The Captain's Blog

Cocoa and Carols or Holiday Jazz Cruise

2009-12-04T07:57:00.000-08:00

Looking for one special event to punt you into the land of Holiday Spiritdom? This annual series, now in its 3rd run, has become increasingly popular among our guests. The heated, cozy Manhattan is just breathtaking this time of year with her interior observatory space in full holiday decore. Poinsettias and lighted garland swaddles the main cabin, while the exterior is fully lit with white lights. She is truly a magical space this December, having hosted several wedding proposals and special family gatherings.

For the Cocoa & Carols/Holiday Jazz Series, guests on what is normally our "city lights cruise", are entertained each night with alternating programming - either the local Chelsea Opera hosts carols, our in-house live Jazz Trio dazzles the crowd with jazzy holiday tunes, or some of our musically-inclined Manhattan Mates lead caroling programming for 20-30 minutes while cruising up the East River on this 1.5 hour cruise.

All guests are also treated to complimentary Hot Cocoa by Jacques Torres, holiday cookies and one complimentary beverage form the bar.

This cruise is a real treat for families and couples. Seeing the city light up at night is an absolute treat any time of year. Secure tickets here: Cocoa & Carols Cruise on the Yacht Manhattan

First Annual New York Harbor Lighted Boat Parade!

2009-11-19T10:01:00.000-08:00

November 28, 2009 - the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend, marks the date of NYC's very own First Annual New York Harbor Lighted Boat Parade.

The parade is open to all mariners. Some local passenger boats are entertaining private charterers, and some, like ourselves, are hosting ticketed events. The Yacht Manhattan will participate in the parade in full holiday decor. It is an ideal cruise for families and couples. While on board guests are entertained with a live holiday jazz trio, light hors d' oeuvres, hot cocoa by Jacques Torres and cupcakes by Billy's Bakery. Click here to buy tickets: NY Harbor Lighted Boat Parade aboard Manhattan

We will be boarding promptly at Pier 62 from Chelsea Piers at 6:00, 11/28. The Parade starts just off the end of our pier at 6:30. The route feature 3 tight double-backs so guests will have plenty of opportunities to see the other boats in the parade. Guests can also expect a close pass by the Statue of Liberty and South Street Seaport.

Happy Holidays!

3rd Annual Classic Week Regatta, October 8th-11th

2009-10-08T11:36:00.000-07:00

Today marks the start of the 3rd Annual Classic Week Regatta here in New York Harbor!
You can join the race by sailing aboard the schooner Adirondack while she competes! Each day features a special route through the harbor with a competing sloop, yawl, schooner and ketch class. You can see more race details and results on the Manhattan Yacht Club site.

New York City's Channel 11 paid the Adirondack on Pier 62 a special visit this morning to cover this annual sailing race:

Movies and Music on the Hudson

2009-08-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

For some guests, coming to the West Side on Manhattan is a near burden. Chelsea Piers is a 4 avenue walk from the nearest Subway (the A/C/E along 8th avenue). So, if the best sailing in New York isn't enough of a draw for you, there are a number of other activities to make your "journey" worthwhile.

Many thanks to the Hudson River Park, a wide variety of summer programming has been prepared for the 2009 season. It varies from music concerts and movie showings, to dances and free yoga classes.

If you're joining us for the 6-8 sunset sail August 19th, just afterward you can take advantage of the film "Pineapple Express" being shown on Pier 54 starting at 8:30. The films are free and so is the popcorn!

On Sunday August 23rd, Pier 54 hosts their 10th annual "Blues BBQ Festival" from 2pm to 9pm. Blues bands from across the country perform alongside 4 of the 10 Best New York City BBQ restaurants for a fantastic summer day on the river. Take a break from the feast that day with a New York Harbor schooner day sail offered a 1,2,3:30, or 4:30.

The High Line is Open!

2009-06-17T20:05:00.001-07:00

Manhattan's most anticipated public space - a walkway that towers two stories over Chelsea - has finally opened to the public this month.

