Tall Ship Clipper City Sail

NYC Statue of Liberty Tall Ship Sail aboard Clipper City runs through Manhattan By Sail. Rated 4.3 across 273 reviews. Runs 1 hour 30 minutes. From $72.6.

Overview

The Clipper City is a tall ship that sails out of Pier 17 at South Street Seaport, just below the Brooklyn Bridge on Manhattan's east side. Manhattan By Sail runs her, and the trip lasts about an hour and a half, looping through New York Harbor past the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, Governors Island and the Statue of Liberty. Every sight is a pass by from the water, so there is no landing anywhere.

Boarding happens at the foot of the pier, in front of the Gitano NYC restaurant, and the operator advises allowing up to twenty minutes to find the dock if the area is unfamiliar. Once aboard, the deck does the entertaining. A restroom is on board. The round trip finishes back at the same pier.

This sail suits travellers who want harbor views and a relaxed ride on the water. Reviewers describe it as a chill, scenic cruise, with friendly crew and drinks available from the bar. Anyone wanting a structured, guided tour of the harbor should weigh that expectation before booking.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Pier 17Make your own way to Manhattan By Sail at 89 South Street, Pier 17 at The Seaport, just below the Brooklyn Bridge. Check in is in front of Gitano NYC Restaurant.
2. Board the Clipper CityClimb aboard the tall ship, which the operator describes as able to carry more passengers than any other sailboat of its kind in the United States, and set off.
3. Skyline and Brooklyn BridgeRelax on deck as the ship sails past the Lower Manhattan skyline and comes close to the Brooklyn Bridge.
4. Statue of Liberty pass byContinue down the harbor and view the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from the water. There is no stop or landing.
5. Harbor sights pass byThe route also passes the Manhattan skyline, New York Harbor, Ellis Island and Governors Island National Monument, all from the water.
6. Drinks from the barBeer, wine, cocktails and light snacks are available to purchase from the onboard bar during the sail.
7. Return to Pier 17After roughly an hour and a half on the water, the ship returns to the original departure point, where the tour ends.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape this trip, from finding the correct pier to knowing what costs extra once aboard.

• Finding the pier. Several reviewers said the meeting point at 89 South Street was confusing to locate and that more signage would help. The operator suggests allowing up to twenty minutes to find the dock; check in takes place in front of Gitano NYC Restaurant.
• Helping the crew. Passengers are invited to help haul the ropes to raise and later lower the sails.
• Food and drink. Alcoholic drinks and snacks are not included; both are sold at the onboard bar. Taxes, fees, handling charges and a gratuity are covered in the ticket price.
• No guided commentary. There is no mention of guided commentary in the listing, so expect a relaxed cruise rather than a narrated tour.
• Crowd and capacity. The ship can take up to 149 travellers, which is larger than many sailboats of this kind. Expect a lively, sociable deck rather than an intimate outing.
• Weather and seas. The sail runs in light to moderate rain and only cancels for severe weather, in which case it is rescheduled at no charge or refunded.

Common issues. Some reviewers reported practical hiccups around departures. Two travellers described last minute location changes, one of whom missed the boat entirely after paying for rides across Manhattan, and another reviewer described a cancellation for a mechanical problem. Confirm the dock and sailing time on the booking page or with the operator before setting out. Drinks and snacks cost extra, and the listed sailing time may run shorter than expected according to one reviewer. Changes or cancellations by the traveller must be made at least twenty four hours before departure for a full refund.

Picking Your Boat Tour