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What We Do:

We sail Whimbrel a 22 foot sloop-rigged Catboat, during the season in Haverstraw Bay out of Croton, and at riverfront festivals.

During the winter, members help with boat maintenance, organization of information evenings, fund raising, etc. Together with potential members they are also invited to attend meetings where more about Ferry Sloops, sailing and the river is taught.

During the summer, members and their families are encouraged to come aboard to enjoy the river, learn its history and become familiar with its ecosystem. They are also welcome to join in trips to the various historic sites of the Hudson River Valley.

Throughout the year we support various waterfront festivals and other events directly related to the river, its history and environment.

RIVERLOVERS SHADFEST MAY 18th

BEACON SLOOP CLUB STRAWBERRY FEST JUNE 15th

GREAT HUDSON RIVER REVIVAL JUNE 21st & 22nd

BEACON SLOOP CLUB CORN FEST AUGUST 10th

BEACON SLOOP CLUB PUMPKIN FEST OCTOBER 19th

On the Water Training in the principles of sailing in the context of the Hudson River will be offered to our active members on Whimbrel with the aim of promoting appreciation of the River, its history and its ecosystem (Prerequisite: A Boating Safely Course as offered by the USCGAux or similar).

Dynamics of wind propulsion will be examined with a look at traditional rigging of Hudson River Sloops like the Clearwater, as well as modern designs. We’ll also touch on characteristics of the Hudson River estuary. Safety and preparation for varied conditions on the water will be emphasized.

Safe Boating

  • Inform crew and passengers of the rules of safe boating and try to insure that at least one other person aboard is capable of operating the vessel in the event of an emergency.

  • Explain and/or demonstrate the following:
  • Hand equipment into the boat, do not try to carry it aboard as you enter.
  • Enter a small boat by stepping into the center.
  • Always have one hand for the boat and the other for yourself.
  • Never walk around on a boat without holding on.
  • Warn when creating a hazard like opening hatch
  • Distribute the load evenly fore and aft and from side to side.
  • Don’t overload the boat; it will reduce stability and make capsizing more likely.

    • LOCATIONS AND USE OF THE FOLLOWING REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
  • PFD : PERSONAL FLOATATION DEVICE
  • 1 : ALWAYS WEAR ONE
  • 2 : FIND OUT WHERE SPARE ONES ARE
  • 3 : ONE THROWABLE PFD (TYPE IV) MUST BE IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE.
  • FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
  • SOUND PRODUCING DEVICES – HORNS, BELLS, ETC
  • VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS - FLARES, FLAGS, LIGHTS
  • NAVIGATION LIGHTS

    RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

  • VHF Radio
  • Anchor and ground tackle
  • Bilge Pump and or bailer
  • Boat hook
  • Charts and navigation publications
  • Fenders
  • Lines
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight and searchlight
  • Spare parts and tools

    • POLLUTION REGULATIONS

    • PFD -- Personal Flotation Device (required) . This could save your LIFE!
      (there are various sizes of PFDs on board if you need one)
    • Boat Shoes (required) -- have special non-slip-on-wet-surface-soles
    • Sail Gloves -- with leather palms, fingers free to tie/untie knots
    • Sun Glasses with "Croakie" (oops, eye glasses sink really fast!)
    • Sun/Rain Hat -- think big visors/brims!
    • Waterproof Foul weather gear -- yes, we sail in the rain!
    • Jacket or poncho, with hood
    • Pants, sittin' on deck/in cockpit, in the rain is, well, WET
    • Boots -- how do you feel about wet feet?
    • Fleece or wool sweater/jacket--to stay warm
      (even when it's hot on shore, it's can be cold on the water!)
    • Sunscreen -- the bigger the SPF number the better!
    • Water and nutritious food for the day (thanks MOM!)
    • Flashlight and Pocket Knife on lanyards
    • Waterproof Sail bag to put it all in, to stow in cabin below.