The new park, called The High Line, leads pedestrians on a concrete path surrounded by intentionally messy-looking gardens or stark, clear views of the city and Hudson River. Though architects, community members and celebrity donors have been meticulously planning the look and feel of The High Line for years, there's an unfinished quality about New York's newest public, open space that is an homage to The High Line's past.

The space has been an eyesore for nearly 30 years, collecting weeds and almost getting torn down by the city. Prior to that, it had been an above-ground railroad, and some of the tracks remain intact.

There are only four access points to The High Line. It runs from Gansevoort Street in the meatpacking district up to 20th Street in Chelsea. This roughly half-hour walk is only part of The High Line master plan. Section 2 will continue up to 30th Street, and is currently under construction.

The cost of the mile-and-a-half long stretch of Section 1 was $86 million, and the entire, finished project is estimated to cost $152 million. While the city chipped in for more than half of the cost, it's been getting major help from celebrities. Mogul Barry Diller and fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg donated $10 million together, and prompted other New Yorkers to pledge millions.

The High Line began as a long-shot dream of an organization called Friends of the High Line, which formed in 1999. Now, the new park is attracting tons of attention, with star architects lining up to build unique structures in Chelsea. As a result, Chelsea is quickly becoming one of the hottest locations to see new, inventive architecture in New York.

What's the Deal with Pier 62?

2009-06-07T09:40:00.000-07:00

At Classic Harbor Line, we've been planning our big move from Chelsea Pier 59 to Pier 62 for an entire year. We were finally slated to move last week, but construction hasn't been completed on our new pier.

For the next few days, we'll still be operated at Pier 59, and all guests will be notifying when things change. Our ticket booth is no longer at the pier, but we'll have a CHL representative on hand to get you checked in!

Other CHL News:

Jazz musician and CHL mate Michael McGarrill put on a jazz show on our Friday night cruises!

Starting this week, the yacht Manhattan will have on board a new wine, a dry Riesling from the cellars of Dr. Konstantine Frank. The new wine is from the finger lakes, and is part of our plan to showcase new local wines each month!

Dr. Konstantine Frank immigrated from the Ukraine in 1951 and began growing European grapes in the finger lakes region to produce a completely new genre of wine, a movement now known as the Vinifera (European) Revolution. Their wines consistently win top awards in local and national contests, and are still made locally with European grapes.

A new red wine is also coming soon!

Take advantage of our Classic Harbor Line summer promotion and get $10 off your next cruises in June by using the code MayJune09 when you purchase tickets online or by phone!

Captain Mary Pat Works to Save the Erie Canal

2009-05-31T17:56:00.000-07:00

Captain Mary Pat Driscoll, a captain on Classic Harbor Line's yacht Manhattan, is working to promote the Erie Canal - a beautiful manmade waterway that many New Yorkers don't realize still exists!

The Erie Canal opened in 1825, and uses a gravitational system with no pumps to help propel boats up and down stream and connect the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. For decades, the canal was a thriving place for commercial goods to be transported, but its commercial use has diminished in recent years as transporting goods by truck has become more popular.

Still, many community exist around - and because of - the scenic canal, and Captain Mary Pat helps to raise awareness that the canal and its surrounding areas is a great tourist destination!
Mary Pat has been volunteering for six years to promote the canal: For four years, she flew to New York from her previous home in Kansas to give history tours to fourth graders. After relocating to New York, she was able to join the State Council on Waterways Board of Directors.

Mary Pat grew up in Rochester, New York and her first job was on a tug boat on the Erie Canal. She was instantly mesmerized by the canal and realized she wanted to spend the rest of her life on the water.

The canal is bordered by "tow paths" - lanes originally designated for horses, who would pull boats through the water. Now, the space is a gorgeous bike and walking path.

"You can ride for days just following the water on that path," Mary Pat said.

A painting of the Erie canal done in the 1830s.

The canal has 57 locks - gates that close behind a boat to raise the water level and allow the boat to move forward. The operation used to be funded by tolls, but since commercial use is down, the tolls no longer exist. Today, the Erie generates revenue for cruises and nearby B&Bs, but is having trouble finding funding to stay in business.

But that may start to change. Mary Pat points out that it's cheaper and more ecologically responsible to ship goods by boat rather than truck.

