The New York Harbor Sailing Foundation runs Operation Optimist, a youth sailing program for children aged 8-13 who sail Optimist dinghies in the protected water southwest of the Statue of Liberty. Jersey City families use the meet-up at the Manhattan Sailing School clubhouse at Van Vorst and Dudley Streets, dropping off at 9:00am and collecting at 5:00pm. Sailors are split into Green, White and Blue fleets, with Green for novices who have never sailed, covering safety, terminology, how and why a sailboat works, and basic seamanship. A limited amount of financial aid is available for families who could not otherwise afford it, and a Teen Sailing Academy meets at the Manhattan Yacht Club on Dudley Street.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact New York Harbor Sailing Foundation directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★Francis B (Frank B)The location is surreal. The layout of the surrounding structures turns up seamlessly flawless in every sense. It's beautiful out there!