About The North Wind Schooner
Learn More About Us And Our Mission
Gloucester City Sail, Inc. operates the Schooner North Wind as a nonprofit organization providing public sails, private charters, and hands-on youth education on the Delaware River.
OUR MISSION
Enriching Lives Through Hands-On River Experiences
The North Wind is more than a river cruise. It is a sailing classroom, community resource, and nonprofit experience built around curiosity, history, teamwork, and connection to the Delaware River.
The North Wind schooner, operated by Gloucester City Sail, Inc., is dedicated to enriching the lives of local youth through hands-on learning and meaningful experiences on the Delaware River.
Through science, maritime history, and practical skills aboard the schooner, these experiences foster curiosity, personal growth, teamwork, responsibility, and a lasting connection to the region’s waterways and heritage.
About Us
Gloucester City Sail, Inc. Board of Directors
Gloucester City Sail, Inc. is guided by a board of directors that helps support the organization’s nonprofit mission, youth programming, sailing operations, and community presence on the Delaware River.
Chairman / President (Captain)
Scott Hughes
Vice President
Jack Hughes
Treasurer/General Manager
Josh Phillips
Secretary
Andrea Robinson
Director (Captain)
Mitch Brodkin
Director
Colleen Franciosa
Director
Diane Kae
Director/Captain
Tom Kirwan
Director
John Samas
Director
Paul Thomas
WHO WE ARE
Sailing Experiences With Purpose
The Schooner North Wind is home to experiential youth programs and public adult sightseeing sails. It is also a private charter option for the Philadelphia and Tri-County South Jersey area.
Public Sails
Skyline, fireworks, history, wine and cheese, holiday, and destination sails on the Delaware River.
Private Charters
Exclusive 2-hour and 3-hour sails for birthdays, graduations, groups, companies, and special events for you and your family/friends.
Youth Programs
Hands-on science, history, navigation, weather, water quality, and river ecology aboard a working schooner.
Nonprofit Purpose
Every sail helps support youth education, river heritage, volunteerism, and community connection.
ABOUT THE SCHOONER
The Schooner North Wind
The North Wind is a U.S. Coast Guard-registered vessel with a knowledgeable, engaging, fully trained, volunteer crew. She sails in relatively protected waters and has a heavy ballasted keel that helps provide a smooth ride.
TYPE
Schooner
BUILT
1995
LENGTH
57 feet on deck
PROPULSION
Volvo Diesel
HULL
Steel
BEAM
16 feet
PROPULSION
84,560 lbs
MODEL
Treworgy 57 Schooner
Volunteer Crew
Powered by Dedicated Volunteers
Gloucester City Sail is a volunteer organization. Volunteers help organize and operate the North Wind, from captains and mates to deck hands, instructors, passenger check-ins, marketing, maintenance, and planning.
Awards & Media
Recognized on the River and in the Community
From award-winning public sails to youth education and maritime community involvement, Gloucester City Sail is proud to see the North Wind recognized for the experiences it creates on the Delaware River. These features and honors reflect the dedication of our volunteer crew, the support of our community, and our ongoing commitment to making sailing, history, and hands-on river education accessible to more people.
Philly Faves Best Boat Cruise
Voted Best Boat Cruise in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race
Part of the North Wind’s broader maritime story and connection to the schooner sailing community, the North Wind is a three-time winner in her class in the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race.
NOAA Youth Program Report
A feature highlighting the impact of the North Wind’s summer youth programming and hands-on river education.
READY TO COME ABOARD?
Sail, Support, or Get Involved
Whether you are booking your first sail, planning a private event, bringing students aboard, buying a gift certificate, or helping support the mission, the North Wind is ready to welcome you.