Two annual fundraising events help support Rocking the Boat’s mission. The Rocking the Boat Spring Benefit is a cocktail party with live music, dancing, and a silent auction that brings alumni and supporters together. This year, the event will be held at City Winery on Pier 57 and the Hudson River in Manhattan. This big, open space decorated with thousands of wood barrel staves offers a connection to the woodworking happening daily in the boatbuilding shop, and the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water keep all of Rocking the Boat’s sailing and environmental science exploration work top of mind. Each year a deserving Rocking the Boat grad is recognized with the Pete and Toshi Seeger Alumni Award.

Rocking Manhattan is a full-day, 30-mile row around the entire island of Manhattan in handmade 26-foot Whitehall rowing gigs. This event engages over 100 rowers and 40 crew on support boats, as well as at least 12 Rocking the Boat alumni who serve as coxswains. In 2020 we added a new tradition: Rocking Manhattan Anywhere and Everywhere, which encourages individuals to reimagine their own activities and participate in the event remotely. Rocking Manhattan takes place in the fall.

Rocking Manhattan 2022 from rocking the boat on Vimeo.