I’m Sam, the captain and co-founder of the Schooner Apollonia, a traditional sailing vessel that transports locally made goods along the Hudson River using only the power of the wind, tide, and muscle—drawing on traditional skills that have sustained river labor for generations. My work focuses on reducing the environmental impact of transportation and demonstrating what sustainable shipping can look like in our region. Each voyage connects farmers, makers, and businesses to the river that has long sustained them, creating a slower, more intentional model for commerce.

The Apollonia carries malted barley, coffee, honey, and other shelf-stable products to river towns and New York City ports. At stops along the way, people meet the crew, hear about the voyage, and sometimes help unload the cargo, turning what might seem like a simple delivery into an exchange of stories and values. Having crew members on board who train and work together builds community on the water, strengthening the shared sense of purpose that fuels this effort.

Currently, the Apollonia is the Hudson Valley region’s largest and only carbon-neutral merchant vessel. For me, this work is both practical and deeply personal. It’s about keeping the river alive in people’s consciousness, showing that commerce can be clean, local, and connected to place. The Apollonia bridges the gap between producer and consumer, links community with ecology, and connects the river’s past to a sustainable future.