Atmosphere Academy Sailing Program is offered to STARS students in partnership with Hudson River Community Sailing. In the fall, students sail in the Hudson River and develop expertise and experience as sailors. Ultimately, they sail from the Inwood section of Manhattan to Midtown Manhattan as a culminating trip to test their skills.

In the spring, students built their own “Optimist” boat from scratch and sail it. To build the boat, students draw the plans, cut the wood, assemble and drill pieces, attach the parts, and sand and finish the boat. Students learn to steer the tiller and rudder, raise and lower sails, pack and unpack the boat, and follow sailing safety rules.