October 3, 2012

Sailing in the New York Harbor School Regatta

Last August, I gave a blog tour of the wonderful Hudson River Park, and mentioned that I joined the board of directors of Friends of Hudson River Park. Because of that, I have become very interested in The Urban Assembly New York Harbor School, a wonderful small public high school located on Governors Island, founded by Murray Fisher.  The school partners with New York City’s maritime community and uses New York Harbor’s marine resources to create an extraordinary public high school experience that instills in its students the skills and ethic of environmental stewardship.  Harbor School’s mission is to graduate students prepared for success in college and who have earned a technical credential in one of the six marine fields:  Aquaculture, Marine Biology Research, Marine Systems Technology, Ocean Engineering, Professional SCUBA diving, and Vessel Operations.

Last Thursday I had the thrilling opportunity of sailing in the second annual Harbor School Regatta to benefit the Harbor School.  Hannah Swett, one of my Godchildren, who comes from a very famous sailing family, invited me to sail with her and her mother, Ellie Burgess, upon the historic America’s Cup 12-meter boat, Intrepid.  I first met Ellie many years ago when were neighbors in New York City.  I had many exciting sails with her and her family and learned what I know about sailing from them.  Hannah’s sailing credentials include Collegiate all American, multiple world and national champion, Rolex Yachts Woman of the Year, America's Cup Sailor, and was nominated for Rolex World Sailor of the Year.  Please enjoy these photos of the Regatta taken by photographer Lori Hawkins.

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