​History and Present

​

Our mission is to promote sailing, strengthen the Polish-American community, and pass on maritime values to future generations.

For more than three decades, we have connected generations of sailing enthusiasts, building a unique Polish sailing community on the East Coast of the United States.

 

Our Beginnings – Since 1990​

The Polish Sailing Club of New York was founded in 1990 and quickly became the heart of Polish-American sailing on the East Coast.

For many years, we organized: sailing courses, regattas, and community gatherings – both on local waters and offshore.

For 16 years, our home base was the legendary “Barka,” moored at Gateway Marina in Brooklyn — a place that thrived with club life. At its peak, the club community included as many as 25–30 yachts owned by members and supporters.

At Barka, we hosted sailing courses, club events, and youth training camps, using 10 club-owned Optimist dinghies and a centerboard yacht (Impuls), moored alongside.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic and the sinking of Barka in 2021 significantly changed the club’s reality and marked the end of an important chapter.

​

A New Era – Courses, Cruises, and Return to the Water​

In 2023, several energetic new members joined the club, bringing fresh ideas and renewed motivation.

Through the combined commitment of new and long-standing members, the club regained momentum, allowing us to resume sailing courses, establish cooperation with City Island Yacht Club (CIYC), and develop ambitious regatta and youth programs.

Today, our sailing community includes 17 Polish-American yachts owned by active members or close supporters of the club.

Of these, 8 yachts are permanently moored at City Island Yacht Club (CIYC), one of the most prestigious yacht clubs in New York.

This strong presence has led to a close and strategic partnership with CIYC, enabling us to organize training programs, host regattas and club events, utilize CIYC’s facilities and infrastructure, and operate member-owned yachts within a professional sailing environment.

Additionally, at DiMeglio Marina in Brooklyn, several member-owned yachts are moored, along with an American centerboard boat used as an ideal training platform for beginners.

Among the most important recent events:

Consul of the Republic of Poland Regatta — held under the honorary patronage of the Consul General of the Republic of Poland in New York

Polonia Rendezvous — annual gathering of Polish sailors from the U.S. and Canada

Around Long Island Regatta — a challenging offshore tradition

​

Horizon 2026 – The Atlantic and Youth Development​

Exciting challenges lie ahead.

In November 2025, our newly acquired yacht Argos (Dufour 44), purchased in Spain, will depart from the Canary Islands for the Caribbean. During the winter season, she will be based in Antigua, serving club cruises and offshore sailing activities.

Antigua is also the home port of a 48-foot catamaran owned by one of the club’s longest-standing members, who operates Caribbean charter cruises and actively supports the club’s initiatives.

In spring 2026, Argos will sail to New York and join the fleet at City Island Yacht Club for the North American sailing season.

Strategic operational model:

Summer season – New York

Winter season – Caribbean

This model ensures year-round sailing activity and access to offshore opportunities beyond the local season.

We plan for Argos to participate in prestigious regattas such as:

Newport–Bermuda Race

RORC Caribbean 600

At the same time, we are preparing to launch a youth sailing program beginning in 2026/27. We believe the future of sailing depends on the next generation — and we are committed to shaping that future.

Our long-term strategic goal is to acquire our own marina or waterfront facility, which would serve as a permanent headquarters and central hub for the Polish-American sailing community in New York.

​

Invitation

​

The Polish Sailing Club of New York is more than sails and water — it is people, shared passion, and living tradition.

We welcome: beginners, experienced sailors, yacht owners, youth, and families.

From your first tack to offshore regattas — we create space for learning, competition, and lifelong sailing.

​

From beginner to racer — catch the wind and join our crew.