Captain Luke Hickling

Luke Hickling is the founder of Moriches Island Sailing and is one of the most experienced sailing instructors in the Hamptons. A native of East Moriches and a lifelong sailor, Luke has over 15 summers of experience teaching sailing lessons on Moriches Bay.

Captain Luke has sailed across the Atlantic twice and has logged over 28,000 nautical miles at sea, traversing the Panama Canal and working on yachts as large as 282' all around the world! Luke's licenses and certifications include:

100 Ton USCG Captain's License
200 Ton RYA Yachtmaster's Captain's License
US Sailing Level 3 Certified Instructor
First Aid & CPR Certifie

Luke brings a wealth of expertise and a unique teaching approach to Moriches Island Sailing. His dedication to safety, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to inspire others have made him a sought-after instructor in our community.

With a firm belief in the transformative power of sailing, Captain Luke is committed to sharing the joys of the seafaring life with others. Moriches Island Sailing's chartering business offers unforgettable experiences, bringing you and your family face-to-face with picturesque landscapes on the bay and hidden gems along the way.

Captain Luke is not just a captain; he is a mentor, a guide, and a friend to those who set foot on his vessels. Luke's infectious enthusiasm and genuine love for what he does creates a welcoming and supportive environment for all who come aboard.

Whether you're a novice looking to learn the ropes or an experienced sailor seeking new horizons, Captain Luke is ready to accompany you on an unforgettable voyage. Prepare to set sail and embark on an adventure of a lifetime with the one and only Captain Luke Hickling.

What We Do

Sailing Lessons

Discover the joy of sailing! Private or semi-private lessons at Silly Lily Fishing Station. Expert instruction and personalized guidance ensure a safe and exciting learning experience.

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Bay Charters

Experience family-friendly bay tours with scenic views, island stops, and beach exploration. Choose from morning, midday, afternoon, or sunset tours in East Moriches.

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Our Fleet

Flying Scot

The Flying Scot is the ideal sailboat for Moriches Bay. At 19 feet, she can comfortably fit four adults passengers but can still go almost anywhere in our shallow bay. We use our Flying Scot for beginner sailing lessons and all sunset cruises and Sail, Swim & Beach Days. It allows for instruction for beginners with both instructor and student in the boat together. Our Flying Scot is docked at Silly Lily Fishing Station in East Moriches.

Sunfish

The Sunfish is a timeless classic. Its simple design makes it an ideal boat to learn how to sail on your own. We use our sunfish for adults who are ready to make the leap to sailing alone after doing lessons aboard our Flying Scot. The Sunfish is a great first boat for students who are interested in purchasing their own sailboat.

Locaton

Located at Silly Lily Fishing Station

99 Adelaide Ave, East Moriches, NY 11940

We are primarily based out of Silly Lily Fishing Station in East Moriches.

When you arrive, please check in at the counter and an employee will direct you to our slip, which is located between the rental boats and the basin, by the white picnic tables. Please be sure to park in the lot or at the end of the road, not on the neighbor's grass. Please carpool whenever possible, as parking is limited.

If your home has a dock or beach on Moriches Bay in East Moriches, Center Moriches, Eastport, Remsenburg, Westhampton, Westhampton Beach, or Westhampton Dunes, we may be able to come to you for a lesson or charter.

Please email us and include your address, and we will tell you if it is feasible and what the cost is.

Our Commitment to Sustainability & Our Bay

Every Lesson and Charter Plants 25 Oyster in Moriches Bay

In 2021, we partnered with Long Island Vibes for a fundraiser that raised over $1000 for the Moriches Bay Project. But we've realized that we needed an ongoing commitment to sustainability in order to make a difference, not just a fundraiser here and there. So in May of 2023, we announced that going forwards, we will plant 25 oysters in Moriches Bay for every lesson and charter through a partnership with the Moriches Bay Project.

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The mission of the Moriches Bay Project is to improve the quality of the water in Moriches Bay and turn it back to its natural state of health. This is achieved through oyster farming. Why plant oysters in the bay? Oysters may be small, but they make a major impact on water quality- an adult oyster filters 50 gallons of water every day! Between its founding in 2009 and 2021, the Moriches Bay Project planted more than 2.5 million oysters in Moriches Bay. You can learn more about the Moriches Bay Project here, and we hope you'll consider making a donation.

Our Partnership with EMO Electric

EMO Electric's mission is to make boating more sustainable by repowering boats with electric outboards. They're also working on designing and building a purpose built electric power catamaran and integrating solar charging into homes and marinas. We purchased our electric outboard from EMO Electric, and we're excited to announce a partnership with them to provide electric outboard demos. Customers can come aboard our Flying Scot to try out Torqeedo's Travel 1109CS or ePropulsion's Spirit Evo.

STAY IN THE KNOW

Loved by
Friends & Families

Luke was extremely easy to work with and very knowledgeable about sailing. You can tell that this is his passion in life. We took a 3-hour trip to Swan Island that included plenty of beach time. He was friendly, courteous, and very professional. My 7-year-old daughter also appreciated how much he knew about sea life and vegetation on the island. I would highly recommend using this company!

Nancy - New York, NY