General Discussion

Hudson River Sloop Clearwater is a member-supported, non-profit organization whose mission is to protect the Hudson River by stewarding an intergenerational community of river advocates through education, advocacy, sailing, and music.

In 1966, folk singer Pete Seeger and a group of activists decided to “build a boat to save the river,” envisioning that a sloop would bring people to the shoreline and inspire a movement to protect the Hudson River. Three years later, the sloop Clearwater set sail with a mission to save the Hudson through education, advocacy, and sailing. Since 1969, over half a million children and adults have experienced the Hudson River from aboard the Clearwater.

In addition to being a dynamic space for education and advocacy, it is the only remaining full-size example of a Hudson River sloop. Evolving from Dutch designs over several centuries since their arrival, the Hudson River Sloop was a type of sailing vessel unique to the region, once numbering in the hundreds, and of great importance to the history and economy of what is now New York state. No longer hauling solid cargo like her ancestors, the sloop Clearwater has, for over five decades, fulfilled her mission as ‘America’s Environmental Flagship.’

Today, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater is recognized for unparalleled environmental education and job training programs, and community-centered advocacy.