Shearwater – Manhattan by Sail

Sailed on the Shearwater. Read Karen P’s review regarding crowding and lack of seating. I also read the Manhattan by Sail reply. I do not doubt the Shearwater was in Coast Guard compliance as to the number of passengers aboard. The primary complaint is every paying passenger should have a seat that a normal individual could be reasonably comfortable with. This was not the case. Every available spot one could possibly sit was taken (even those seats on hatch covers that were on an angle and not conducive to sitting for more than five minutes). The fare on the Shearwater is not inexpensive. For the price charged there is a reasonable expectation of a seat that could be occupied for the length of the trip. I did not expect standing room.
There was a safety speech given prior to leaving the dock. The captain stood on the dock for his presentation. It was not amplified. Most people in the area I was standing had no idea what he said. While I am sure there are the required number of life vests aboard, those who could not hear the captain had no idea where they were or what to do on an emergency.

The boat was overcrowded– not enough seats. Had to stand for the entire ride. What should have been lovely day on the Hudson turned out to be a backache inducing horror. Could not wait to get back to the dock. They should never let a boat go out with too many passengers. Doubt they had life jackets for us all. Don’t think the Coast Guard would approve.

The WORST experience ever. My husband (at my urging) booked a sail for us tonight (Monday Aug 17, our anniversary). We schlep downtown, get there at 6:30 for a 7 pm sail, and no one can tell us where the ticket office is. No one has heard of this company. We finally find the one lone ship with tall sails, and a beleaguered worker tells us the sail was cancelled and we should’ve gotten the email. What email? Why was it canceled? «Mechanical difficulties». It’s a sailboat. What difficulties? She couldn’t answer that. After many complaints on our part, she sighed heavily and offered to get us on the Clipper (which was full). She pointed south and said to walk that way. After a 30 minute walk, we find the Clipper, which refuses to let us on!!!
I will NEVER use this company again. I would rather jump in the Hudson and swim to see the sunset that way. And I hate to swim.

I don’t leave 1-​star review unless I know that the business def deserves it.
I have been spending the entire afternoon going back and forth with the reservation person after our 10-​min long phone call which she gathered all the info she needed and processed the transaction with the confirmation email. She wasn’t clear at all about my purchase. And after 10 emails, she just decided to cancel my reservation.
I would never book with you or recom any of one to do so. I’ve also heard how bad their cus service was, I wouldn’t image the whole experience…

My girlfriend and I went on a «Moonshine tasting» sail this past weekend.
It is announced on the website, that with your $ 95 ticket, you get:
«* A tasting of one micro distilled, one small batch, and one mass produced whiskey.
* 3 Truffles from ChocAlive!
* 2 Tailored whiskey cocktails.»
The liquors were:
«Mass: Mellow Corn or Buffalo Trace White Dog
Small Batch: Georgia Moon
Local Micro: Finger Lakes Distilling — White Pike Whiskey
Cocktails: Tennessee Negroni; White Dog Sour».
What we actually got was one (1!) very poorly poured tasting of White Pike Whiskey (my girlfriend didn’t even get a full shot, because the boat was shaky, but the guy pouring it wasn’t really paying attention), one some sort of pineapple cocktail (most definitely NOT a Negroni of any kind), two (2! they couldn’t even get the truffles amount right!) tiny truffles and then another Moscow Mule-​like drink (again, not a White Dog sour). The cocktails were about 4 oz each, so not even a full drink.
The sail itself wasn’t even an actual sail (because that would imply ~sailing~, which we couldn’t do, because of the current? so instead we just floated around the Statue of Liberty, not even close enough for a good picture — but then again, that would only make things better for tourists: since my girlfriend and I live in Tribeca, we see the Statue every day, and we honestly came out for a sailing experience and some good moonshine, none of which we got).
I understand that you’re trying to save a buck or two, but what you advertise and what you actually provide are simply two different things, and you should be more accurate in your «sailing» description.
Very disappointing almost non-​experience. Would strongly advise anybody, who’s interested in booking this tour to at least call in advance and confirm, what you get for your money.
Otherwise, just go to Battery Gardens: you will get the same view, a steady table and a couple of solid drinks for the same money.

We had an amazing time the crew was very friendly and helpful. We departed on time and even drinks were offer. I would do the again

When looking for activities in the city to do with visiting family members, I often try to brainstorm «what is not in Times Square?» The answer this week was «water!» Enter sailing on a boat in the Hudson.
This was a great setup, staff were friendly, easy to find the boat in the harbor, and the trip itself was great. I didn’t realize how fast 90 minutes went by: we had one pass by the Statue of Liberty, then back to harbor. A free drink ticket was a nice touch, beers with my wife and mom on a boat was brilliant.
Great price, fun outing, would definitely recommend it to others! If only there were fewer people on the boat, and more time out on the water (we did use the motor for a good portion of the trip, but that’s Mother Earth’s fault), but still a definite must.

