The Clipper City is a genuine sailing vessel rather than a motor yacht dressed up as one, so the engines cut once the sails are set and you get harbor quiet with a jazz trio over the top. It leaves from Pier 17, which means the Brooklyn Bridge is the first thing you sail under and the Statue of Liberty is the turnaround. If the party-boat format is not your thing, this is the sunset sail that fixes it.
What to expect
You board a wooden-decked schooner at the Seaport and sit along the rail or on deck benches while the crew raises sail. A jazz group plays acoustically on deck, so the volume is conversational rather than club-level, and a small bar serves drinks throughout. The route heads down the harbor toward the Statue of Liberty as the light goes.
Good to know
- The ship berths at Pier 17 at the Seaport; take the 2/3, 4/5, A/C or J/Z to Fulton Street
- Bring a photo ID for boarding
- Deck shoes or flats — heels are a bad idea on a wooden deck under sail
- Book ahead — a tall ship carries a fraction of what a party boat does
- It gets noticeably cooler on the water than on the pier, so bring a layer
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Common questions
Is it a real sailing ship?
Yes, the Clipper City is a 158-foot schooner and the crew sets sail during the trip rather than motoring the whole way.
How long is the sail?
The Sunset Jazz Sail runs about an hour and forty-five minutes from boarding to return at Pier 17.
Are drinks included?
No. There is a cocktail bar on board with food and drinks available for purchase.
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