Sail Aboard the 1885 Schooner Pioneer
Sail Aboard the 1885 Schooner Pioneer with the South Street Seaport Museum
Photos by Richard Bowditch
- June 2nd
- 1:00 PM ET
- In-Person
- $30 for Insiders (40% off regular price!)
- Registration Opens on May 19th at 12:00 PM ET
Hop aboard the historic 1885 Schooner Pioneer for an unforgettable private sail around New York Harbor!
- Take in magnificent views of the New York City skyline on a 2-hour sail aboard a historic 19th-century vessel from the fleet of the South Street Seaport Museum
- Watch the expert crew unfurl the sails and steer the ship
- You may have the chance to lend a hand and help raise the sails!
- Bring your own snacks or a picnic lunch and beverages to enjoy on board
About the event:
Pioneer was built in Pennsylvania in 1885 to carry sand and heavy cargoes along the Delaware River. Unlike almost all American cargo sloops and schooners that were made of wood, Pioneer was constructed with a wrought iron hull because she was built in what was then the nation’s center for iron shipbuilding. Today, she is the sole American merchant sailing vessel with an iron hull.
Mingle with fellow Insiders and Untapped New York staff as we set sail from Pier 16! We’ll enjoy stunning views as we sail through New York Harbor on this private charter made possible by the South Street Seaport Museum.
Things to note:
- Boarding the vessel requires climbing angled gangways and a step up and over the side of the vessel from a floating dock. There will be Museum Staff and Crew available to assist you in the boarding process.
- Seaport Museum recommends that guests use the nearby public restrooms in the Tin Building or on the esplanade under the FDR, between piers 15 and 16, prior to the start of the trip. The ship has marine toilets for emergencies only.
- Casual bench-style seating is available on Pioneer.
- Food and beverage are not available for purchase on board. All passengers are invited to bring whatever snacks or meals you would like, in addition to alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages of your choosing. Distilled spirits are never allowed. It can be windy, so keep that in mind when deciding on your snacks and drinks.
- Trips on Pioneer are outdoors only, visitors cannot go inside. It is best to dress for an outdoor activity. The sun is very bright on the water so sun protection is advisable. To avoid slips and/or falls when entering or exiting and moving around the vessel, you are encouraged to wear slip resistant shoes on the trip. In addition, it is recommended to bring extra layers as it can be much cooler out on the water.
- Umbrellas are not allowed on board.
- Trips on the water are always an adventure. Weather and water conditions are among the variable factors. The captains and crew are constantly working to minimize the impact of such variables and to maintain safety as their top priority. Nonetheless, sailing and water-related activities do pose certain risks including, among other things, exposure to strong winds and high waves, and in such conditions, soaking spray is possible. By signing up for a sail you agree to follow instructions of all crew members to make sure the voyage is as safe as possible. The vessel and captains undergo a rigorous process to be certified by the United States Coast Guard.
How do I sign up for this event?
If you are not an Insider yet, become an Insider today and join this event!
If you are an Untapped New York Insiders, simply login to your Insider account using the round icon in the bottom right corner of this screen. Once logged in, click on the “Book Now” button to book this event!
How many tickets can I reserve?
If you are an Insider level member ($20/month), you can reserve 1 ticket to this event. Explorer level members ($30/month) can reserve 2 tickets. If you are a Virtual level member but would like to attend, it’s easy to upgrade your account here!
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The event is sold out?
In-person Insider tours may have limited capacity and are booked on a first come, first served basis.
But don’t worry! Sometimes spots open up closer to the event date if there are cancellations. We also repeat our most popular events when possible so you will have another opportunity to join us. There are also multiple other members-only events weekly that you can join in!
What if I need to cancel?
If you cancel more than 48 hours ahead of the scheduled event, you will receive a 100%. When canceled less than 48 hours before the start of your tour, you will receive a gift card that can be used on any future events. Please be courteous to your fellow Insiders and let us know if you can no longer attend so we can offer your spot to another person.