Croton Ferry Sloops' Free Sails

It's a unique experience on our majestic river—the Ferry Sloops' Free Sails on the Hudson River event this Saturday. Ferry Sloops President Chris Grieco says he hopes that this weekend's sails will be an eye opening experience that will spur participants to become an advocate for the river. 

The event is done in collaboration with the Croton Yacht Club. The two organizations frequently work together on events throughout the year. Grieco says his organization has been more than happy with the turnout from previous free sailing events.

"We just found there to be such an overwhelming response—the event would start at ten and within a half-hour, the sails would be booked for the remainder of the day," said Grieco.

The organization's sloop-rigged catboat begins its sailing day at 10 a.m. on Saturday. The following sails are at 11, noon, 1 and 2 p.m. The sails last about 45 minutes and are first come first served.

You can show up at their tent at the Croton Yacht Club at 9:30 a.m. to sign up for a sail. Saturday's sails will be the last of the season until the spring. 

Grieco says his organization is focused on safety during the sails, so people who may be a bit nervous about being in a sailboat for the first time can put their mind at ease.

"They absolutely love it. We get people who are not just from the Croton area and Ossining, people come from New York City. For a lot of them, it's the first time they've been on the river," said Grieco.

For more information you can go to the Ferry Sloops website.