will host its gala in-person in the Model Room of the New York Yacht Club. There will be cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a unique silent auction, and remarks from HRCS students. Captain Zeita Merchant and Dr. Stacy Blain will be honored. You can purchase tickets here.

• Saturday, Oct. 22 - Sunday, Oct. 23—Regatta—With racing all weekend long, teams will compete on the water at the Dyckman Marina in Inwood. Winners will be announced at a post-event reception at The Hudson. The full list of competing teams - including HRCS's youth racing team the Sea Dragons - with options to donate to each is available here.