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Classic Harbor Line Pride

Between the sails of Classic Harbor Line's schooner the Pride flag waves in the sun.

“We’ve got all of our picks of the best parties, events, performances and more LGBTQ+ things to do in NYC to celebrate Pride Month.” -Timeout

Classic Harbor Line's Schooner Adirondack sails in the Hudson with 400 sqft Pride Flag in tow

Classic Harbor Line Pride sails are back, and they’re better than ever! Picture this: a two-hour cruise on a majestic classic Schooner, where you’ll soak in jaw-dropping views of the city’s landmarks.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 29, and Sunday, June 30. We’re setting sail from Pier 62 at Chelsea Piers. As we glide past One World Trade Center, Ellis Island, and the iconic Statue of Liberty, a vibrant 400-square-foot Pride flag will be fluttering above us, celebrating love and pride.

Saturday tickets are priced at $125/adult, and Sunday tickets for $150/adult. Our Sunday sail will have the best seat in the house for the Pride fireworks show. Each ticket comes with your choice of drink—beer, wine, champagne, or soda—and you’re welcome to pack a picnic for the ride.

Purchase your tickets here!

Every cent of the net ticket sales goes straight to the Hetrick-Martin Institute. HMI is the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit supporting LGBTQIA+ youth. This year, as we celebrate our fifth anniversary of this fabulous partnership, we’re aiming to raise a whopping $15,000 for HMI. Come a help us do it!

Come for one of Classic Harbor Line Pride Sails, bring your pride, and let’s make some waves for a fantastic cause. See you on the water!

From part time to management at Classic Harbor Line

Captain Cait Field at the helm of one of our schooners

NY POST:

“Seasonal gigs can bring extra cash, career changes — and job offers” – Vicki Salemi

Read the full NY Post article here!

Our own Captain Cait Field was interviewed about her story of going from part time to management at Classic Harbor Line.

Captain Cait Field, our general manager at Classic Harbor Line grew up sailing small boats in Long Island. Field transitioned to working full-time for the company two years ago after an extensive background in both sailing and science. The Brooklyn resident initially joined Classic Harbor Line while pursuing her Ph.D. in biopsychology. All while working as the Freshkills Park manager at the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation.

Despite her extensive career in the sciences, her passion for the maritime world led her to embrace a full-time role with Classic Harbor Line. Additionally, as a captain, Field often officiates weddings, having taken up the role after numerous requests. She emphasizes the importance of staying open to evolving career paths and the joy she finds in being on boats. From part time to management at Classic Harbor Line is no small feat and we are all so happy that Capt Cait is part of our team!

Come from a cruise with us and meet Captain Cait Field in person! Though, Capt. Field has a mountain of responsibilities, she still finds time to captain a tour now and again. Click here to see what cruises we have in our schedule!

We have daily public trips year round, from our summer sunset sails to our holiday Cocoa and Carols Cruises. We offer special events for every holiday. What’s one of our favorite examples? Watching the 4th of July fireworks from one of our beautiful schooners! Additionally, we offer private charters. Guests who are interested in anything from a special proposal, to a company team building day on the water, to a relaxing family outing can find the perfect package for them. We can’t wait to see you out on the water!

Classic Harbor Line’s Urban Naturalist Tour

Schooner Adirondack sailing on the Hudson River with a rainbow over the NYC Skyline

Classic Harbor Line’s Urban Naturalist Tour

Discovering New York’s Forgotten Isles:

A Unique Cruise Experience” – Hal C Clarke

Couple gazes out the windows of interior cabin at abandoned island across the water

TJV News reports on our exciting new cruise! Read the article here.

Experience New York City like never before with Classic Harbor Line’s Urban Naturalist Tour, offering an up-close look at the forgotten islands along the East River. These islands are teeming with history, having hosted baseball stars, maritime disasters, wildlife sanctuaries, and deadly diseases.

