Student Reviews

Below are unedited reviews from our students in 2007:

This is a great course for everyone who is looking for a weekend full of fun. Out on the Hudson, with the wind, water, sunshine, and the gorgeous Manhattan skyline you will feel so relaxed that you'll learn how to sail without remembering that you are actually taking a class.
- Claudia Kun, September 2007

You will be excited, nervous, at times overwhelmed and ultimately very satisfied by this total immersion. The feeling of accomplishment is only matched by the joy of being out on the water and looking at downtown Manhattan from this singular--and beautiful--point of view.
- Stephanie Putter, August 2007

For someone who has little or no prior sailing experience, this course opens up the world of sailing, with challenging but fun hands-on AND book learning.
-Adrienne Ingrum, August 2007

If you're at all interested in learning to sail, this is the place to do it! Excellent Instructors who WANT you to learn!
- Chris Caravella August 2007

Passing basic sailing was by no means easy--but it gave me a huge sense of accomplishment. I can't wait to get out and explore the world on a boat.
-Laura Begley August 2007

The Club adds another dimension to living in New York. The staff is terrific and a good time is had by all!
-Dana Reymond August 2007

The Basic Sailing Course was great! The Manhattan Sailing Club does a great job of teaching new sailors the ropes while making sure we get lots of time on the water and have more than our fair share of fun in the process. I had a great weekend of sailing and I was impressed by how much I learned over the course of just a few days. I definitely plan on taking more courses and I hope to get involved with the club as well.
- Matt Hocket, July 2007

You will be AMAZED at the amount of material you will gain from this course. The first night’s terminology is a bit daunting, but don’t worry – forge ahead to the first day on the boat and you will pick a huge amount up when you interact. I walked into this knowing absolutely 0 about sailing, and really felt when I left that I had a good understand of the material presented. Take a second during the on-water days to realize what you are doing and how much you’ve learned – you CANNOT go wrong here!
- Fred Prussack, July 2007

Being on the water was a joy, and my instructor was confident, funny, patient, and ensured we had the tools and the knowledge to get out there, learn the ropes and have a great time! I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
-Sarah Bancroft, July 2007

It was one of the most incredible and tremendously exhilarating experience of my life!!!!
- Octavio Franco, June 2007

As a newcomer to sailing, I was so lucky to have chosen MSS to begin my training. Everyone there is terrific, full of knowledge and experience that they are willing to share. Facilities, setting, and boats were top-notch. I can't believe how much I learned in just three days! Taking a course there was truly a great experience, and I feel prepared to learn more and continue sailing.
- Tom Patrick, June 2007

A great introductory course - you will absorb a lot of information and have a blast. I felt like I had a true vacation, and I just want to continue sailing.
- Raphaelle Chappe, June 2007

Hey, the most beautiful & traffic challenging harbor in the world, under the peaceful watch of Lady LIBERTY, great instructors: what's not to like ? Come sail with the MANHATTAN Sailing Club everybody !!!
-Olivier Cale, June 2007

OUTSTANDING sailing instructors, school, boats...this school is so great.
- Rob Povlitz, June 2007

the best way to spend a long weekend! (forget the hamptons, you can sail =every weekend in your own backyard.) i've lived in manhattan for 10 years, and i'm surprised i didn't do this sooner. this is a must for any new yorker, or anyone visiting. (and the willy wall is one of the city's best kept secrets.)
- Jennifer Matic, May 2007

What a perfect way to spend a holiday weekend. Great fun, learning a new skill, and getting out of the chaotic city for 2 days!
- Justin Sliney, May 2007

A wonderful experience -- professional yet relaxed. I can't believe that it took me nine years in New York to discover this gem!
- Chuck Thompson, May 2007

The Hudson River has to be one of the best places to learn to sail - it's sort of like driving in NYC - if you can handle it here you can do it anywhere. The instructors are all great - ready to answer a question or lend a hand. It was an awesome weekend.
-Elizabeth Fitzmaurice, May 2007

Absolutely fantastic - learnt so much and what really appealed to me was the "hands on", practical nature of the learning - by the end we were each doing man-overboard drills, taking turns at the tiller! Amazing experience, I'd recommend it to anyone.
-Marie Geraghy, May 2007

Great way to spend a weekend. Fresh air, good company. Good exercise for the mind and spirit.
- Kavita Graveline, May 2007

Drop your inhibitions and get on a boat, buy all the cool gear and actually look cool using it! But seriously folks, add a new perspective to your New York experience with this added water based dimension. Fun people, refreshing outdoor activity and a new skill to hone = FUN!!!
- Terence Leong, October 2006