My husband and I got tickets for Manhattan by Sail as a gift. This was almost two years ago, when we had to cancel our trip. Two years later, the tickets were still valid and we finally went on the wine tasting tour.
We had a really good time. The weather was nice, though we did need our wind-​breakers once we got going. I recommend taking extra layers, though there are blankets available which staff will readily offer if they see that you might need one. The boat is small and the atmosphere is intimate. There are not too many other people on there to make it feel crowded. I had read that some people weren’t happy with the amount of wine they were served for the tasting. We tasted four wines from a winery in the Rioja region of Spain. There was a Pinot Grigio that was served between the various tastings to top up our glasses while we waited. The cheese and meats selection were a great accompaniment and were refilled when they ran out. The staff were all very friendly too.
I would definitely recommend this to friends and family visiting during the season.

As I came across a groupon I want to buy for the speed boat cruise that is the fastest boat you can get on in NYC, it hit me that I’ve been on quit a few different boat rides that I’ve never reviewed!
I came here about ¾ yrs ago for my friends sister’s birthday. She had an extra ticket so I’m not sure of the price but had a BLAST! It’s a sail boat which is pretty awesome. I felt like I was getting a real deal of experience being on the sea by one, and only made it better that we were drinking! Holla! ALL of the staff were super friendly, cracking jokes, etc. This was one of the most fun boat rides I’ve been on. The wine I had was great and it was unlimited so needless to say, being the lush that I am, I certainly was swigging it back and they kept refilling. lmao.
It was a gorgeous summer night so my dress I had on was perfect for the ride. Take into account the type of weather & how hot it is when you go. I read a previous review giving them one star because it was cold. IT IS COLDER ON THE SEA and I think them having blankets is a curtousy not requirement. Really not fair to knock a company because you went unprepared. I’ve been on other boat rides and knew to wear long sleeves, bring a light jacket, etc. There was a time I was even a bit nippy w/​a long sleeve but would never blame the company for that.smh. Also, this is not a «fancy» boat ride where you will be having champagne glasses etc, With the plethora of boat rides out there you can certainly find (&pay) for something of that caliber. You get on this big sail boat, let loose by drinking some wine (I guess only white which is no problem for me) &beer, while sitting on the edge or innner part of the sail boat as you take in views of the city. Something fun/​different to do with friends or even your boo! I read some ppl found discounts on groupon or similar sites, so I say buy the offer and venture out to do something different in NYC.

I had a pretty horrible experience here because the night I went in early October wound up being a really cold one. Not until halfway through did they mention there were blankets.
The ‘open bar’ is a guy bringing around beer cans and white wine only (I guess the red stains the deck). We spent most of the time freezing, but the views were pretty.

This is awesome for anyone who likes boats, sailing, or booze! The sun was setting, water was calm, and the weather was beautiful. I’ve gone for my birthday two years running.
The first year the wind was so calm that they had to actually use the motor for a while and it was still a blast.
The captain was also very nice!

Great trip! check in and get a second free drink! We were very lucky to have gone on a cool overcast summer day where the water was calm and it wasn’t 200 degrees and gross out. Crew was really good and the boat was packed to the point where anymore and it might have been uncomfortable.
Definitely worth it for the views of the city you get!

Scored discounted tickets with 2 comp drinks per person on the YPlan site. Worth every penny!
It was a beautiful end of summer night for a moonlit sail around the hudson. We arrived just a few minutes early to check in and receive our drink tickets. Lots of couples but it seemed like it would be a nice group activity as well. Once on the sail boat we were instructed to grab a seat anywhere on the boat. They handed out comfy fleece blankets too.
Drinks were a nice variety of beers, wines, sparkling wine, soft drinks and water. The entire crew were really friendly and the guests on board was a really chill and fun group.
A beautiful skyline, crisp sea air, great drink in hand and a fantastic date equals a perfect evening out. Will definitely be back!

A welcome change from the «typical» Manhattan boat rides. The Shearwater has the NICEST crew of any company around. They go out of their way to make sure you have a drink and anything else you need (like blankets, it’s windy at night).
They took amazing pictures of us as we sailed by the Statue of Liberty (including about a million retakes to get it just right!) and were so pleasant. We had a lovely evening and would definitely recommend!

This boat came highly recommended by a family member who had been on it and enjoyed it. The reservation process was pretty straight forward, I managed to get a sail the next day. The ship itself was built in 1929 but has been very well maintained and is in great shape. We both boarded and cast off from the dock about 5 minutes late, but the crew kept the boat out an extra five minutes to make up for it. After motoring out from the harbor, the crew raised the sails and hit the sea. From there the captain of the boat turned over the controls to an older gentleman who was not in uniform. I thought it was rather weird that at the end of the sailing, this man slipped the captain a $ 20 bill. Not sure what to make of it. On boats I’ve been on previously, the crew was very chatty. However, my attempts to start a conversation with this boat’s crew were unsuccessful. I know the boat’s website says that the deck hands work for tips, but I didn’t feel bad about not tipping since all they did was hoist the sails. Overall was a good experience, but I would probably opt for one of the themed sailings if I went with this boat again.