Our tour begins at the tiny Belmont Island. Then navigates past Roosevelt and Randall’s Islands before reaching Mill Rock at the Harlem River’s mouth. Next, we venture through Hell Gate to North and South Brother Islands; home to idyllic serene shorebird sanctuaries with a storied past.

Guided by naturalist Gabriel Willow, you’ll hear captivating tales of these islands’ inhabitants, including Typhoid Mary and former Yankees owner Jacob Ruppert. Following Ruppert, he owned a summer home on South Brother Island, where Babe Ruth often practiced batting. Ruppert is known for transforming the Yankees by bringing Babe Ruth to the team and building Yankee Stadium. The mansion burned down in 1909, and the island remained largely abandoned until it was transformed into a bird sanctuary in 2007.

You’ll also learn about the eerie remains of the quarantine hospital on North Brother Island, where Typhoid Mary spent her final years. Both islands now thrive as seabird sanctuaries, however they are now untouched by human activity.

The tour continues past Mill Rock, a fortified position during the War of 1812, now a nature educational center, and Belmont Island, created during tunnel construction beneath the river. Finally, the tour coincides with the sunset. The cruise offers stunning views of the city illuminated by night, providing a beautiful contrast to the natural stillness of the river islands.

Don’t miss this unique journey through New York’s hidden historical gems.

A $124 ticket includes a glass of champagne and a sandwich, making for a perfect evening on the water. Running every Sunday through July, this three-hour cruise aboard a 1920s-style yacht promises an adventure through time.

Book your ticket today and bring binoculars to enhance your experience.

Abandoned Islands Sunset Cruise

Cruising past Abandoned Islands off the right bow.

Abandoned Islands Sunset Cruise

untapped New York’s Things to do this week in NYC : June 26th- July 3rd

Guests take photos of the abandoned islands and landscape port side

untapped New York named Classic Harbor Line‘s Abandoned Islands Sunset Cruise one of the top things to do this week in NYC!

Join Classic Harbor Line for a remarkable sunset cruise exploring the hidden gems of New York City’s North and South Brother Islands. Our expert urban naturalist will guide you through the particularly fascinating history of these islands. Many now reclaimed by nature and serving as sanctuaries for shorebirds.

Indeed! Bring your binoculars for viewing stunning wildlife!

Discover the captivating stories behind the 19th-century quarantine hospital, the former summer estate of a Yankees owner, and other intriguing mysteries of the East River islands. Sip on a glass of something bubbly while enjoying this unique blend of history and natural beauty.

Hot Tip! Keep an eye out for Black Crowned Night Herons among the ruins!

The tour, priced at $124, includes a glass of champagne and a sandwich. The cruise is timed correspondingly with sunset, providing stunning views of the city illuminated at night. This tour is offered aboard either our yacht Manhattan or Manhattan II. The Abandoned Islands Sunset Cruise is a limited engagement for the months of June, July, and August.

Read untapped new york‘s article about the Abandoned Island’s Sunset Cruise here! Looking for tickets? Book tickets here!

NYC’s Abandoned Islands

Off bow of Manhattan, guests see an Abandoned Island in the distance

“The Forgotten History of NYC’s Abandoned Islands – and how you can see them up close”

Comprehensive map of NYC with dots indicating; N.Brother Island, Mill Rock, S. brother Island, Roosevelt Island, Belmont Island, and Chelsea Pier 62

This story by Alex Oliveira highlights our unique new cruise. The Urban Naturalist Tour: Abandoned Islands. Classic Harbor Line‘s tour explores the abandoned islands along New York City’s East River, overflowing with history and natural beauty.

The cruise runs three-hours on our beautiful 1920s-style yacht. The tour reviewed was narrated by naturalist Gabriel Willow.

During the tour, guests visit several islands including; Belmont, Roosevelt, Randall’s, Mill Rock, North, and South Brother Islands. Each of these islands have diverse histories, from being homes to baseball stars like Babe Ruth to sites of historic maritime disasters and quarantine hospitals. Therefore, this cruise offers insights into these diverse histories and highlights the wildlife sanctuaries that have now become part of the island’s new life.

