Rocking the Boat: Empowering Youth Through Sailing, Boat Building, and Environmental Stewardship
Nestled in the heart of Hunts Point in the South Bronx, Rocking the Boat is more than a program—it’s a movement aimed at empowering local youth. This program combines three innovative tracks: sailing, boat building, and environmental science, all while fostering personal and professional growth for students in the Bronx area. This non-profit has redefined what it means to combine education, community, and recreation. What sets it apart is its accessibility; the program is entirely free, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to learn and thrive.
We spoke to Catherine Baum, Sailing Program Manager, and Juan Pablo, the Sailing Director, to get an inside look at how Rocking the Boat is having an impact on the youth for people in the Bronx.
Approach to Youth Development
Rocking the Boat welcomes students as early as 6th grade to explore the fundamentals of these fields. Whether it’s learning the ropes of sailing, mastering boat construction, or engaging in environmental research, participants gain hands-on experience in a supportive environment. The boatbuilding culminates in an Apprentice Program, where high school juniors and seniors take on advanced responsibilities on their chosen track. This role is not only pivotal for skill-building but also provides a paid opportunity to take on a leadership position. This progression is designed to prepare students with skills they need for not just sailing but for life.
“The goal is to help students create better expectations for themselves and build the skills to achieve their dreams,” shared one program leader. Graduates remain connected through an alumni network supported by social workers and career consultants, ensuring that the impact of Rocking the Boat extends far beyond high school.
Building Community Through Collaboration:
The program brings its three tracks together in a way that’s both creative and collaborative. Boats built by students in the boat building program are used by the sailing and environmental students, fostering a sense of shared accomplishment. For example, young sailors navigate the bronx river in wooden boats crafted by their peers, while environmental students use the same boats for water quality testing and bird identification
Every aspect of the program revolves around the Bronx Rover, grounding participants in their community while encouraging exploration and stewardship “Its all very Bronx river focused,” a team member explains, highlighting how the river becomes both a classroom and a source of inspiration.
Navigating Challenges and Expanding Horizons
Operating a free program offers unique opportunities, particularly in fostering inclusivity and breaking down barriers to entry. By relying on a combination of grants, donations, and support from high-net-worth individuals, Rocking the Boat ensures that financial constraints do not limit access for Bronx youth. Maintaining this accessibility is a cornerstone of their mission, and the team is proud to highlight that “the fact that it’s free is built into the model.”
A hurdle that the program faces is the limited opportunities for Bronx youth to engage with peers from other sailing communities. To address this, Rocking the Boat actively seeks partnerships with regional yacht clubs and programs to expose students to broader sailing networks. Additionally, the program recently acquired a fleet of 420s, a popular racing dinghy, marking a significant step toward more competitive sailing opportunities.
Looking Toward the Future
Rocking the Boat continues to innovate and expand its offerings. A key initiative that the program has been pushing is sending sailors on big boat adventures across the country; this year they have 6 sailors off the coasts of Maine, Massachusetts and the US Virgin Islands. These expeditions allow students to experience new things on the water and broaden horizons beyond what’s available locally.
The program also prioritizes certifications through US Sailing; the program provides the opportunity to get a US Sailing Level 1 Certification free of charge. These certifications not only enhance their resumes but also instill confidence and rigor, preparing them for future opportunities.
Join the movement
Rocking the Boat is always looking for collaborators, donors, and program assistants. Whether you’re a sailor, educator, or simply someone who believes in empowering the next generation, there’s a place for you to make an impact.
For the students of Rocking the Boat, the journey is just as important as the destination. Together, they’re navigating not only the waters of the Bronx River but also the vast opportunities of life.
Creating Ripples of Change
Rocking the Boat is more than a program—it’s a launchpad for young people to discover their potential and make a difference. By connecting students to their community and the world beyond, it fosters confidence, curiosity, and a sense of purpose. The impact doesn’t end on the water; it echoes in the lives of participants and the communities that they inspire.
Rocking the Boat is currently hiring sailing instructors, and you can find their postings on our website.
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