First and foremost,
our captains and sailing instructors
are dedicated lifelong sailors who have a wealth of knowledge and experience. We have been successful in guiding prospective sailors to learn sailing and to purchase their own boats. We know Jamaica Bay like the back of our hand and we aim to share with you the hidden wonders that exist in this seldom explored part of New York City.
Our main fleet of sailboats,
the Norfolk Oyster and the Drascombe Lugger
are rare and beautiful sailboats.
Both the Oyster and the Lugger are British made boats, produced to the highest standards, taking into account traditional nautical aesthetics balanced with modern practicality.
The Lugger is the newest addition to our fleet and we couldn't be happier to have her. The Drascombe Lugger has been extensively written about for the last 50 years in publications ranging from Small Boat Magazine to books like "Open Boat: Across the Pacific" by renowned sailor and circumnavigator, Webb Chiles. In fact a fun little detail about our particular Lugger is that it is the first Lugger ever to arrive in the United States back in 1973, so we like to think that she has a certain mystique to her.
The Lugger is the newest addition to our fleet and we couldn't be happier to have her. The Drascombe Lugger has been extensively written about for the last 50 years in publications ranging from Small Boat Magazine to books like "Open Boat: Across the Pacific" by renowned sailor and circumnavigator, Webb Chiles. In fact a fun little detail about our particular Lugger is that it is the first Lugger ever to arrive in the United States back in 1973, so we like to think that she has a certain mystique to her.
Jamaica Bay
is big
roughly the square
area of Manhattan
and has many personalities depending on where you are. We are convinced that our section of Jamaica Bay is the best cruising ground in NYC for several important reasons.
There is very little boat traffic which makes for calmer waters, more open space, and pure views of the beautiful surroundings. Eastern Jamaica Bay, where we are located, is essentially a dead end and other boats seldom make it this far into the bay.
Here we have many small beaches, coves and marshland to explore, and usually we have it all to ourselves. Park land borders much of our shorelines here and provides the greenery that many urbanites crave.
Plus, sailing will really keep you cool on a hot day. So don't let heat waves discourage you from joining us.
Furthermore, if the ocean water is a bit chilly, consider swimming with us in the bay, as it is always a few degrees warmer than the ocean. We have the swim spots dialed in, as well as some floaty swim gear to lend out.
There is very little boat traffic which makes for calmer waters, more open space, and pure views of the beautiful surroundings. Eastern Jamaica Bay, where we are located, is essentially a dead end and other boats seldom make it this far into the bay.
Here we have many small beaches, coves and marshland to explore, and usually we have it all to ourselves. Park land borders much of our shorelines here and provides the greenery that many urbanites crave.
Plus, sailing will really keep you cool on a hot day. So don't let heat waves discourage you from joining us.
Furthermore, if the ocean water is a bit chilly, consider swimming with us in the bay, as it is always a few degrees warmer than the ocean. We have the swim spots dialed in, as well as some floaty swim gear to lend out.
Airplane enthusiasts
...will be happy to know that there's a section of the bay where we can get very close to the runway of JFK and have an acute view of planes taxiing, taking off and landing. Of course we have to abide by the physical boundaries which are marked in the bay, but we can still get wicked close. Any closer and you're likely on the plane itself.
Marina 59
is a cool place to be
before and after sails.
There's some fun and interesting characters here as well as many artist studios and a few surfboard makers.
Every Wednesday is Marina Dart Night where we gather to shoot some darts while sharing food and drinks. All Sail Rockaway clientele are welcome to join for darts or just poke and say hi to the friendly marina folk.
We have a small grocery store right outside our yard, where you can get some drinks and food.
There are several other boat businesses here that have rentals of kayaks, pontoon boats and fishing skiffs.
Every Wednesday is Marina Dart Night where we gather to shoot some darts while sharing food and drinks. All Sail Rockaway clientele are welcome to join for darts or just poke and say hi to the friendly marina folk.
We have a small grocery store right outside our yard, where you can get some drinks and food.
There are several other boat businesses here that have rentals of kayaks, pontoon boats and fishing skiffs.
The beach!
Obviously most people know Rockaway because of our amazing beach which stretches the entire length of the peninsula at roughly 12 miles. It is the largest urban beach in the United States and it's mostly free to attend, compliments of the NYC Parks department.
A great way to make the most of your time in Rockaway is to have a little beach time and then a little bay time for sailing or maybe explore by paddle on one of our canoes.
The beach and the bay are truly 2 different realms and you can easily do both in the same day. Maybe even try surfing and sailing on the same day and experience the life of a true water person.
A great way to make the most of your time in Rockaway is to have a little beach time and then a little bay time for sailing or maybe explore by paddle on one of our canoes.
The beach and the bay are truly 2 different realms and you can easily do both in the same day. Maybe even try surfing and sailing on the same day and experience the life of a true water person.