Last night at Chelsea Piers, Vince and I boarded an 80-foot mahogany-trimmed sailboat called the Schooner Adirondack. Docked near six or seven mega-yachts, the Schooner, with her sleek wood surface and tall masts, was the most beautiful boat in the marina.
We sat near Captain Peter, who’s originally from Belgium. With only a few other couples in attendance, we had picked the perfect night for a “private” tour of NY Harbor. Captain Peter assured us that although there were more than 49 life jackets below deck, in the 11 years since the boat first set sail, they had never been needed.
“For your sailing pleasure, there is also complimentary soda and water. And for some of you,” he paused, grinning, “wine, beer, and champagne.” (This certainly wasn’t the Circle Line.) “Welcome aboard!” he said, and started the engines to back out of the pier.
Here Vince and I were, relaxing on an 1890s-style sailboat that provided flowing champagne, history of the Hudson, and the gentle sounds of creaking wood. All right beside the majestic evening skyline of Manhattan. Imagine!
Capt. Peter would occasionally sign to his two-man crew to raise the four sails, tack, or look out for oncoming boats. When a passenger asked a question, Capt. Peter launched into a fascinating story about immigrants arriving at Ellis Island, pointing to the place where few people know they all went next. He spoke of the abandoned Governor’s island off to the East, of celebrity-inhabited buildings along the river, and the Italian who discovered Manhattan. When we felt a chill, blankets appeared to keep us cozy and warm. The service, and especially the charming, entertaining captain, gave the night that special touch. The stars came out, party boats passed blaring reggaeton, and it was silent again.
The Statue of Liberty was our destination. This I won’t elaborate on. I was there once as a child, and seeing it again – albeit off land – is something everyone must experience for themselves. Staring up at the statue from the sailboat is more moving than standing in her crown looking out at Manhattan. Aboard the Schooner Adirondack, you can have both views.
How to get there: Take the A, C, or E train to 8th and 14th Street. Or take the cross-town bus on 14th street that stops near Chelsea Piers on 18th street. The Schooner Adirondack and its sister ship, Schooner Imagine, operate from May to November (see calendar for details and reservations). Day sails at 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m, Sunset sail at 6 p.m., and City Lights sail at 8:30 p.m. Cost: $40 per adult, $50 after 6 p.m. (Classic Harbor Line, Chelsea Pier 59, 212.627.1825, sail-nyc.com)
Photos: Susan Kavett and Lauren Matison
The co-founder and editor-at-large at offMetro, Lauren is a sustainable travel specialist and freelance journalist with frequent bylines in National Geographic, Bicycling Magazine and Shape. Follow Lauren’s adventures at @laurenmati.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram