Meet Amanda, a Classic Harbor Mate and Marine Technology Major!

At Classic Harbor Line, we know Amanda as the ultimate multi-tasker, working as a mate on the yacht Manhattan, planning trips in the office, and helping guests in the ticket booth. But outside of her duties at Classic Harbor, she's getting to know more about her craft as a Marine Technology major.

This semester, Amanda's enrolled in her first marine technology college class, a coastal piloting course at Kingsborough College where she's learning the rules of the road... on the water!

Amanda attended high school at New York Harbor School, a Brooklyn maritime high school founded in 2003, and was able to start learning about boats and sailing from an early age. Amanda knew since childhood that she wanted to work on the water, and at New York Harbor School, she was able to work on a schooner and intern for Classic Harbor Line. She also took maritime-related classes like lifeguarding, marine technology, and even art classes inspired by the boats and views at the scenic South Street Seaport in Manhattan.

Her alma mater is in the process of moving to Governors Island, where it will have river access and more room to expand. Classic Harbor Line Captain Aaron Singh volunteers with the school and is one of the people helping to make the program grow.

Amanda's first college marine technology course also focuses on "twin screw engines," meaning boats with two engines, like the yacht Manhattan. Additionally, she's building on her knowledge about navigation and line handling. Amanda plans to get her Marine Technology degree in three to four years, and then would like to pursue a Marine Biology degree at SUNY-Maritime College.

Yacht Mate Mike McGarril Takes Sax Skills to New York Jazz Clubs and Festivals

The crew at Classic Harbor Line spend their off season pursuing their passions on land: attending graduate school, acting and singing in musical theater, and for Manhattan mate Mike McGarril, playing saxophone, flute and keyboards.

When Mike isn't pouring drinks behind the bar and honing the perfect playlist for cruises on the yacht, he's writing his own music, playing with a big jazz band at clubs in Manhattan, lending his skills to a soul/groove group, and dabbling in other genres like latin, rock and R&B.

One of Mike's main projects, the soul band called Dwayne and Last Days & Time, has an upcoming show at Kingsborough College in Brooklyn on Thursday, April 23 at noon. The concert is part of a four day event, Eco-Fest 2009, a forum to announce and discuss New York state schools' efforts to "go green."

Mike started as a mate at Classic Harbor Line as a student at The New School for Jazz. Just a year after graduation, Mike currently plays saxophone in a big band called Supersound, led by world-renowned drummer Charli Persip. Supersound released an album in 2008. Mike has also played with famous musicians such as Candido Camero, Xiomara Laugart, and Bobby Sanabria, and has played at some of New York's well-known jazz spots, like Dizzy Gillespie Auditorium, Minton's Playhouse, and Zinc Bar.

Mike says his goals are to continue playing in bands, cut his own album of original material, and eventually lead his own group. To learn about upcoming shows and hear Mike McGarril's original jazz music on his myspace page!

Manhattan Boards Oldest Passenger for Afternoon Tea!

Sunday, April 5 was quite a day for the Manhattan... and for Kathryn Marie Preece, who, at 101, is the oldest person to ever cruise on the Classic Harbor yacht!

Kathryn was born in Quincy, Mass. in 1907, and is no stranger to the water - Kathryn moved from Maine to St. Petersburg, Florida, in 1936. During WWII, she moved to Oregon, Texas, and then Long Beach, CA, before settling back in her favorite city, St. Petersburg.

Kathryn Marie Preece with daughter Jean on the Manhattan.

Kathryn, a gardener and outdoor-enthusiast, joined us for a delightful Sunday tea cruise with her daughter, Jean, and son-in-law, John. She now lives with Jean and John in New York City, and said she had a wonderful time relaxing in the cabin on the Manhattan.

The Teas
Aboard the Manhattan, Kathryn and Jean enjoyed a white tea that the T Salon in Chelsea custom-made for Classic Harbor Lines. Miriam Novalle, founder of the T Salon, says that between eight and 44 different ingredients are added to each tea. The delicious white tea is flavored with chocolate, ginger and peppercorn, as well as other ingredients.

The tea cruise also features:
-a black tea flavored with vanilla and cocoa
-an herbal tea, Balance, that was specially made to combat sea sickness
-two Earl Grey teas
-a black tea-based chai
and more!

The New York City Classic Harbor Line 2009 Season Has Begun!

We're thrilled to announce that our yacht, the Manhattan, made a successful trip back from Albany to Chelsea last week, and is now running regular cruises from Pier 59!

After an eight and a half hour breathtaking trip down Hudson, the Manhattan was given a deep clean, and its interior rugs have been replaced. After getting an extensive orientation about the vessel and the food, wine and tea that will be served this year, the crew is eager to kick off the season. Here's a brief look at our spring schedule!



DAILY ABOARD THE MANHATTAN:

We offer a daily sunset cruise at 6:30 p.m. that runs from now until December! While sipping complementary champagne, enjoy one and a half hours aboard the Manhattan on this popular cruise that includes a photo opp at the Statue of Liberty.


MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, FRIDAY ABOARD THE MANHATTAN:

A 2:30 to 4 p.m. cruise is offered every Monday, Wednesday and Friday this spring. These afternoon cruises are a great time to spread out and relax as the rest of Manhattan runs on its fast-paced work schedule. If you prefer a later afternoon cruise, aim for our special 4:30 tour, only on Wednesdays.


FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS ABOARD THE MANHATTAN:

On Fridays and Saturdays, join us for our spectacular Champagne City Lights cruise, a fun and romantic way to see the city all lit up! Don't forget your camera, the Statue of Liberty, the famous Chrysler Building and many new Chelsea structures are aglow in the evening! The hour and a half long cruise starts at 8:45 p.m.


SATURDAY AND SUNDAY BRUNCH AND TEA ABOARD THE MANHATTAN:

Our popular weekend brunch is back! This season, head chef Wayne Chin uses food that's grown in the state of New York as part of our commitment to the "slow food" movement. Get a taste of local treats on our brunch cruises, which circumnavigate Manhattan from 10:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

From 2:30 to 5:15, relax on a trip around Manhattan with lunch and hand-picked, full-leaf tea from the famed T Salon in Chelsea! T Salon owner Miriam Novalle has selected a delightful set of teas just for Classic Harbor Line cruises. T Salon also stocks the White House and celebrities at the Emmy Awards!


SPECIAL CRUISES:

Wine tasting with our wine and food consultant, Wendy Crispell, will be held on four Monday evenings this spring from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: April 6, April 20, May 4 and May 18. Each wine tasting cruise will feature different wines and have a unique theme. Wendy has also chosen a rotating collection of select wines to feature behind our bar on all cruises!

Celebrate Mother's Day with a special Mother's Day Brunch on Sunday, May 10 from 10:45 to 1:30!

Keep and eye out for other regular and special cruises starting later this season! Trips include, a 4th of July Sail, sushi and sake sails, a skyline tour followed by a special High Line walking tour, beer pairing, and more!