Hudson River Community Sailing to Host 16th Annual Sailing for Scholars Gala and Regatta Fundraiser

Hudson River Community Sailing Annual Sailing for Scholars Gala and Regatta Fundraiser © HRCS

Hudson River Community Sailing (HRCS), a leading nonprofit youth development and community sailing organization, will host its 16th annual Sailing for Scholars Gala and Regatta in New York City from October 14-19.

The gala will be held in the Model Room of the New York Yacht Club on October 14 and will honor Sarah Pennington, Managing Director of Classic Harbor Line, and Charlie Enright, Chief Executive Officer of US Sailing. Pennington has been a driving force in expanding sailing access and maritime experiences across multiple U.S. cities, while Enright is one of America's most accomplished offshore sailors, recognized as Rolex Yachtsman of the Year and leader of the first American team to win The Ocean Race.

This year, HRCS will host the first-ever Sailing for Scholars Corporate Challenge on October 16, bringing companies together to compete for a cause and support HRCS's mission. During the two-day regatta beginning October 18 at Dyckman Marina in Inwood, teams will compete both on the water and in fundraising, with winners announced at a post-event reception at The Hudson.

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, and Adaptive Sailing, a program HRCS launched in 2021 to provide specialized equipment, instruction, and community building to New Yorkers with physical and developmental disabilities.

"After 16 years, Sailing for Scholars continues to reflect the heart of HRCS's mission: creating opportunity, leadership, and access through sailing," said Robert Burke, Executive Director of HRCS. "We are honored to recognize Sarah Pennington and Charlie Enright this year, whose work in maritime innovation and sailing achievement inspire our students and community. We're especially excited to introduce the new Corporate Challenge, engaging even more New Yorkers in our cause."

The 2025 Sailing for Scholars schedule includes:

• Tuesday, October 14 - Gala and Silent Auction: HRCS will host its gala at the New York Yacht Club, featuring cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, remarks from HRCS students, and a silent auction. Honorees Sarah Pennington and Charlie Enright will be recognized. Auction items include a private sailing lesson with one of the biggest names in American sailing: World Champion sailor Mike Buckley of the United States SailGP team; a homestay in Nantucket; Rangers, Knicks, and Mets tickets; tickets for the Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise with Classic Harbor Line; and other exciting sailing and non-sailing items. You can purchase gala tickets here, and bid on auction items here.

• Thursday, October 16 - Corporate Challenge (NEW in 2025): The inaugural Corporate Challenge invites companies to field teams, network, and compete in a regatta while raising funds to support HRCS programs.

• Saturday, October 18 - Sunday, October 19 - Regatta: Teams will race at the Dyckman Marina in Inwood. HRCS's youth racing team, the Sea Dragons, will once again compete. Winners will be announced at a celebratory reception at The Hudson. The full list of competing teams with options to donate to each is available here.

About Hudson River Community Sailing

Hudson River Community Sailing (HRCS) is a New York-based nonprofit youth development and community sailing organization. HRCS develops leadership and academic success in New York City youth through partnerships with public schools, and provides maritime education and recreation to the city at large. Core to the organization's work is the belief that everyone can learn to sail, and that sailing provides a unique opportunity for growth and discovery. HRCS is a U.S. Sailing Certified Community Sailing Center. For more information, please visit hudsonsailing.org.