February 2025 - Classic Harbor Line

The Friend

April 1, 2026February 23, 2025 by Clarissa CHL

Decorated with laurels from Telluride, TIFF, and NYFF; The Friend is In Select Theaters March 28, & Nationwide April 4!

Still from The Friend movie trailer featuring Manhattan II

“The Friend” Starring Bill Murray, Naomi Watts and Yacht Manhattan II!

Classic Harbor Line hits the big screen! Check out our ‘on the water’ scenes in this trailer of “The Friend” below.

We are thrilled to host Film, Video, Photo and TV productions on any of our classic yachts. For more info on Classic Harbor Line New York media opportunities click here.

At Classic Harbor Line we’ve had lots of friends on our boats, even furry friends! It’s exciting to see Manhattan II glide by in quiet elegance.

ABOUT THE FILM

Based on the bestselling novel, writer and teacher Iris (Watts) finds her comfortable, solitary New York life thrown into disarray after her closest friend and mentor (Murray) bequeaths her his beloved 150 lb. Great Dane. The regal yet intractable beast, named Apollo, immediately creates practical problems for Iris, from furniture destruction to eviction notices, as well as more existential ones. Yet as Iris finds herself unexpectedly bonding with Apollo, she begins to come to terms with her past, and her own creative inner life in this story of healing, love, and friendship.

Forge your own path forward, just like Iris, aboard one of our cozy yachts today!

Maritime Reporter

February 24, 2025February 20, 2025 by Clarissa CHL

Yacht Manhattan cruising up the Hudson River for a Fall Foliage Tour to the Grand Palisades

“Beating the [Wooden Hull] Drum”

– Rik Van Hemmen.

Upcoming Manhattan 3 at Scarano Boat warehouse

Read the whole article here!

At Classic Harbor Line, we are proud to showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of Scarano Boats. We are thrilled to see Scarano Boats featured article in Maritime Reporter. Their wooden boats are the backbone of our fleet. Each vessel tells a story of tradition, innovation, and dedication.

Scarano Boats, founded by brothers John and Rick Scarano, has been a trusted partner since 1986. Their expertise in wooden boatbuilding is unmatched. Our fleet includes vessels designed and built by them, each with unique charm and functionality. From historic replicas to modern passenger vessels, their work is exceptional.

About the boats

The article in Maritime Reporter highlights the construction of Manhattan III, a new wooden passenger vessel. (We are so excited to see this new vessel down in Manhattan ^_^) This project reflects Scarano’s commitment to quality and innovation. Using Douglas fir epoxy strip planking, they create durable and beautiful hulls. Modern technology, like 3D modeling and CNC milling, ensures precision and efficiency.

Wooden boats offer many advantages. They are cost-effective to build and maintain. They are also lighter than aluminum hulls, enhancing performance. Properly maintained, wooden boats can last a lifetime. This makes them a sustainable choice for our fleet.

Scarano Boats’ approach combines traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques. This blend results in vessels that are both functional and elegant. Their attention to detail ensures each boat meets the highest standards. We are grateful for their partnership and the quality they bring to our operations.

The article also emphasizes the importance of maintenance. Wooden boats require care, but the rewards are worth it. With timely upkeep, these vessels remain in excellent condition for years. This aligns with our commitment to providing safe and enjoyable experiences for our passengers.

We are excited to see Scarano Boats recognized for their outstanding work. Their contributions to our fleet are invaluable. We look forward to continuing our partnership and sharing their remarkable boats with our guests.

Join us in celebrating Scarano Boats and their incredible legacy. Experience the beauty and craftsmanship of their vessels on your next cruise with Classic Harbor Line. Together, we honor tradition while embracing the future of boatbuilding.

Winter Wildlife Cruise

February 5, 2025February 3, 2025 by Clarissa CHL

four people looking out off the bow of a boat with NYC in the background.

“I went on a winter wildlife cruise and found NYC’s harbor seal population”

– Danielle Hallock (TIMEOUT).

Read the whole article here.

Experience the Magic of Winter Wildlife with Classic Harbor Line’s “Urban Naturalist” Cruise

Classic Harbor Line is so excited for our feature in Timeout. Contributor Danielle Hallock came aboard and was able to experience the cruise our whole team has been excited about.

When you think of New York City, towering skyscrapers and bustling streets likely come to mind. But did you know that just beyond the city’s skyline lies a thriving winter wildlife sanctuary? At Classic Harbor Line, we invite you to discover this hidden natural wonder on our Urban Naturalist: Seals, Seabirds, and Winter Wildlife cruise.

Recently, guests joined us for this unique adventure, and their experience was nothing short of magical. Boarding the Manhattan II, our beautifully crafted 1920s-style yacht, they were immediately struck by the vessel’s timeless charm. With its warm wooden interiors, heated cabin, and panoramic windows, the yacht provided a cozy retreat from the winter chill.

As the cruise set sail from Chelsea Piers, our onboard urban naturalist shared fascinating stories about the harbor’s incredible transformation. Over the years, improved water quality and environmental efforts have brought seals, seabirds, and even dolphins back to New York’s waters. Winter, in particular, is a special time to witness this resurgence, as seals migrate to the harbor from colder northern regions.

The highlight of the journey was the seal sightings near Hoffman and Swinburne Islands. With binoculars provided onboard, guests marveled at the playful seals swimming alongside the boat. Some even spotted adorable seal pups lounging on the rocky shores, a heartwarming reminder of nature’s resilience.

But the cruise isn’t just about wildlife. Our urban naturalist also shared intriguing tales of the harbor’s rich history, from its role in quarantine efforts during 19th-century epidemics to the unique tidal patterns of the Hudson River. As the yacht glided past iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, guests gained a newfound appreciation for the harbor’s dual role as a cultural and ecological treasure.

To complement the experience, we served a selection of delicious treats, including freshly baked pastries, bagels with cream cheese, and seasonal fruit. Whether you’re an early riser or prefer an afternoon adventure, our morning and afternoon departures are timed to maximize wildlife sightings during low tide.

Join us this winter for an unforgettable journey into the heart of New York’s harbor. Our Urban Naturalist: Seals, Seabirds, and Winter Wildlife cruise is perfect for nature enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking to see the city from a fresh perspective.

Ready to explore? Book your cruise today at sail-nyc.com. Spaces fill up quickly, so don’t miss your chance to witness the magic of winter wildlife in NYC!

At Classic Harbor Line, we’re committed to protecting and preserving our waterways. Through partnerships with organizations like the Waterfront Alliance, we’re working to ensure a brighter future for the harbor and its incredible wildlife. Come sail with us and be part of the story!