New York City
Excellent boating facilities and numerous waterways make sailing an ideal way to discover New York City.
By taking to the water, you’ll be afforded a view of the legendary Manhattan skyline that the streets have no way of matching. From the art deco splendour of the Chrysler Building to the imposing silver silhouette of the new Freedom Tower, the sights from a boat combine the historic and modern while letting you relax and enjoy them away from the hectic bustle of city traffic.
Travelling by boat will also allow you a unique perspective of the famous Brooklyn Bridge. This iconic neo-gothic suspension bridge dates back to 1883 and is now used by over 120 000 vehicles each day—traffic you can avoid by taking to the river! Sail by night to see the bridge lit up against the backdrop of the city skyline.
Two of New York’s most historic landmarks lie in the Upper New York Bay: Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, and the only way to fully appreciate them is by water. By boat you can experience the towering Lady Liberty up close and revel in history as you sail by the gateway to the United States, an island which saw millions of immigrants pass through its doors between 1892 and 1954.
The waterways around NYC are extremely busy with commercial vessels, ferries, other yachts, and human-powered boats, such as kayaks, canoes, and rowboats. It’s best to avoid the main shipping lines and high-traffic areas, such as commercial ports and ferry terminals. Fortunately, the city has numerous marinas. For Downtown Manhattan, The North Cove on the western tip of the island is ideal, while the West 79th Street Boat Basin offers access to the Upper West Side. You can also dock along the Jersey coastline at the Shipyard Marina or Liberty Harbour Marina. New York’s other boroughs also have plenty of options. The Bronx has a number of marinas on City Island and Throgs Neck from which you can visit the famous Bronx Zoo; in Queens, World’s Fair Marina is extremely convenient for La Guardia airport and Shea Stadium; and Brooklyn has many small marinas clustered around the entrance to Jamaica Bay, near the legendary Coney Island. From New York, it’s also possible to sail up the coast towards New England, a state renowned for its sailing opportunities. Visit the popular sailing town of Newport or cruise the islands of Cape Cod, enjoying the rugged coastlines and a change of pace from the hectic city experience.
New York City’s weather varies hugely throughout the year, and sailing is recommended during the spring, summer, and autumn months. In winter, temperatures can drop as low as –12º and wind patterns mean the moderating effects of the Atlantic Ocean are lost. However, spring and autumn are typically mild with low humidity, and summers are hot and humid. The city is an urban heat island—urbanization here has the effect that overnight temperatures are higher than any of the surrounding areas.