The tour, priced at $124, includes a glass of champagne as well as a sandwich. The cruise is correspondingly timed to allow you and your loved ones to enjoy all there is to see at sunset. This tour provides stunning views of the city illuminated at night. Additionally, passengers are encouraged to bring binoculars for unforgettable wildlife viewing aboard our boating adventure!

Read about NYC’s Abandoned Islands in the article here!

Bear Mountain Cruise 2019 Press Release

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2019 Cruising Dates now available for Classic Harbor Line’sBear Mountain Cruise

Full Day Cruise to Bear Mountain and Back!

As an homage to the historic Hudson Day Line cruises (1860s to the 1970s) upon the Hudson River, which offered a full day of respite from city life to enjoy the richness of the grand Hudson River Valley and its many waterside parks, resorts and hamlets, Classic Harbor Line can give you a taste of that same escape today, in elegance and style.

There are 7 of these 9 hour, full day events scheduled this year.  Each starts with a 3 hour north bound leg from Chelsea Piers to Bear Mountain State Park, complete with their signature four-course brunch.  Once there, guests have 3 hours to themselves to explore the park: visit the Trailside Zoo, take a stroll or a row around Lake Hessian, or hike up Bear Mountain for breathtaking views of the Hudson River valley.  The return leg features a gourmet picnic spread and bar service throughout.

  • Monday, May 27th (Memorial Day)
  • Sunday, June 16th (Father’s Day)
  • Saturday, July 6 (July 4 Weekend)
  • Sunday, July 28th
  • Saturday, August 10th
  • Monday, September 2nd (Labor Day)
  • Sunday, September 15th

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Full Day Cruise to Bear Mountain and Back

Full Day Cruise to Bear Mountain and Back

This 9 hour full day event starts with a 3 hour north bound leg from Chelsea Piers to Bear Mountain State Park.  Once there, guests have 3 hours to themselves to explore the park: visit the Trailside Zoo, take a stroll or a row around Lake Hessian, or hike up Bear Mountain for breath-taking views of the Hudson River valley!

Our classic open breakfast buffet includes fresh local bagels and pastries, seasonal fruit, a Gluten free waffle station, fresh quiche & sausage, smoked salmon with capers, red onion and dill, coffee, juice & tea. The down-river picnic includes a selection of hot entrees consisting of gourmet pork bratwurst, and spicy cheddar wurst from NYs Schaller and Weber or Margarita marinated Chicken, sides include sauerkraut with apple and onion, chefs potato salad, kale salad with blue cheese and dried cranberries and a vegetarian pasta.  Snacks are provided for your hike in the park! 

  Duration: 9 hrs  Boat: Manhattan  Cost: Adult $182 | Child $118

AIANY Urban ecology Earth Day Tour

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Classic Harbor Line: AIANY Urban Ecology Earth Day TourNYC Earth Day Cruise

Don’t miss the first annual AIANY Urban Ecology Earth Day Tour – a collaboration between AIANY and Classic Harbor Line, April 22, 2019 at 1:45 PM aboard the yacht Manhattan!

This unique 2.75 hour circumnavigation of the island of Manhattan will explore green infrastructure designed to both restore the health and productivity of the region’s marine ecology and to create resilient edges to mitigate storm surge and sea level rise. The tour will be hosted by Arthur Platt AIA and a waterfront expert. Guests will hear accounts of the abundant marine life documented by 17th century explorers and learn how subsequent settlement patterns and resource use led to the estuary’s decline. Today’s ecological goals, including efforts to rebuild native oyster habitat and create sanctuaries for migratory fish and waterfowl, embody a renewed commitment to restoring native ecology along our shared urban shoreline.

