THERE ARE SO MANY
GREAT REASONS
TO JOIN
SAIL ROCKAWAY
ON ONE OF OUR EXCURSIONS
First and foremost,
our captains and sailing instructors
are dedicated lifelong sailors who have a wealth of knowledge and experience passed down through the generations. Our captains specialize in sailing instruction and have been successful in guiding prospective sailors to learn sailing and to purchase and operate their own boats. We also know Jamaica Bay like the back of our hand and aim to share with you the hidden wonders that exist in this seldom explored part of New York City during one of our tours.
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.
We also have several other well maintained sailboats in our fleet for lessons and rentals.
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.
We also have several other well maintained sailboats in our fleet for lessons and rentals.
Jamaica Bay
is big
nearly the size
of Manhattan
and has many personalities depending on where you are. We are convinced that our section of Jamaica Bay is one of the best places to sail 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 with an abundance of greenspace that brings relaxation and balance to the senses. The bay is also home to a diverse variety of wildlife such as cow nose rays, diamond back terrapins turtles, and over 300 species of migratory birds. Every once in a while, dolphins and sea turtles will make an appearance.
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. Our secret beach day offering is a great way to enjoy the bayside.
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 with an abundance of greenspace that brings relaxation and balance to the senses. The bay is also home to a diverse variety of wildlife such as cow nose rays, diamond back terrapins turtles, and over 300 species of migratory birds. Every once in a while, dolphins and sea turtles will make an appearance.
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. Our secret beach day offering is a great way to enjoy the bayside.
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 a close up view of planes taxiing, taking off and landing.
Marina 59
is a cool place to be
before and after sails.
Marina 59 is a hidden 5 acre gem consisting of fishermen, sailors, artists, and marine specialists. A funky conglomeration of houseboats and land based artist studios create the backdrop for a thriving community of people tied together through the ways of water. Some notable entities at M59 include Paul Surf, Laru Beya, Poem Surfcraft, Paul Godette Ding Repair, Worthwhile Boatworks, Marina 59 Skiff Rentals, Via Meccanica, Candy Twisted Balloons, Limitless Marine Repair, Rockaway Pontoons, and Brooklyn Surf Club.
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 explore down the docks.
We have a small grocery store right outside our yard, where you can get some drinks and food.
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 explore down the docks.
We have a small grocery store right outside our yard, where you can get some drinks and food.
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 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 2 different realms and you can easily do both in the same day. Maybe even try surfing and sailing on the same day.
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 2 different realms and you can easily do both in the same day. Maybe even try surfing and sailing on the same day.
