ADAPTIVE SAILING
HRCS is piloting an Adaptive Sailing program for youth and adults with physical and developmental disabilities. We will partner with organizations already working in populations with disabilities, and work together to provide a safe and empowering experience for participants. In our first season, we plan to partner with 6-8 organizations and serve around 60 participants.
Program Goals
- Foster social-emotional well-being in participants: Create a space where participants can feel safe and have fun on the water
- Build confidence: Through skill acquisition
- Help participants identify and realize their personal and recreational goals
- Provide leadership opportunities: To empower participants
HRCS is partnering with US Sailing to train staff in adaptive best practices, develop and test additional adaptive equipment, and build a curriculum that adapts lesson plans and strategies to meet a wide range of participant needs.


Why Sail with HRCS?
Sailing is a unique activity that builds confidence and creates social interaction. HRCS has led an adaptive sailing program for veterans since 2014, delivered in partnership with the Manhattan VA. We host the annual Heroes on the Hudson adaptive sports clinic for injured veterans. We are an award-winning US Sailing Certified center, and have been providing waterfront access to New York city since 2008.
We will work with experts in the fields of sailing, adaptive design, and outdoor recreation to ensure we are building the program on best practices. By providing specialized equipment, expert instruction, and years of experience, HRCS will make New York City a place where anyone, regardless of physical or developmental limitations, can feel safe, have fun, and be empowered on the water.
Read more about HRCS Board Member Quemuel Arroyo in the US Sailing feature Adapting to Sailing and Thriving.