How long is the sail?

The cruise runs approximately 1.5 hours and is designed as an evening sunset/nighttime tour.

Can we bring alcohol?

Yes—this is a BYO charter. Pack responsibly and follow the captain’s guidance on consumption and cleanup.

Are life jackets provided?

Yes—USCG-approved life jackets are available; New York and New Jersey law requires them for passengers twelve and under.

What is the maximum group size?

The boat accommodates up to six passengers per charter.

Is the sail suitable for young children?

Children are welcome but the operator recommends ages five and up and does not recommend sails for children under two.

Private City Lights Sail from NYC: 1.5-Hour Sunset Harbor Cruise | Private | Sailing

Q: Where do I check in?

Check in at Pier 25 at Hudson River Park where the captain will greet you and complete safety forms.

Private City Lights Sail from NYC: 1.5-Hour Sunset Harbor Cruise

An intimate 1.5-hour private sail from Pier 25 that takes you past the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge, and One World Trade Center—perfect for couples, small celebrations, and photographers who want the skyline to themselves. Bring snacks, layers, and a camera for an unforgettable night on the Hudson.

A full day in New York.

The Private City Lights Sail launches from Pier 25 at Hudson River Park in New York, New York, giving you a front-row seat to Manhattan’s illuminated skyline and the iconic markers that define New York Harbor. In a compact 1.5-hour private cruise aboard the classic sailboat Sunset, a licensed captain guides just your party—up to six passengers—past the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Governors Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Freedom Tower (One World Trade Center). The city’s lights sharpen as the sun sets, folding familiar silhouettes into a new, nocturnal geography. This evening sail trades crowds for intimacy. Rigging creaks, halyards whisper, and the harbor’s movement throws rows of windows and bridge lamps into shimmering bands along the water. You’ll cross the Hudson’s tidal sweep—an estuarine channel where urban infrastructure meets geology. Here the skyscrapers rest on Manhattan Schist and the shoreline tells a layered story of bedrock, landfill, piers, and glass. That juxtaposition—raw stone below and neon above—gives the route a distinct New York flavor you can only appreciate from the water. What sets this charter apart is the private, BYO format and the small-boat scale. Photographers get unobstructed sightlines; couples find private decks for proposals; families celebrate without the shuffle of public tours. The experience includes an experienced captain, USCG-approved life jackets available for everyone, onboard blankets and spray jackets, and a brief safety orientation before departure. State rules require life jackets for passengers twelve and under; operators recommend them for all. Practical details matter: check in at Pier 25 at Hudson River Park where the captain will greet you and complete release forms. The vessel may be staged from North Cove Marina. Dress in layers—even mid-summer evenings feel chillier on the river—and wear soft-soled shoes or go barefoot when requested for safety. Snacks and drinks are welcome; treat the boat like a picnic with careful packaging and minimal cleanup. There’s also a short historical note: Ellis Island served as the nation’s immigrant processing center from 1892 to 1954, and the Brooklyn Bridge opened to traffic in 1883, creating the very skyline you’ll see framed beneath floodlights. For a focused encounter with this history and light, nothing compares to a private sail that places the city’s architecture, waters, and stories in motion. Book a short evening to see Manhattan reflected—literally—on its working water. Reserve evening windows early—weekends and summer evenings fill fast—and confirm final guest count so the captain can plan lines and positioning. Groups celebrating special moments should share details with the booking contact to arrange time and any specific photo approaches. The short length makes this sail easy to pair with dinner in Tribeca or a late-night show, creating a New York night out.