Manhattan Sailing School

What Manhattan Sailing School does

Manhattan Sailing School is a privately held sailing education business founded in 1987 and headquartered at Liberty Harbor Marina in Jersey City, New Jersey, with a secondary meet-up location at the Oculus in Lower Manhattan. The school instructs adults and teenagers (16+ with parental accompaniment) in the New York metropolitan area, teaching on J/24 keelboats for basic certifications and J/105 sloops for advanced courses, with seasonal operations in NY Harbor during summer and the British Virgin Islands (Tortola) during winter. The core curriculum follows the American Sailing Association (ASA) certification pathway from ASA 101 (Basic Sailing) through ASA 105 (Coastal Navigation), ASA 114 (Catamaran Chartering), and ASA 201/202 instructor clinics.

The company monetizes entirely through one-time course fees ranging from $150 for the 2-day Racing Fundamentals classroom course to $890 for the 3-day Coastal Adventure aboard the 157-foot yacht Arabella, with core certifications priced at $690–$790 and bundle pricing offering 5–15% group discounts. Beyond standard certifications, the school operates premium adventure experiences on 12 Meter America's Cup racing yachts and the Arabella, plus junior sailing programs (Operation Optimist ages 8–13 and Teen Sailing Academy ages 13–18) through a separate nyharborsailing.com brand. The business runs with six employees and a commodore-led management team, leveraging shared leadership with Manhattan Yacht Club — described as NY Harbor's largest sailing community — to provide graduates with a continuing pathway into club membership, racing leagues, and social events.

The go-to-market is direct-to-consumer: students discover the school through the sailmanhattan.com website, email list sign-ups, and community word-of-mouth, with all registration completed online and supplemented by phone and email support. Distribution is local and in-person, centered on the two meet-up locations and the home marina. The school has no public funding, no acquisitions, no meaningful technology moat beyond a WordPress website and online lesson pre-work, and is operated as a lifestyle-oriented small business rather than a venture-scale enterprise. Key strategic assets are the integrated yacht club ecosystem, the iconic NY Harbor location, and exclusive access to differentiated sailing vessels.

Name

Manhattan Sailing School

Legal name

Manhattan Sailing School

Website

https://sailmanhattan.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Manhattan Sailing School, founded in 1987, is a private sailing education provider offering American Sailing Association certification courses (ASA 101–114) and premium adventure experiences from its headquarters at Liberty Harbor Marina in Jersey City, NJ, serving adult recreational sailors in the NYC metro area.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sailing Instruction Services

NAICS

Marinas (71393), Marinas (713930)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Sailing Experiences (Lessons, Regattas, Day Sails) (THAJAJAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Navigation, Seamanship & Offshore Operations (EDAOANAE), Luxury Sailing Cruises (Windjammers & Tall Ships) (THAEADAB), Bareboat Yacht Charters (Self-Skippered) (THAEAEAB)

Keywords

• Sailing instruction
• Sailing certification courses
• Recreational sailing
• On-water training
• Sailing lessons

Headquarters

HQ city

Jersey City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Sailing Course Fees: Primary revenue stream from one-time course fees for sailing instruction. Basic Sailing (ASA 101) at $690, ASA 102 at $690, Basic Coastal Cruising (ASA 103) at $790. Group discounts of 5-15% for students booking together. Tuition includes all course materials, textbook, log book, and ASA certification.
2. Specialty Sailing Courses: Revenue from advanced specialty courses including Spinnaker Sailing ($690), Learn to Race Level 1 ($690), Racing Fundamentals classroom course ($150), and Coastal Navigation ($460 + $125 materials).
3. Sailing Adventures: Premium adventure experiences including 12 Meter Delivery Adventure ($290/day, $750 for 3 days), Coastal Adventure on Arabella ($890), and Fall Navigational Adventure ($490-$790 depending on cabin selection).
4. Caribbean Week / Bareboat Chartering: Week-long sailing vacations in the British Virgin Islands as part of De Caribbean Regatta, offering ASA 104 Bareboat Chartering and ASA 114 Catamaran Chartering certifications.
5. Instructor Qualification Clinics: ASA 201 and 202 instructor certification clinics for aspiring sailing instructors at $678 and $490 respectively, with discounts for current Manhattan Sailing School instructors.
6. Gift Certificates: Gift certificates sold for adult Basic Sailing Course or specific dollar amounts ($100, $250).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Manhattan Sailing School teaches recreational sailing in New York Harbor through American Sailing Association (ASA) certified courses ranging from Basic Sailing (ASA 101) through Coastal Navigation (ASA 105), Bareboat Chartering (ASA 104), and Catamaran Chartering (ASA 114). Beyond certifications, it sells specialty courses (Spinnaker, Learn to Race, Racing Fundamentals), instructor qualification clinics (ASA 201/202), junior sailing programs, and premium adventure experiences aboard 12 Meter America's Cup racing yachts and the 157-foot mega yacht Arabella. The school operates from Liberty Harbor Marina in Jersey City, NJ, with a secondary meet-up in Lower Manhattan and winter courses in the British Virgin Islands.

