Sloop Clearwater sets sail with passengers for 1st time since before pandemic News 12 Staff Updated on:May 17, 2021, 9:20pm EDT A sign of normalcy returned to the Hudson River Monday. The Sloop Clearwater officially set sail with passengers for the first time since before the pandemic. It embarked into its 52nd sailing season filled with environmental education. It's hoping the river's beauty will inspire others to protect it.