Rollin' On The River with Manhattan By Sail's City Clipper Ship

By Anne M. Raso

I took a cruise along the good ol' Hudson last week that was a little rough and tumble since it was a sailboat and not a yacht but was loads of fun--and even historic. The Manhattan By Sail Company offers passengers awe-inspiring views while traveling on NYC's largest sailing vessel, the City Clipper. It's 158 feet tall with 120 foot masts. It's a replica of a pre-Civil War lumber hauling vessel and holds up to 150 passengers for one giant open air party. Of course, there's a bar and the most accommodating staff I have encountered on this side of the Royal Yacht Brittania (which I got to have dinner on in the UK last November). They offer you coffee and blankets if you get cold and will answer any questions about what historic New York and New Jersey sites you are passing while on the boat--and will even help find you a seat.

View during the Twilight Sail

Manhattan By Sail also has a second vessel, the 82 foot high Shearwater which is an art deco luxury yacht, and both boats offer themed cruises. I plan to check out some of the special nights coming up on the City Clipper, including the Lobster & Beer Lovers Sail and the Twilight Sail. There is even a Burlesque Sail, the first of its kind on the East Coast. There are even special Clipper City Kids sails for kids ages 1 to 10 where they get to done pirate attire, get complementary face painting and even duel with inflatable swords. Prices for the standard sailings without food start at $29 (the Lobster & Beer Lovers Sail is $89 for adults) and the vessels stay out anywhere from one to two hours. For more info, go to manhattanbysail.com. Guests are allowed to bring snacks and there is a cash bar.

****Giveaway****
Congrats Aaron

The Manhattan By Sail Company wants to give one lucky reader two tickets to their Craft Beer Tasting Sail. Set sail on New York’s largest sailing vessel with the craft beer experts from Urban Oyster, and get introduced to the wonderful new world of Craft Beer. With over 1,500 brewers now making delicious brews all over the country, choosing and appreciating beer has become an art form to rival its cousin wine. Taste several outstanding ales and lagers paired with cheese and charcuterie while you drink in the magnificent views of the skyline of NYC.

Grand Prize:

Two (2) tickets to Manhattan By Sail's Craft Beer Tasting Sail (ARV: $130)

There are THREE ways to enter
1. REQUIRED: In my comments section, tell me what is your favorite beer. Also please include your email address so I can contact you if you win!
2. Follow Finance Foodie on Twitter (leave separate comment telling me this)
3. Reblog / Retweet this giveaway (leave separate comment telling me this)

Contest ends Thursday, May 29, 2014 at 5pm EST. Winners will be chosen via random integer generator on random.org and announced on the financefoodie.com site shortly afterwards that night!

Giveaway provided by Manhattan By Sail. I was not compensated for this post.