Product overview

Manhattan Sailing School offers a comprehensive sailing education program based in New York Harbor with winter courses in the Caribbean. The core curriculum follows the American Sailing Association (ASA) certification system, progressing from Basic Sailing (ASA 101) through Keel Boat Sailing 2 (ASA 102), Basic Coastal Cruising (ASA 103), Bareboat Chartering (ASA 104), and Coastal Navigation (ASA 105). The school also offers specialty programs including spinnaker sailing, racing fundamentals, and learn-to-race courses. Beyond certifications, the school provides adventure experiences including 12 Meter Delivery Adventures, Coastal Adventures, and Navigational Adventures aboard the 157-foot yacht Arabella. Additional offerings include instructor qualification clinics and junior sailing programs. The school operates from Manhattan Yacht Club facilities in Jersey City and partners with the Manhattan Yacht Club for ongoing sailing opportunities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Basic Sailing (ASA 101) Foundational weekend sailing course teaching students to sail in light to moderate wind conditions on J/24 keelboats. Covers boat anatomy, points of sail, physics of sailing, rules of the road, knots, sailing commands, tacking, jibing, and crew overboard maneuvers. Includes ASA 101 certification, textbook, log book, and all course materials. Priced at $690 per person with group discounts of 5-15%. Class size limited with 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio.
• ASA 102 – Keelboat Sailing 2 Intermediate sailing course building on Basic Sailing skills. Focuses on advanced boat handling, sail trim, helm control in winds up to 20 knots, apparent wind sailing, and emergency procedures. Priced at $690 per person, limited to 4 students per course (minimum 3). Includes ASA 102 certification, materials, and textbook. Weekend courses run 10am-6pm; weekday evening courses run 4 weeks from 6pm to dusk.
• ASA 103 – Basic Coastal Cruising Two-day on-water weekend course taught on a J/105 sloop covering engines and power handling, VHF radios, seamanship, anchoring, reefing, navigation, chart reading, weather forecasting, and compass steering. Priced at $790 per person with group discounts of 5-15%. Limited to 6 students (minimum 4). Includes ASA 103 certification. ASA 101 + 103 combo available for $290 add-on.
• ASA 105 – Coastal Navigation Four-weekend classroom-based navigation course covering navigation tools and techniques, charting, dead reckoning, fixes, tides and currents, variation and deviation, danger bearings, and aids to navigation. Priced at $460 tuition plus $125 materials (textbook, training charts, parallel rule, divider). Limited to 10 students. Includes ASA 105 certification.
• Bareboat Chartering & De Caribbean Regatta (ASA 104 / ASA 114) Week-long sailing vacation in the British Virgin Islands (Tortola) as part of De Caribbean Regatta, combining vacation with formal certification. Includes Bareboat Chartering ASA 104 and Cruising Catamaran ASA 114 certifications. Open to Manhattan Sailing School graduates and Manhattan Yacht Club members.
• Spinnaker Sailing Advanced specialty course teaching spinnaker handling techniques including hoisting, trimming, and maneuvering. Taught Tuesday or Wednesday evenings for 4 weeks, 6pm-9pm. Priced at $690 per person. Limited to 4 students per instructor.
• Learn to Race Level 1 On-water racing course taught during actual races on Thursday evenings for 4 weeks. Covers rigging, starting line techniques, safety, sail trimming, mark rounding, racing rules, and windshifts. Non-spinnaker course. Priced at $690 per person. Minimum 4 students required for course to proceed.
• Racing Fundamentals Two-day classroom theory course covering theory of racing, racing rules, starting techniques, race course navigation, and tactical maneuvers. Priced at $150 per person. Limited to 12 students (minimum 8). Taught 2 Wednesday evenings, 6pm-9pm, at 140 Dudley St, Jersey City. Prerequisite for Learn to Race Level 1.
• 12 Meter Delivery Adventure Three-day sailing experience on a 65-foot America's Cup racing yacht covering 130+ nautical miles from Newport, RI to New York Harbor. Students participate as working crew members, trimming sails, steering, and navigating. Priced at $290 per day or $750 for a 3-day package (saves $120). Bonus pre-game day in Newport free. Only 6 student spots available per day. Participants responsible for own hotels, meals, and transportation.
• Coastal Adventure on Arabella Three-day voyage from New York Harbor to Annapolis, MD aboard the 157-foot mega yacht Arabella covering approximately 350 nautical miles. Students stand watch, navigate, and study weather. Priced at $890 per person, includes food and cabin. Single cabin supplement: $390.
• Fall Navigational Adventure on Arabella Three-day trip from New York Harbor to Newport, RI on the 157-foot super yacht Arabella. Includes overnight passage making, navigation experience, and exploration of Newport. Cabin fares per person double occupancy: D Line (economy) $690, C Line $490, B Line $540, A Line $690, Owner's Cabin $790. Single supplement 1.5x fare. Bonus feature (2 extra nights + delivery) for $150 per person.
• ASA Instructor Qualification Clinics (ASA 201 & 202) Certification program for aspiring sailing instructors offering ASA 201 and 202 instructor certifications, run by ASA Master Instructor Keith Cooper. ASA 201 Instructor Clinic priced at $678 ($478 for current MSS instructors). ASA 202 Instructor Clinic priced at $490 ($390 for MSS instructors). Limited to 8 instructors per clinic.
• Gift Certificates Gift certificates available for adult Basic Sailing Course, Basic Coastal Cruising ASA 103, or specific dollar amounts ($100, $250). Delivered via email within 24 hours.

