After successfully completing Years 1 and 2, students are eligible to continue in our First Mates program. Our First Mates continue to develop their skills and expertise in sailing, boat building and maintenance, navigation, and racing. With significant support from a strong volunteer corp, we provide ongoing mentoring, competitive racing, college preparation, homework support, summer employment assistance, and career discovery.
Basics
| Prerequisites | Students complete the first 2 years of program. |
| Schedule | Meet once per week, Monday-Friday, 4-7pm |
| Trips | Student Planned Trip (End of Fall), Irvington (End of Spring) |
| Typical Day | Each day is a different "track", focusing on a specific sailing-related topic. Students work with their track leader both on land and on water. During this time, students are pulled out in small groups to complete targeted college and career prep, or additional academic support as needed. |
| Credit | Can earn PhysEd credit. |
Program Outcomes
| COLLEGE/CAREER PREPARATION | Students gain advanced skills necessary to post-high school success and learn about college opportunities. 12th grade students are supported through the college application process |
| LEADERSHIP | Students act as role models to younger students and leaders within program |
| ACADEMICS | Students increase proficiency in math/science |
| STEWARDSHIP | Students are stewards of their community, and educate the next generation of stewards |
| SAILING SKILLS | Students can demonstrate the 3/4th year sailing skills and earn the US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification and HRCS Student Captain Checkout |
Program Dates
| Last Week of Sept | Start of program |
| Election Day | Students support 1st year Fall Trip to Caven Point |
| First Saturday in May | Return to the River Celebration and Wooden Boat Launch |
| Last Weekend in June | Spring Trip to Irvington |
| Last Thursday of Regents Week | Graduation Ceremony |
In their third and fourth years, students complete the First Mates program. During this time, students have the opportunity to choose from several different tracks, focusing on the specific areas that they find most engaging. Sample Track Options:
MARINER
The Mariners focus on not just honing their own seamanship skills, but also passing on this knowledge and these skills to the next generation of mariners. They set the example and are the standard-bearers for prudent and sound judgement at sea.
RACER
For those seeking the thrill of competition, the Racers will learn the skills and tactics necessary to compete at a high level against peers and adults.
SCIENTIST
Explore the waters we sail and the creatures that live in them. Design, build, and use an ROV to see below the surface, collect and analyze marine debris to determine the causes, and become an expert at predicting the weather.
EXPLORER
For those who seek to venture beyond their home waters, and live aboard as sailors have done for generations. The Explorers will learn navigation, safety, and cruising skills. Students will end each season with a trip based on their planning.
CRAFTSMAN
Harkening back to the glory days of sail and wooden boat construction, the craftsmen focus on the classic, and often overlooked, skills and techniques around wood-working and ropework. Occurs primarily during the winter.