1 Hour & 30 Minutes - • All Ages
Set sail on the Clipper City for a magical evening cruise that showcases New York City’s iconic skyline illuminated against the night sky. Perfect for romance, friends, or family, this 90-minute journey blends authentic sailing with scenic views and a lively onboard bar.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for any fitness level as the trip involves minimal physical exertion
Wildlife
History
The Clipper City is a reproduction of a classic 19th-century Baltimore clipper, offering a window into historic sailing traditions of New York Harbor.
Conservation
The operators follow eco-friendly sailing practices to minimize emissions, maintaining the harbor’s delicate marine environment.
Manhattan by Sail
1 Hour & 30 Minutes - • All Ages
Manhattan by Sail operates passenger sails in New York, New York, offering public and private cruises aboard the Clipper City, New York’s largest passenger tall ship. The company’s scheduled experiences include Sunset Jazz sails, Afternoon Golden Hour Cocktail sails, Evening Wine & Jazz concerts, City Lights evening cruises, and daytime harbor sails. Private charters for celebrations and reunions are also available and listed events include birthday and class reunion sails.
Each itinerary sails through New York Harbor, passing signature landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Brooklyn Bridge, with close views of the Manhattan skyline. Public trips advertised include a 90-minute Afternoon Golden Hour Cocktail sail and multiple evening jazz and wine cruises that combine live music and scenic harbor passages. The Clipper City features spacious wooden decks and a full bar with cocktails and wine; some offerings also note snacks and hors d’oeuvres during private events.
Manhattan by Sail markets both ticketed public excursions and privately booked events, providing options for couples, friends, and groups seeking skyline views or music-focused evenings. Trip summaries reference live jazz ensembles, wine selections, cocktail service, and photo-friendly sunset opportunities. Routes and featured experiences vary by departure, with specific sails emphasizing music, cocktails, or city lights.
All information on this page reflects listed trip summaries and locations for Manhattan by Sail as published for each advertised experience in New York Harbor. Ticket availability, pricing, and exact departure times are published with each trip listing. Check individual listings for booking details.
Location
New York, NY
Sails operate in New York Harbor
Trips Offered
8 Trips
Public and private listed experiences
Duration
Varied (including 90 min)
Some public sails are 90 minutes
Vessel
Clipper City
New York’s largest passenger tall ship
Check individual trip listings for departure times, ticket availability, and private charter options.
Dress in layers
Temperatures can be up to 10 degrees cooler on the water at night, so bring a jacket or sweater.
Arrive early for boarding
Plan to check in at least 30 minutes before departure to avoid missing the sail.
Bring a camera
Capture stunning skyline shots, especially during golden hour and after sunset for vibrant city lights.
Consider bar purchases carefully
Cash and card are accepted but gratuities for crew are customary if you enjoy the experience.
Light Jacket or Sweater
Keeps you warm against the evening harbor breeze during spring sails.
spring
Sunscreen
Protects your skin even in cooler air when the sun is still strong before sunset.
summer
Comfortable Non-Slip Shoes
Ensures safety while walking on the boat’s wooden deck and during boarding.
Camera or Smartphone
To capture the dazzling cityscape and nautical scenes.