Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, "America's Environmental Flagship," will launch its 56th sailing season this weekend. On Saturday, April 12, the sloop will host its first public sails of the season at 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., departing from the Hudson River Maritime Museum in Kingston.

The 10:30 a.m. sail is open to the public, while the 5 p.m. Community Sail, sponsored by M&T Bank, is sold out. The Clearwater offers free and reduced-price Community Sails throughout the region in partnership with local businesses. The organization is looking for additional sail sponsors for the 2025 season.

Co-captains Rory Kane and Liam Henrie will lead the Clearwater this season. Kane, a Clearwater Trainee Program graduate who has worked in nearly every position aboard Clearwater, has captained the sloop since 2022. Henrie, who joined the crew as a volunteer in 2015, co-captained last season.

“We spend each winter restoring the Clearwater, ensuring the sloop is river-ready by spring,” Kane said. “This year we upgraded our refrigeration system, performed needed maintenance on our hatches and sole boards, and replaced planks on the quarterdeck and the topsides. I’m very excited to sail with our new main sail, which we bent on last week. Each sail lasts about 10 years, so it’s a special moment starting a new season with a new sail.”

Henrie added that he is excited to begin the season and work with partners like Apollonia, Riverkeeper, and NY Harbor School.

Education Director Emily Marcet said the organization is working to expand programming and partnerships throughout the region. New offerings include school-based programs, dockside toddler programs, homeschool and scouting opportunities, and art- and wellness-focused sails.

From the Capital Region to New York City, the Clearwater will sail from communities between the two locations, welcoming aboard thousands of school children, families, and individuals for Public, Education, and Community sails, as well as private charters, through November. The 2025 sailing calendar, with additional dates added through October, can be found on the organization's website: https://www.clearwater.org/public-sails/.