New York City Sailing Offers Unique Perspective
Experience New York City sailing for a unique perspective on the Manhattan skyline with Brooklyn Sail.
A Native New Yorker’s favorite way to see the city is by sailing with Brooklyn Sail.
On a sunny July afternoon, I met my friends at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 5 for an evening on the water.
We arrived at the waterfront to a quintessentially Brooklyn scene: soccer fields, kids gathered around oyster restoration projects, and sailboats gently rocking in their slips with the Manhattan skyline stretching across the water.
The experience was found on Airbnb Experiences, where it had plenty of availability and great reviews.
We were greeted by Captain Ian, one of the founders of Brooklyn Sail, who gave us a quick safety briefing before we set sail on the Enchantress.
The Enchantress has a classic sailboat vibe, with warm wooden interiors and deep navy cushioned seating.
We took turns sitting in the cockpit, hanging near the mast, and watching the skyline change as we moved further into the harbor.
The experience felt personal, thanks to Captain Ian’s easygoing presence and stories about the harbor.
They slipped beneath the Brooklyn Bridge, continued past the Financial District’s glass skyline, and toward the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Seeing the Statue of Liberty up close was a memorable moment, and we felt like we were sailing in our own private world.
As we sailed, we watched the Staten Island Ferry pull into the downtown terminal and spotted seabirds skimming above the waves.
We felt like we were experiencing the city in a new way, with a sense of serenity and exclusivity that we wouldn’t have found on a larger sightseeing boat.
One of the best parts of the experience was being able to make the boat our own for two-and-a-half hours.
We brought our own food and drinks onboard and enjoyed a picnic.
Brooklyn Sail offers a unique sailing experience.
To book with Brooklyn Sail, you can visit their website or check out their listings on Airbnb Experiences.
Splitting the cost with friends made the experience feel more attainable, and we were able to enjoy a private sail around NYC’s most iconic landmarks.
As we pulled back into Pier 5 at the end of our sail, we were all feeling rejuvenated and relaxed.
Captain Ian even ran after us to make sure we didn’t forget our leftover snacks, earning him a 10/10 rating from our group.
The story of Brooklyn Sail is almost as fun as the sail itself.
Captain Ian started the company after living on a sailboat in the Bahamas and wanting to bring that sense of adventure to New York City.
Today, Brooklyn Sail is a family-run operation that offers a unique perspective on the city, much like a luxury travel experience.