"You can move something with a gallon of diesel on a canal much farther than on a truck," she said.

New Yorkers could start to see the fruit of this change, literally. Upstate farmers are considering sending their fruit to the city via boat as early as this summer!

In April, Mary Pat helped organize an educational event about the canal in Manhattan.

"It was awesome," she said. "It was a packed house."

Because of the success of the first seminar, the State Council on Waterways plans to host another Erie Canal educational event in Manhattan in late summer or early fall. Check back with Classic Harbor Line's New York City blog for information and updates on Mary Pat and the Erie Canal and click here to read more about the history and uses of the Erie Canal!

Internet Week Brings Web Innovation to Chelsea!

2009-05-24T08:48:00.000-07:00

The 13th Annual Internet Week in the Big Apple is quickly approaching, and the hub of all the action is at the Standard Hotel in Chelsea, just a few minutes walk from Classic Harbor Line at Chelsea Piers.

June 1 marks Day One of the week-long event, and it's not just for tech geeks and corporations. The great thing about Internet week in New York is that it's as welcoming to tourists, local artists and young bloggers as it is to companies looking for a foothold in new media.

The events during the week are shaped by new media and "old" media industry experts, such as President of Conde Nast, Sarah Chubb, President of The Onion, Sean Mills, and Katherine Oliver, commissioner of Film, Theater and Broadcasting at the Mayor's Office. Plus, heads of tech companies like Nokia, and online journals like the dailycandy newsletter and mediabistro will be planning events.

The Standard Hotel in Chelsea is the hub of the action during Internet Week, which starts June 1.

Despite involvement from industry insiders, anyone can host an event or attend an event during Internet Week. Here's a look at some of the coolest events on the itinerary so far:

-The Web TV Producers Toolbox: A Practical Guide to Conceiving, Producing and Distributing Your Web Series
On Monday, June 1, an afternoon conference will feature a series of short sessions that highlight the process of creating a successful web show. Get a ticket to the free event by emailing RSVP to rsvp@nytvf.com. Later, a party at The Hatchery bar in Chelsea will feature new web series. RSVP here!

-Tech Meetup Showcase on Tuesday, June 2
At the Fashion Institute of Technology's Great Hall, get a taste of what to expect in the near future in tech innovations. Internet Week calls says, "It will be the single biggest and best place to see demos from NYC's coolest tech startups and their products." Free for all!

-The Best Creative Content Online on Thursday, June 4
Entertainment Weekly's online managing editor, Cyndi Stivers, hosts a panel discussion with editors from funnyordie.com, collegehumor.com and other popular websites. The panel tackles what it takes to make interesting, engaging online content.

Internet Week in New York City is full of free events and activities near Chelsea Piers!

DISCOUNT CODE: Thanks for reading The Captain's Blog! Get $10 off any boat ride by ordering tickets with this code: MAYJUNE09

Read the Captain's Blog for future discounts!

Three Mates Become Captains at CHL!

2009-05-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to three Classic Harbor mates who just earned their captain's license!

Cait Field, Meghan Hart and Martin Obysovsky all recently logged the required 360 days at sea, passed a rigorous exam and earned captains' endorsements to officially become captains themselves.

Cait, who was a sailing instructor for seven years in New York before working in San Francisco and joining CHL in 2007 as a schooner mate, said the hardest part was tracking down details for her hours logged at sea - vessel names and registration numbers, former employers, etc.

"At one point I had to climb under the shrink wrap of an old boat I used to operate, that was out of the water for the winter, to try to find the registration number. Turns out it had been removed years ago, but luckily my old boss had the documentation," she said.

For the new captains, learning to handle the vessels wasn't difficult - they have all been honing their sailing skills and learning to drive the yacht for years. It was being in the classroom, getting down to the nitty gritty of nautical language, that struck Meghan as a challenge.

Classroom time wasn't required, but she said taking classes was a great way to get comfortable with terminology and prepare for every possible scenario at sea.

"It is one thing to be on the water and on a boat and it is another thing to be in a classroom learning the language of the coast guard," she said.