I’ve been having such great experiences and memories with this company.
But recently during the process of rescheduling and attempt to get refund, I have nothing but the sour taste left.
My Clipper City sail was canceled, so we rescheduled with Shearwater.
Then I couldn’t make it to the trip and they would not help me with refund process.
(Said I need to talk to the owner, yet owner wasn’t available and they wouldn’t give me the name of the person I need to talk to)
They offered company credit which I don’t need for myself.
Now I have $ 180 company credit I wouldn’t know what I’ll do with.
Sailing experience’s great, but their customer service sucks.

This was an awesome time, got a deal on Glitz, one of the best days this years. The crew was great and there is nothing like sailing with a glass of prosecco.

We took the Sunday brunch cruise that leaves at 11:00 AM from the North Cove at the World Financial Center. The only place where you can actually sign in and pick up tickets that were ordered online is at the South Street Seaport across the entire island of Manhattan. And guess what? You can only pick up your tickets the day of the sail and the ticket booth doesn’t open until 10:00 AM. No where on the booth or the website does it give you these hours of operations. When I got to the ticket booth, the person manning the booth first tells me «wait a minute» (I had gotten there at 9:00 AM) and then tells me «I’m in the wrong place.» I didn’t say a word and she caught herself. (All the while I was thinking… she and this booth is in the wrong place!)
Once we go to the dock, the boarding process went ok. We found some seats in the middle of the boat which was in the shade. Unfortunately there was a large party that formed around us. These people were non-​stop yelling and standing on top of us. Finally we got up and found another part of the boat that was quieter. If a party is going to sign up for a boat, they should just charter it for the entire party. The rest of the people on the boat were much better behaved.
The food selection was good. Perfect brunch fare (as described by other reviewers) plus mimosas. The crew was attentive but relatively quiet. I too would have at least expected some type of narration from time to time.
The boat is relatively small and does rock, so if you get seasick, stay away and look for a larger boat. For me, 2 hours was enough. We did catch some good breezes that felt great.
Overall, I would probably also look for a non-​sail vessel the next time.

Went on the weekend brunch trip this weekend with my husband for a continued celebration of our one-​year anniversary. Overall, the trip was good. The weather was gorgeous and everything was on time. We got to see the Statue of Liberty up close and hung around mostly around Jersey, lower Manhattan area. I had thought we would be traveling more around the city, so that was a bit disappointing, but still fun.
The food was OK. It was mostly pastries, bagels and cream cheese with one really «brunch» item: an egg fritatta of some sort and also some smoked salmon. It was hard to eat though with no real seating anywhere. There was also just one guy serving the whole boat (about 30 – 40 people) and so it took some time to get our fill of mimosas or water. There is beer and wine included in the price as well, which is nice.
My husband and I pretty much sat on the deck and just watched the sights go by — it was great and relaxing. The only other downside was that there was a good amount of kids on the trip that brought the adult fun factor down a bit. It’s hard to spend some quality time when there are kids running around and some kids screaming they are scared of the relatively tame waves.
Overall it was a good trip, but would probably prefer to do maybe the beer tasting option or something else where there wouldn’t be any chance of large families hanging out.

Last summer, I purchased 2 Unilocal deal vouchers for Manhattan by Sail for me and my father. Finally got the chance to book them and decided it would be a perfect Father’s Day adventure for us. I booked the 2 pm sail but I imagine the sunset time would have been incredibly gorgeous as well.
The Manhattan by Sail boat, the Shearwater schooner, is located in the North Cove Marina on the Hudson River in Battery Park City. Beautiful park and food area right nearby behind the American Express building to sit and enjoy the views before you sail. The Shearwater is a fantastic boat with room for about 40 people. On board was the caption, 2 crew members, the bartender and about 30 passengers.
The captain explained everything before we left the marina. From time to time, the sail moved with the change of the wind but you were warned so no head hitting occurred. Everyone grabbed any seat they could find (there was enough room for everyone). Once we hit the high seas (just kidding, its an hour and a half trip to the Statue of Liberty and back), everyone was free to walk around and sit on deck. I even climbed to the very tip of the boat to snap some cool shots.
Included with each voucher were 2 drink tickets. They had a selection of beer, white wine, soda, coffee, etc. There is a very decently sized cabin below the deck that houses a… very interesting toilet. The captain did explain how to use it, it was quite amusing.
It was an amazing experience. You get to see Manhattan’s skyline from angles generally missed out on. The crew was incredibly friendly and offered to take group photos for you. I have already been recommending it to friends and family and will gladly take another trip in the future.