Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer

ABOUT SHEARWATER

THE CLASSIC SCHOONER

Refined Adventure-Lover — meet the Shearwater Classic Schooner.

82 FOOT L.O.A. STAYSAIL SCHOONER
USCG CERTIFIED FOR 37 PASSENGERS

THE EXPERIENCE
Are you game for an intimate yachting experience aboard a stately yacht of yesteryear? Prepare for a refined adventure. You’ll hear “watch your head, sail coming across” when you partake in this engaging experience. Your crew will deftly carry out your captain’s commands while a server makes the rounds and takes your drink order. The Shearwater was built to sail around the world (and she has…many times over) but these days she keeps it simple by plying the smooth waters of the NY Harbor. During this sense-soothing experience, you may catch some salty-fresh invigoration from spray in the forward quarter and with enough wind, you’ll be close enough to the water to dip your toes.

THE BOAT
Be whisked back in time to the Roaring ’20s aboard this beautifully restored 1929 sailing ship. The pinnacle of luxury yachts at the time, the Shearwater is a blue water ocean cruiser which has been around the globe. She’s sailed the Pacific, been through the Panama Canal and won classic yacht races in NY and New Zealand. Like New Yorkers, she’s got character and depth. With a length of 82 feet (larger than the Mayflower) and a width of 16.5 feet, she’s one of largest sailboats built in her era yet her sleek feel provides an intimate experience for up to 37 passengers. Seating is ad-hoc: find a place to sit on a bench, a deck-box or the owner’s favorite spot: directly on the original Rangoon teak deck. A spiral staircase drops you below to check out the exquisite mahogany interior, you’ll be immersed in the Gatsby era and Gilded Age while looking at modern-day New York City skyline.

THE REFRESHMENTS
Though you may bring your own food, the Shearwater has a server who walks around to bring you refreshing beverages including a fierce selection of beer & wines, premium mixed drinks, juice, soda and water.

THE LOCATION
Sailing fits easily into your downtown itinerary. Shearwater Classic Schooner berths at the North Cove Marina at Brookfield Place (formerly the World Financial Center) in Lower Manhattan. She sits an easy walking distance from the 9/11 Memorial, One World Trade and City Hall. Get Directions.

THE HISTORY
Rich in history, the Shearwater was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. She’s had books and movies written about her. The last luxury yacht built in her shipyard in Boothbay, Maine before the stock market crash of 1929, she was the pinnacle of Gatsby-era yacht building which focused on marrying the elegant with the adventurous.

WHO IS SHEARWATER BEST SUITED FOR?
The Shearwater is best-suited for adults – perfect for a date night, a family get together and groups of friends. NY Harbor is well protected and normally offers quite smooth sailing, so sea-sickness isn’t generally a problem. However, you will feel the motion of the ocean from time to time, so anyone particularly prone to sea-sickness should prepare themselves (or choose our other boat, the Clipper City!)