Quantifiable outcome

• Graduates can join Manhattan Yacht Club and access ongoing sailing opportunities, races, and social events throughout the year
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Manhattan Yacht ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1987Manhattan Yacht Club is the sailing community anchor for Manhattan Sailing School graduates. The club re-introduced recreational sailing to NY Harbor in 1987 and is described as the largest sailing organization in the harbor. Both organizations share founder Commodore Michael Fortenbaugh. Graduates are encouraged to join the club for ongoing sailing opportunities, racing programs (J/24, IOD, Sunfish), social events, and Caribbean Week. The club provides Fleet Captain Program, Mentor Program, and clubhouse facilities that complement the sailing school's educational mission.
• American Sailing Association (ASA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerASA is the primary certification body for all sailing courses. The sailing school offers ASA 101 (Basic Sailing), 102, 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), 104 (Bareboat Chartering), 105 (Coastal Navigation), and 114 (Catamaran Chartering) certifications. ASA certification is included in course tuition. The school also hosts ASA Instructor Qualification Clinics (201 & 202) to train new instructors.
• Liberty Harbor MarinaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHome marina for Manhattan Yacht Club and Manhattan Sailing School fleet. Located in Jersey City at 140 Dudley St. Marina provides dockage, clubhouse facilities, decks, picnic areas, grass, BBQs, and sailing atmosphere.
• 12 Meter Class / America's Cup YachtsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistoric America's Cup 12 Meter yachts operated for delivery adventures from Newport, RI to New York Harbor. Participants get hands-on experience sailing these legendary racing yachts that competed at the highest level of the sport. Only 6 student spots available per day.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Annapolis Sailing School: Long-established ASA school in Annapolis, MD offering the full ASA certification pathway and cruising courses. Comparable to Manhattan Sailing School as a direct ASA certification competitor with similar curriculum and price points, though operating in a different geographic sailing hub.
• J World Annapolis: Performance sailing school focused on racing and cruising instruction, ASA-affiliated, with a similar on-water certification offering. Comparable to Manhattan Sailing School's racing-adjacent courses (e.g., Learn to Race, Spinnaker) and ASA certification pathway, with a more racing-oriented positioning.
• Offshore Sailing School: Founded by Steve Colgate, Offshore Sailing School is one of the largest ASA-affiliated sailing schools in the US, offering ASA certification courses and premium sailing vacations. Directly comparable to Manhattan Sailing School in business model (ASA pathway, resort-style premium experiences) but at significantly larger scale and multiple US locations.
• Blue Water Sailing School: ASA-affiliated sailing school offering liveaboard cruising and certification courses. Comparable to Manhattan Sailing School's Bareboat Chartering and Caribbean Regatta programs in particular, with a similar premium experiential positioning and ASA pathway.

Regional players

• Hudson River Sailing: Sailing school operating in the greater New York area, offering ASA certification and beginner through advanced courses. Comparable as a regional competitor targeting the same NYC metro market, though without Manhattan's NY Harbor club ecosystem or premium mega-yacht inventory.
• Newport Sailing School: Sailing school in Newport, RI offering ASA certification courses and sailing experiences. Comparable as a regional ASA-affiliated school with similar curriculum, and notably relevant because Manhattan Sailing School's 12 Meter Delivery Adventure departs from Newport — making it a regional peer in the same sailing ecosystem.

Others

• American Sailing Association: The national certification body whose curriculum (ASA 101–114) underpins Manhattan Sailing School's entire course catalog. Not a competitor but a critical ecosystem partner; ASA Instructor Qualification Clinics hosted by Manhattan Sailing School create a direct revenue and pipeline relationship.

Broad incumbents

• Dream Yacht Charter: Global bareboat and crewed yacht charter company with operations in the BVI and Caribbean. Comparable to Manhattan Sailing School's Bareboat Chartering (ASA 104) and BVI Regatta products — both serve customers who want to charter sailboats in the BVI — though Dream Yacht is the downstream operator rather than the educator.
• Club Med: Global premium all-inclusive resort operator with sailing schools at multiple Caribbean and Mediterranean properties. Comparable to Manhattan Sailing School's adult sailing vacation and Caribbean programs in terms of price points, customer demographic (premium experiential travelers), and bundled certification offerings.

Emerging players

• Bitter End Yacht Club: BVI-based sailing resort and sailing school (ASA-affiliated) offering certification courses and sailing vacations. Directly comparable to Manhattan Sailing School's Caribbean Regatta / Bareboat Chartering programs in the BVI, and effectively a regional partner/competitor in the same sailing vacation category.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/manhattan-sailing-school

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Manhattan Sailing School