2025 was a big year for the Hudson Sloop Club. As stewards of the Hudson City Commercial docks, we welcomed an extraordinary range of activity. We had repeat visits from partner vessels such as Sloop Clearwater, Impossible Dream, Riverkeeper; for the first time hosted the Flotsam River Circus and the Buffalo Maritime Museum’s Seneca Chief all the while supporting programming of our seasonal tenants: Schooner Apollonia and the Hudson Ferry Co.

Through these partnerships, over 8,000 people got out on the water, more 1,500 of them enjoying free trips and many thousands more engaged in workshops, performances, tours, youth programs, and cultural events ashore. Programming ranged from ferry service to our sister city of Athens to learning about Indigenous History while under sail.

Together, we transformed the waterfront into a vibrant community hub where history, ecology, accessibility, and adventure came to life.

*Identifying fish species at Waterfront Wednesdays in July*

This was also a big year for the Everett Nack Estuary Education Center. Week after week, it served as the beating heart of learning and on-the-water discovery at Waterfront Wednesdays. From free boat sign-ups to fishing lessons, from lively fish-tank demonstrations of Hudson River life to hands-on arts, crafts, and ecology activities, the Nack Center welcomed thousands of visitors of all ages with curiosity, excitement, and a sense of belonging.

*The Nack Center onsite by the lake for a fishing and water ecology program as part of The Olana’ Partnership’s Third Thursdays*

We’re also thrilled to share that this season we embraced the mobile nature of the Nack Center. For the first time, we brought collaborative programming to Olana and Oakdale — expanding our reach and ensuring that even more people could learn about and connect with the river ecosystem right in their own communities.

Fishing remains one of our most powerful tools for engagement, drawing people of all ages, but especially youth, in with joy and wonder. And this year, our newly added microscope opened up an entirely different world, allowing visitors to explore the hidden life of the estuary with awe and fascination.

All of this is possible because of supporters like you.

As we look ahead, your year-end gift will help us continue offering free, accessible, and inspiring programs that connect people to the Hudson River— programs that nurture environmental understanding, stewardship, and community.

Will you make a donation today to help us bring even more learning and discovery to the water in the year ahead?

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