The Croton Sailing School was established in 1986 by Steve and Katherine Jennings to serve the residents of the greater New York metropolitan area. Steve Jennings grew up sailing and racing on the Hudson River and after spending time cruising the Caribbean and managing a sailing school in Virginia, he wanted to return to the most spectacular day-sailing he had yet discovered.

Our unique setting offers the area's best sailing with the dramatic Palisades Parklands and the entrance to the Hudson Highlands creating a beautiful range of scenery. The broadest point on the Hudson River, Haverstraw Bay offers wide open sailing for uncomplicated teaching with easy navigation and steady breezes throughout the sailing season. The school is also uniquely sited with easy access from southern New York State, northern New Jersey and Manhattan, by car or train. Our day-sailing area covers more than 18 square miles, and our yacht cruising area extends north from the George Washington Bridge.

The School Philosophy

With over twenty years of sailing and teaching experience behind him, Steve Jennings founded the sailing school on the philosophy of teaching with "patience, not pressure," and emphasizing Hands-On instruction in every level of sailing. The Croton Sailing School is dedicated to giving each student personal attention and maximum sailing time. We believe that Hands-On instruction is the best way to learn to sail, so the majority of class time is spent on the boats with personalized attention by expert sailors.