Shearwater Schooner Sails

Boarding The Shearwater at lower Manhattan’s North Cove Marina, guests will be greeted by the crew and enjoy a complimentary beverage before setting sail. The boat’s capacity only allows for 48 passengers at a time, making these scenic cruises intimate and peaceful, rather than loud and touristy.

The Shearwater received its National Landmark status in 2009, 80 years after her maiden voyage. This boat has not always been a cruise ship. She has a rich history of her own, having been commissioned in 1942 to serve as a Coast Guard vessel on picket patrol during World War II. While she is a New York native, The Shearwater has also done some international traveling, sailing through the Panama Canal in 1946 and completing a two-and-a-half year circumnavigation in the 1980s. This ship has competed in many yacht races, and has even been used as a marine laboratory for the University of Pennsylvania! The Shearwater, while certainly an antique, has been lovingly preserved and continually passes rigid Coast Guard inspections, deeming her seaworthy and more than safe enough to regularly ferry passengers to and fro on their Manhattan by Sail excursions.

When you visit New York, be sure to book a trip on this vintage vessel and experience a romantic and rarely-seen view of the city and its skyline. The Shearwater sails at intervals throughout the day, evening –and on certain dates, by moonlight. A Manhattan by Sail cruise gives passengers the perfect vantage point for capturing breathtaking photos of New York City that will be the envy of everyone back home, so be sure to get on board when you’re in town!