Young Sailors Program

The Young Sailors Program was started in 2006 by NYC Council Member Alan Gerson. The Working Harbor Committee joined with the South Street Seaport Museum, Project City Kids, and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary to produce the program, which introduced about 120 junior high school students to the maritime world.

The 10-week program began with a safety orientation by the USCG Auxiliary, followed by several trips on or visits to the Seaport’s historic schooners Pioneer and Lettie G. Howard. The students then learned to sail on J-24 sailboats at the Manhattan Sailing Club’s facility at North Cove Marina, hosted by Project City Kids. Finally, the students were given a special Hidden Harbor Tour® of New York ’s working harbor by the Working Harbor Committee, followed by a graduation ceremony on board the Seaport Museum's barque Peking.

The programs was funded by the New York City Council, with additional funding from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.