Sunset Sail Aboard the Clipper City Tall Ship Tickets Tickets

The Clipper City tall ship has a storied history — it was originally built as a lumber schooner before the Civil War. The current City Clipper was rebuilt from the original plans, which were borrowed from the Smithsonian Museum!

Even if you’ve never stepped aboard the deck of the Clipper City, you’ve likely seen the city’s largest tall ship gliding through the New York Harbor. The 149-passenger vessel has over 5,000 feet of sails catching the harbor breeze as it meanders through the water!

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the city or a seasoned local, the Sunset Sail Aboard the City Clipper is a wonderful activity offering unparalleled views of the city. Plan a romantic date night on the water, or gather friends and family for an all-ages adventure.

Clipper City is operated by Manhattan by Sail, which has operated since 1972. The company was founded by a welder named Nick van Nes, who began the company with a 70-foot ocean racing yawl called Petrel. Manhattan by Sail has a second sailboat named Shearwater.

What to Watch For

• The sailors on the tall ship come from a variety of backgrounds. You just might have an artist or craftsperson captaining the ship!
• New York Harbor is one of the largest natural harbors. It is also commonly referred to as Upper New York Bay.
• The New York Harbor was central to the city’s economy. NYC grew to be an important port for shipping not just for the United States but globally as well.
• Sailboats were invented by the ancient Egyptians. Sometime around 4,000 BCE, Egyptians used rigging and cloth to move their log boats through rivers.