Taking a course with Manhattan Sailing School is a great way to take advantage of something that living in NYC has to offer that many don't think about, namely, accessing the pleasures of living near the water. It is a different type of outdoorsy thing to do: sailing around NY Harbor provides beautiful vistas of water, the skyline, and the setting sun. I found it thrilling to be part of that, all while learning to sail under the expert and unflappable guidance of my instructor!
- Katherine Braine, September 2006

If you have ever been considering taking classes - do it now! It will change your life.
- Suzy Herrell, August 2006

I highly recommend this course to anyone who is looking to have a great time, and a lot of fun. Sailing is an amazing activity, and sport (for those of us who are daredevils). When I finally learned to control the boat properly, and perform the different maneuvers it was really gratifying and made me feel very good. Sailing definitely builds a lot of confidence, plus is fun and exciting. When you heel your boat 20 degrees, and your are sailing along at 8 knots, with the wind hitting your face – then you’ll know what I mean. So come down to the school, and take your first class. I guarantee you’ll be hooked… Happy sailing
- Mark Horta July 2006

When you think of New York, most people's first thought isn't sailing. But it's so much fun to learn in New York Harbor, tacking around the Statue of Liberty, heeled over passing the Midtown skyscrapers. I would thoroughly recommend it.
-Matt Overton July 2006.

My experience with the basic sail course was excellent. There are no words to describe the feeling you get when you are learning and applying the skills other than exhilarating. By the time I took the exam, I felt fully prepared and confident in my skills and knowledge. The instructors all helped out whether you were in their group or not. If you want to enjoy the thrill of sailing, get down to the school and begin your lifelong journey. Happy sailing.
-Ray Chan July 2006

Great instructors and great experience. The first time I took the helm of the boat, I knew it was worth every penny.
-Fred Hung July 2006

Before class started, I was so nervous. What if I wasn't any good? What if I didn't like it? Looking back, I want to laugh at myself. How could anyone not enjoy a day on the water with an instructor who's willing to share his/her expertise as well as enthusiasm for sailing. Sign up now. Your friends are tired of hearing that you're "planning to take lessons." It's time you actually take them. You won't regret it.
-Tina Wexler, July 2006

This is the best course I have ever taken for any kind of instruction. I have never learned more in two days than I did in this one weekend. A wonderful way to learn in a sublime atmosphere.
- Shoshanna Must, June 2006

I spent 5 years thinking that I'd like to learn to sail and then, in New York for the summer, I thought 'just to do it' - and I'm so glad I did. The weather wasn't great but we went out anyway, and it didn't matter because that isn't what it's about. I learnt so much and had a fantastic time into the bargain. And what better backdrop could you have? So just do it!
- Deborah Chesworth June 2006

A fantastic way to experience New York and gain a great deal of confidence in your sailing abilitiy.
-Erin Larsen, June 2006

My wife and I never sailed before but decided to try your class. Your class was excellent. Learning to sail in New York Harbor was absolutely marvelous. We are in our fifties and are now wondering why we waited so long. Thank you Manhattan Sailing School for a fantastic experience.
-Robert Orlando, June 2006

I want to thank the Manhattan Sailing School and its professional team, including our dedicated instructor, for the excellent learning week-end provided in the New York Harbor. Manhattan Sailing School instructors are obviously highly experienced sailors and trainers, making the sailing courses demanding and friendly events. Many thanks!
Arnaud LE GUIFFANT DE KERLEAU, June 2006

Outstanding instruction by a highly competent teacher on a well maintained sail boat made this a great first sailing experience
- Noam Dunsky, June 2006

This course is one of the best things in NY. Downtown really is the best place to be. The marina is Absolutely fantastic.
-Roman Bielski, June 2006

It offers a great opportunity to discover yourself and the world you have been missing. And it totally beats going to GYM :)
    - Yih Ma, May 2006

It was an excellent adventure. I left feeling like I learned a lot! I began without knowing the first thing about sailing and finished the course wanting to go again. Instructors are excited about sailing and seemed to have a lot of fun.
    - Zeynep Kuzu, May 2006

Fantastic, everything about the weekend session was beyond expectations. There is a lot to learn, and the books can seem overwhelming, but with great instructors when you get into the class and then out on the water, it falls into place making it thoroughly enjoyable. Definitely hooked…
    - Terry Moore, May 2006

This course was just what I needed to kick off my summer. I had high hopes & the experience was even more fantastic that I expected. We discovered NY and NJ in a way that far to few people ever will. I met fabulous people, learned a lot and gained confidence by putting what I was learning into action. I had so much fun - my best Manhattan weekend yet! :)
- Abigail Pierotti, May 2006