The Eco Schooner America 2.0 is the newest member of the Classic Harbor Line fleet. Schooner sailing in the Hudson is not new for Classic Harbor Line; oM has already experienced their 80-foot-long Schooner Adirondack. But even if you have enjoyed a sail on the Adirondack, a thrilling ride on the new boat is not to be missed. At 105 feet, and with a larger sail area, the boat cuts through the water at incredible speeds. The schooners may look like classic ships, but they are designed and built by Scarano Boat with the latest technologies, allowing them to be fast, safe, and comfortable.
On this particular outing, we sailed with Captain Andrew and his friendly crew. We boarded the boat at Chelsea Piers, and motored out of the marina. Shortly after departure, the crew raised the four impressive sails, and turned off the engine. We were soon traveling on a reach at 13 knots past the skyscrapers downtown and towards the Verrazano Bridge. The attentive crew brought us warm blankets and served champagne, red and white wine, and craft beers, including fine local brews by Butternuts Beer & Ale.
Sailing on the Hudson River is something that can be enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. As a local, if you have never seen the skyline and Statue of Liberty from the water, you will appreciate this trip. And as a tourist, there is no better view of New York City than from the deck of a schooner.
Day sails are $52, sunset sails are $72 and both will be offered until the end of November. For more information about booking tickets, other outings like the Morimoto Sushi and Sake Sail, brunch cruise, and more Classic Harbor rides, visit sail-nyc.com.
Photos: Courtesy of Pim Van Hemmen
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