Sixteenth Annual

Sailing for Scholars

Gala and Regatta

October 14-19, 2025

Sailing for Scholars is Hudson River Community Sailing's annual fundraising event to support STEM and leadership development for NYC public school students and provide maritime access to New Yorkers of all abilities. The week-long event kicks off with a Gala at the New York Yacht Club and includes a practice day with professional coaching and a weekend of of racing. New in 2025: the Sailing for Scholars Corporate Challenge brings together companies to compete for a purpose. Learn more below.

Join us for a great week supporting a great cause!

Sailing for Scholars Gala and Regatta

Sailing for Scholars Gala

Honoring

Sarah Pennington, Managing Director of Classic Harbor Line

and

Charlie Enright, Chief Executive Officer of US Sailing

The Model Room at The New York Yacht Club

October 14, 2025 / 6-9PM

Join us in the Model Room of the New York Yacht Club for a special evening celebrating our students and community. There will be cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a unique silent auction, and remarks from HRCS students. Your support will help HRCS strengthen its foundation and build for the future.

Podium team 2
SfS 2021 Gala Group
SfS Gala

Meet Our Honorees

Sarah Pennington

Managing Director of Classic Harbor Line

Sarah Pennington is the Managing Director of Classic Harbor Line (CHL) - a fleet of 14 classically-inspired yachts and schooners providing sailing & sightseeing experiences in Boston, Newport, RI, New York City and Key West Florida. Her background, education and experience prior to CHL includes sailing instruction, Tall ships, technical theater, creative writing and art. Sarah is currently on the Passenger Vessel Association board and is an active member of the PVA Legislative Committee. She holds a 100 Ton Masters - Auxiliary Sail License, a BA from the University of Iowa and an MBA from Rutgers University. She lives in Leonia, New Jersey with her husband and three kids.

Sarah Pennington headshot

Charlie Enright

Chief Executive Officer of US Sailing

Charlie Enright, a Rhode Island native, is Chief Executive Officer of US Sailing and one of America’s most accomplished offshore sailors. A Brown University graduate and four-time All-American, Charlie first gained recognition in Disney’s Morning Light documentary before launching a career in professional sailing.

He has skippered three campaigns in The Ocean Race, culminating in 2023 when his 11th Hour Racing Team became the first American team to win the event in its 50-year history. His career includes victories in all the offshore classics and recognition as Rolex Yachtsman of the Year.

Charlie lives in Rhode Island with his wife, Meris, and their two children.

Charlie Enright headshot

Past Honorees

Founder's Award Recipients

Each year, HRCS gives the Founder's award to honor a person or persons for their contributions to Youth, Education, and the Waterfront. Past honorees include: Noreen Doyle (President & CEO Hudson River Park Trust), Roland Betts (Founder and CEO, Chelsea Piers), Capt. Zeita Merchant (Commander of the Port, US Coast Guard Sector NY/NJ), Gale Brewer (Manhattan Borough President), Jay Cross (CEO, Related Hudson Yards), Tracy Edwards, MBE (Maiden Factor Foundation), and more.

Sailing for Scholars Regatta

Dyckman Marina, Inwood

October 18-19, 2025

With racing all weekend long, teams compete both on the water and to raise the most money in support of Hudson River Community Sailing's innovative youth development and maritime access programs. Winners are announced at a post-event reception at The Hudson. Donate below to support your favorite team or racer! Not sure which team to support? HRCS's youth racing team, the Sea Dragons, is looking strong this year!

Interested in fielding a team? Teams sign up to raise $5,000 (J/24) or $10,000 (J/80), get professional coaching, and compete in the two-day regatta. Contact Maeve Gately at sfs@hudsonsailing.org for more information.

SfS 1
SfS 2
SfS 3

Sailing for Scholars Corporate Challenge

New for 2025

October 16, 2025

Since 2010, Sailing for Scholars has brought together teams of New Yorkers to compete on the Hudson and raise funds for transformative youth development and public access programs. In 2025, our First Annual Sailing for Scholars Corporate Challenge is an exciting new opportunity for companies to network, compete, and support a great cause!

The SfS Corporate Challenge will take place Thursday, October 16th. Interested in fielding a team? Click below for more information.

16th Annual Sailing for Scholars Committee

Alyce Russo and Steven Schall, Co-Chairs

Jeff Ignaszak, Membership Vice Chair
Raj Iyer, Corporate Vice Chair
Sarah Pennington, Auction Vice Chair
Jephtha Tausig, Gala Vice Chair
Alex Valcic, Gala Vice Chair

Paul Brady
Ciara Campbell
Corrine François-Pijuan
Seena Hassouna

Mark Horowitz
Alex Hu
Devi Namboodiri
Samantha Paradise

Thank You to Our Sponsors

2025 Event Sponsors Sept 9