Sailing in NY harbor isn't easy, there is a TON of boat traffic (water taxis, ferries and barges), there is random debris floating in the water that must be avoided (think large piling), there are very strong currents so you have to know the tidal schedule and work around it and the added bonus is very shifty winds (at least the afternoon sea breeze is usually constant out of the south).
The Melges 24 is a super responsive race boat that flies through the harbor (while avoiding traffic and dealing with the above).
Watch as I show, with demonstration quality, how to tack the Melges 24.