Winter Sailing

Despite the winter respite it seems that the sailing season never really ends, even when snowflakes are swirling. This is certainly the case this year. In the past month the sailing community is witnessing many major events, with many more scheduled.

At the present time, we have two 100’+ catamarans en route to smashing Dame Ellen MacArthur’s non-stop round the world record. After only five days at sea, Francis Joyon is already one day ahead of the record. 

The America’s Cup off-the-water legal battle has been settled in favor of BMW/Oracle. Each side’s attorney’s fees are certain to exceed the entire budget of an America’s Cup campaign just a few decades ago. 

For a timely, irreverent look at these stories and more in the world of sailboat racing take a look at these sites:

SailingAnarchy.com : Interactive ezine about the world of sailboat racing. Includes articles, interviews, editorials, rumors, and message board.

SailWorld.com : Sail boats, sailors, yachts, yachting, boats, boating Australia, New Zealand, Asia Pacific. Regatta, racing news, offshore, inshore sail boat racing.

Sail.TV: One of our favorites for keeping up to date on the Americas Cup action, some great online footage for free too!

MadForSailing.com : Competitive sailor's guide to weather, regattas, and resources on the web including news and race results.

The Perfect Holiday Gift

This year launch a dream for your special someone. Sailing is much more than a sport or a pastime, it truly is a passport to a lifetime of adventure. Give the gift that starts with an immediate thrill and grows into lasting memories. Whether you start them with Sailing Lessons, surprise them with a Private Charter, two weeks of Sailing Camp for the kids, or encourage them with a Gift Certificate for any amount, yours will be the gift that both of you will always remember.

So much news, no time to write it down...

We've been having an amazing summer so far. Our summer camp was a huge success with twice as many campers as we had last year. We've done tons of amazing charters, and even had a record breaking six engagements on board. We plan to be sailing throughout October, some of the best sailing is in September, so if you're considering coming out, now's the time.

The Best Experience Ever

CG on CitySearch says:

If you are searching the internet for the right yacht or sailboat charter, look no further. I got engaged on one of their sailing yachts , "GoLightly" (The boat was pristine) , and it was the most memorable experience ever. The captain (Miles) was extremely creative with helping me make this night a surprise evening to remember. Without giving away the mushy details (come up with your own idea! ;) - it could not have gone smoother. After I popped the question, the champagne, strawberries and roses I ordered were brought up to the front of the ship for us to celebrate. They then hooked up my Ipod to play one of my personal playlists on the boats speakers making it even more of a personalized experience. Extremely classy crew, smooth and discreet payment process, etc. This really had it all and then some! These guys really know what they are doing. Fair prices, GREAT service, in your face views of the manhattan skyline, what more do you want????? Do not hesitate to book with these guys. I plan to book a charter with these guys with a larger group of friends as well, so don't think it is only a private couples thing. Either way you can't go wrong. Thanks again AYA!

Sailing with the Dead

Last night we took a sunset cruise with Mickey Hart, the renowned Drummer for the Grateful Dead, as part of his new travel series The Trip.  It was an amazing evening that concluded with a full scale jam session as we sailed under moonlight into the marina.

We love getting feedback from our guests...

Especially when its like this:

Just want to say thank you again so much for a wonderful and memorable experience aboard your boat. The professionalism of your staff was incomparable.

All best wishes...

J. Lonshein

Space still available in this weekends Bareboat Preparation course

We still have two spots available for this weekend's (May 19th and 20th) Bareboat Preparation course. This is a very exciting overnight sailing course that prepares you to charter a sailboat up to 50 feet in length at hundreds of locations throughout the world. Bareboat Chartering is one of the coolest vacations available and this course teaches you the skills you'll need to set sail. Give us a call for a last minute registration.

This season's second engagement aboard Golightly

Last night the AYA crew braved the high winds and rough seas to get the future Mr. and Mrs. Nordberg the perfect setting for their engagement.  The second this year aboard Golightly. Congratulations again!