Come join us on this special full circumnavigation of Manhattan to celebrate Earth Day and experience a comfortable tour through the Hudson, East, and Harlem Rivers from the climate-controlled and enclosed back-deck observatory or wander to the outer decks for fresh air and sunlight with a complimentary beverage and locally sourced hors d’oeuvres in hand.

Key points about this tour:

  • 2.75 hour cruise
  • $96 for Adults & $78 for Students ages 14 and older
  • Offered aboard Manhattan or Manhattan II (1920s inspired yachts)
  • Fully Circumnavigates the Island of Manhattan.
  • Hosted & narrated by a member of the American Institute of Architects
  • In honor of Earth Day, a special locally-sourced menu has been prepared by our executive chef!
  • Includes a complimentary beer, wine or champagne, and a locally sourced specialty cocktail will be available for purchase
  • Indoor climate-controlled seating and outdoor seating available

Highlights, topics and themes of the AIANY tour include:

  • The Past, Present and Future of New York Harbor’s estuary
  • How the region’s historic ecological wealth and diversity inform today’s waterfront
  • The region’s geological and topographical formation and efforts to tame, control, or enhance it.
  • How NYC is addressing sea level rise and frequent storm events through resilient planning
  • The health and challenges facing NYC aquatic species: Oysters, Striped Bass, Shad, Sturgeon, and myriad waterfowl
  • Multi-pronged efforts to improve health through lowering carbon emissions, water pollution and reducing solid waste volume.

‘Earth Day’ Hors d’ oeuvres to be served:

Spring strudel stuffed with a blend of exotic mushrooms, asparagus, roasted onions, goat cheese.  Mushrooms from The Farmroom in Brooklyn, Asparagus, Onions, Cheese from Hudson Valley Farms

A Selection of Spreads made with Locally Sourced Root Vegetables and NYS Cheeses.  Made with a selection of Beets, Squash, and Cheeses Sourced from the Hudson Valley

A selection of Tomato, Olive and Rosemary Focaccia. Made fresh in Brooklyn by Settepani Bakery

Earth Day Specialty Cocktail:

Due North Bees Knees – A Blend of Fair Trade Brooklyn Rum from Red Hook’s Van Brun, Brooklyn Rooftop Apiary Honey, and Fresh Rosemary

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AIANY Urban Ecology Earth Day Tour

Come join us on this special full circumnavigation of Manhattan to celebrate Earth Day 2019 and experience a comfortable tour through the Hudson, East, and Harlem Rivers from the climate-controlled and enclosed back-deck observatory or wander to the outer decks for fresh air and sunlight with a complimentary beverage and locally sourced hors d’oeuvres in hand.

  Duration: 2.75 hrs  Boat: Manhattan II  Cost: Adult $96

NYC Pride

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Celebrate World PRIDE 2019 in New York City on the Water!World Pride Sailing in NY Harbor

June 2019 is World PRIDE in New York City! Celebrate equal rights for the LGBTQIAP+ of the world on our NYC PRIDE Fireworks Cruise, or come support the Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI) on our weekly fundraising Pride Sails!
Located in Chelsea, at Chelsea Piers, Pier 62, Classic Harbor Line (CHL) has annually enjoyed celebrating pride week by being on the water for the culminating fireworks at the end of the PRIDE Dance, the last Sunday in June. Anyone can celebrate Pride. And anyone can join these cruises which will depart for exquisite viewing of the fireworks on Sunday night. Each departure for the PRIDE fireworks display is 2 to 2.5 hours and are $72 per guest.
Additionally, this year, as a major supporter of the trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming community, CHL also collaborates on behalf of the Hetrick-Martin Institute. The objective is to fundraise to the support programs for youth with these identities. 100% of net ticket sales from the their Trans New York Harbor PRIDE Sails will go to HMI. These sails depart every Saturday in June at 1 P.M. These 2 hours sails upon the schooner Adirondack or schooner America 2.0 include complimentary mimosas and a nearly 400 square foot PRIDE Flag flying proudly from the mainsail as they pass the Statue of Liberty. Tickets are $75/ guest.

