Sunset Sail Aboard the Clipper City Tall Ship Tickets Tickets

We strongly believe sailing should be accessible to all, regardless of mobility challenges. The Clipper City Tall Ship, although built prior to the A.D.A., is wheelchair accessible to 80% of the public deck space.  Boarding the vessel usually requires an assist from one of our friendly crew as wakes from ferry boats and tidal change can create challenging conditions. Clipper City has a large main deck with restrooms on the same level. Bathrooms on Clipper City cannot be entered whilst in a wheelchair, but you may transfer from chair to bathroom as we have a grab bars inside. Please reach out to us so we can clarify and make arrangements to ensure the most comfortable possible experience aboard our vessels. We apologize but are unable to accommodate larger electric scooters and wheelchairs.

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.