AYA Manager sails past Tropical Storm

Captain Sean Wentworth, general manager of Atlantic Yachting, dodged this seasons first tropical storm off the coast of Georgia on a delivery of a new Beneteau 473 sloop from Charleston to New York City. Sean battled the after effects of the storm the entire trip and at one point off the coast of New Jersey reached a speed of 15.6 knots under sail.

American Sailing Association IQC a big success

Six instructor candidates participated in an ASA Coastal Cruising and Bareboat Preparation instructor qualification clinic yesterday aboard our Beneteau at the Boat Basin. It was a light wind day with the ever swift currents of the Hudson giving us a chance to practice some difficult docking maneuvers. All six candidates successfully passed and will be awarded ASA instructor qualifications up to the ASA 104 level. Congratulations to all! 

Sailing Season Begins

The weather is flawless, the boats are in the water, and we're busy getting back in shape... Sailing season is here! Our first charters start May 1 and we still have openings for the coming weeks.  Sign up now to be among the first back on the water in New York City!

Camp is filling up quickly

We are getting an overwhelming number of campers this summer and it should turn out to be a really fun year with the addition of our new boats and great new staff members. There are still spaces available in every session so if you are looking at one in particular sign up soon as they seem to be filling up quickly.

Become a Sailing Instructor - ASA Instructor Qualification Clinic

True North Sailing will host an ASA Instructor Clinic from April 28-May 1, 2007.  For anyone wishing to obtain or upgrade ASA instructor qualifications, four (4) levels of certification will be offered: Basic Keelboat Instructor, Basic Coastal Cruising Instructor, Coastal Navigation Instructor & Bareboat Chartering Instructor.

For those interested in obtaining a USCG captain's license, the clinic will also qualify candidates for Limited versions of both the OUPV ("six pack") and the 100 ton Master.

The clinic is priced very reasonably: $250 for Basic Keelboat Instructor, $150 for Basic Coastal Cruising Instructor + Coastal Navigation Instructor combined and $150 for Bareboat Chartering Instructor.

Please note that while candidates will learn an enormous amount during the clinic, it's primary purpose to evaluate a candidate's potential as a sailing instructor. IQCs are meant for more advanced sailors, and candidates must be confident in their abilities to sail a J24 single-handed, including anchoring and/or docking under sail.

We hope to fill the clinic and see a lot of great sailors become great instructors this summer.

Affordable Charter Yacht, Friendly and Affable Crew

Nub on CitySearch says:

My friends and I chartered a sail boat for my bachelor party on a saturday evening, and these guys were laid-back, non-corporate, and affordable. We were allowed to bring our alcohol and food, and just play around as we liked. The 6 of us had a great time, and the price of $395 for two hours can't be beat. The crew were great.

Registration is now open for Sailing Lessons

Sign up today and beat the rush! This summer we are offering the most comprehensive sailing education available in Manhattan. Whether you are looking to learn the basics or prepare for a bareboat charter we can teach you the skills you need.

Best Day Camp in Manhattan!

JB on CitySearch says:

Signed my son up for the Atlantic Yachting Association's NYC Summer Sailing Camp last summer and he had an absolute blast... He's definitely hooked on sailing now and spends his days reading Sailing Magazine and sailing books. We've already signed up for next year (two sessions). These guys are super nice and very accomodating.

So Nice!!!

Katie on CitySearch says:

I took a sailing lesson last summer and it was so NICE !! The instructor made everything really easy to understand and never got frustrated when I didn't understand. By the end of the day I was sailing the boat myself, something I've always wanted to do! Such a good feeling....

Best Sailing in New York

Alex on CitySearch says:

I took my girlfriend sailing for her birthday and it couldn't have been better. We sailed down the Hudson to the Statue of Liberty, took in the view, relaxed in the sun, had some wine, and played our own soundtrack. The crew were professional, friendly and easy going. I'm planning on taking my parents out when they come in town. I highly recommend a trip with these guys.

Registration is now open for the 2007 NYC Summer Sailing Camp

Sign up today for the coolest summer Camp in all of Manhattan. The NYC Summer Sailing Camp in concert with the NYC Sailing School teaches children ages 9-15 the sport of sailing in a relaxed hands-on atmosphere in two-week day camp sessions beginning in June. Take a look at full camp details in the sailing camp section of our website.