Click here to see what activities we offer for NYC PRIDE.

Gypsy Jazz Cruise

classic harbor line

 

Vive la France!The NYC Skyline from the perspective of NY Harbor on a Beautiful Sunny Day

Step aboard the Manhattan II and back in time with the 1930s-inspired French-style Gypsy Jazz as you witness the city’s beauty and elegance from the water. Guitarist Alex Simon & his trio perform the musical stylings of Django Reinhardt with dazzling technique and lyrical impressionism. It is a bright but elegant style of acoustic swing that evokes the vibrancy of cosmopolitan life and the folkloric sounds of rural Europe, originating in France.

 

From aboard this elegant classic-inspired yacht, start the evening with a slow pass by our most famous gift from France, the Statue of Liberty.  Classic Harbor Line’s Gypsy Jazz Cruises are offered on select dates in 2019 including these French Holidays: Labour Day (May 1), Bastille Day (July 14) and Armistice Day (November 11)

 

On this cruise you may hear a combination of 1930s French Swing as well as Louis Armstrong hits. Alex Simon has performed at The Guggenheim, B.B. King’s Main Stage, The Rainbow Room, as well as world-renowned cocktail lounges such as Milk & Honey, Bathtub Gin, NoMad, The Roxy, and many other of New York City’s finest venues.

 

Key points about this cruise:

– 2 hours

– $84 per person

– French-inspired Gypsy Jazz music with guitarist Alex Simon & his trio

– Offered aboard Manhattan II

– Includes one complimentary beer, wine or champagne from the bar (additional drinks French-inspired cocktails are available for purchase)

– Seating available in climate controlled cabin or on the outer deck

– Departs from Chelsea Piers Pier 62


a man playing a guitar on a boat

Gypsy Jazz Cruise on the classic Yacht Manhattan II

Step aboard the *Manhattan* or *Manhattan II* and witness the city’s beauty and elegance, while enjoying some festive Gypsy Jazz with guitarist Alex Simon & his trio. Enjoy music of Django Reinhardt with dazzling technique and lyrical impressionism. This music is a bright but elegant style of acoustic swing that evokes the vibrancy of cosmopolitan life and the folkloric sounds of rural Europe, originating in France. Cruise New York City’s famous harbor aboard the 1920s-style yacht *Manhattan* or *Manhattan II* while listening to this fabulous trio. On this cruise you may hear a combination of 1930’s French Swing and Louis Armstrong hits. Alex Simon has performed at The Guggenheim, B.B. King’s Main Stage, The Rainbow Room, as well as world-renowned cocktail lounges Milk & Honey, Bathtub Gin, NoMad, The Roxy, and many other of New York City’s finest venues.

  Duration: 2 hrs  Boat: Manhattan or Manhattan II  Cost: Adult $84

Morimoto Sushi & Sake Sunset Sail

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IRON CHEF MORIMOTO SUSHI HITS NY HARBORMorimoto aboard Schooner America 2.0

A date night favorite that’s perfect for all foodies, we will set sail for another season of Sushi & Sake Sunset Sails aboard Schooner America 2.0. This 2-hour sailing experience includes two platings of sushi from renowned Iron Chef Morimoto’s restaurant located in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City, along with four expertly paired sake flights. 

While onboard you can sit back on the open deck of classic, eco-friendly Schooner America 2.0 and experience a leisurely sail from Chelsea Piers along the Hudson River and into New York Harbor. Photo opportunities will be abundant along the way as the boat passes by Manhattan’s Financial District, One World Trade, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. This truly unique experience is one of New York City’s ultimate events to experience this summer.   


 
Update: Classic Harbor Line is no longer operating the Morimoto Sushi and Sake Sail due to Morimoto moving to Philadelphia!  Please check out another one of our sails on our classic Schooners.