Unfortunately, most people only experience the joy of sailing by accidentally flying oversized kites too close to pools. Get a leg up on the average landlubber with today's Groupon: for $79, you get a two-hour sailing lesson from Hudson River Community Sailing in Hudson River Park (a $180 value). A naturally buoyant band of marine enthusiasts, Hudson River Community Sailing draws upon the experience and passion of its staff to initiate students into the world of wind-powered seafaring. Under the eye of a licensed captain, you'll learn the ropes and rudders aboard the popular J/24 in a two-hour educational expedition with up to three other students, any one of whom could be the next Captain Hook, Captain Cook, or Captain America. A 24-foot-long standardized sailboat, the J/24 is the most likely boat you'll encounter in the marina in Hudson River Park at 26th Street, so your newfound skills will transfer to plenty of future vessels. The excursion gives you the opportunity to learn new skills, spend time with friends, or meet new ones, all while taking in breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, just as the Pilgrims did before they landed at Ellis Island. Hudson River Community Sailing is a unique combination of nonprofit and sailing club. Proceeds from adult lessons and memberships go toward funding scholarship-based programs for at-risk urban youth. These programs help kids have constructive fun and learn an entertaining hobby, all while earning a credit to help them graduate. Reviews Hudson River Community Sailing has been mentioned numerous times in the press, including features in Time Out New York, the New York Sun, and the New York Times: - …through a program run by a nonprofit group called Hudson River Community Sailing, the youngsters got a crash course in boating last week, and picked up a few lessons about teamwork on the side. Bill Bahen, founder and director of the group, started the summer sailing program this year in the hope of increasing accessibility to a sport central to his own life. – Javier C. Hernandez, New York Times
 | Learn new skills | | Experienced instructors | | Skyline views | | Support at-risk youth | |
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