Hi Kate:

While it would take quite a bit longer to get there, City Island is an option as the sailing would be better and it would serve as a very good jumping off point for many weekend sailing adventures on the Long Island Sound and points East. (One can get there on public transportation.) In addition to rental slips, there are Stuyvesant Yacht Club which has moorings and a launch service http://www.stuyvesantyc.org/ and the Harlem Yahct Club (also on City Island) http://www.hyc.org/. Of course the advantage of being at the 79th St Basin is being able to be on the boat during the week after work. But for the weekend, it will be quite limiting, always returning to the same spot after a day sail. These clubs have low barrier of entry and have reciprocity with clubs along the Sound. It's worth exploring.

Regards,
Ron