Captain Meghan Hart

Both Martin and Meghan work on both the yacht Manhattan, as well as the schooners - one of which, The Imagine, is now operating at Chelsea Piers. Cait, who is a doctoral student, works on the sailboats and said she'd love to occasionally captain one of the schooners.

"Other than that I'd love to be able to use it in the future to operate a research vessel. I study electric fish from the Amazon, which is definitely conducive to being on the water," she said. "I've still got a few more years of schooling though so that's not in the too-near future. Expect me to be in New York Harbor for a while."

Get to Know the Neighborhood!

2009-05-10T19:37:00.000-07:00

Classic Harbor Line in New York City is located in Chelsea, just a few blocks north of the quaint and narrow streets of the charming West Village. If you're looking to make an entire day out of your sailing experience without traveling all over the city, why not get to know the neighborhood by signing up for a scavenger hunt?

This month, Watson Adventures is hosting two West Village scavenger hunts - a "Munch Around the West Village" hunt, and a family-friendly "Ghosts of the West Village" hunt. The Munch hunt will send you to the best food in the neighborhood, and the ghost hunt arms you with a flashlight and clues guide you to hidden cemeteries and haunted buildings. The tour touches on the ghosts of well-known writers, such as Edgar Allen Poe and Mark Twain.

We at Classic Harbor Line have tried the murder mystery hunt at the Met Museum - there are hunts all over the city - and highly recommend it! New York City scavenger hunt registration can be done online or by phone.

Of course, you don't always need a scavenger hunt to see extraordinary things. Check out this adorable photo we recently snapped of a seal on the Harlem River!

Though the baby seal definitely wound up in the wrong spot, it didn't seem to be worried and was lounging in the sun as the yacht Manhattan drove by. Classic Harbor Line Captain Aaron Singh called the news of the seal into authorities so it could be rescued and brought to a safer place.

DISCOUNT CODE: Thanks for reading The Captain's Blog! Get $10 off any boat ride by ordering tickets with this code: MAYJUNE09

Read the Captain's Blog for future discounts!

Wine Tasting with Wendy!

2009-05-03T14:24:00.000-07:00

Join us Monday, May 4 for our special two hour wine cruise!

Wine expert and Classic Harbor Line food and drink consultant Wendy Crispell hosts a different wine tasting every other week. Each trip features wine from a different region, and the month of May is all about Italy!

The May 4 cruise will feature wines from northern Italy, and the May 18 trip will highlight wines from southern Italy and Sicily. The wine cruise is designed for those who are new to wine tasting as well as seasoned palettes: Wendy explains the history of the regions, gives background on some of the rarer Italian grapes (though a non-blend wine must be at least 85 percent of one type of grape, there are more than 1,000 types of grapes in Italy alone!), and pairs hors d'oeuvres with each wine.

Tasters will get sample six different wines - both red and white - on each of the Italy-themed cruises. While each different region of Italy has its own style of wines because different grapes grow in different regions, Wendy says Italian wines are earthy and acidic compared to wines from other countries because of the soil and climate.

Here's what the menu for the May 4 cruise looks like!:

White - Lombardy Region

Rose - Piedmonte Region

Red - Emilia-Romagna Region

Red - Alto Adige Region

Red - Piedmonte Region

...Plus one sparkling wine!

The appetizer menu consists of
-shrimp and scallop cerviche
-fig proscuitto melt
-sliders with roasted pepper & mozzarella
-smoked salmon canape with horseradish cream
-percorino crustini with olives and walnut

More About Wendy:

Wendy Crispell has studied at The New School, The French Culinary Institute, Windows on the World Wine School, The German Wine Academy, Ecole D'Vin in Bordeaux and Wine and the Spirit Education Trust. She holds advanced certifications in wine and cheese and owned her own bistro for 10 years. Her cocktail recipes have been featured in the Mr. Boston Cocktail Guide as well as Top Shelf Magazine, and has appeared on The Food Network's show Taste Test. She is a Classic Harbor Line consultant for all of our food and drink menus! For more information on wine, cheese, appetizers and cocktails, visit Wendy Crispell's website!

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

2009-04-20T18:23:00.001-07:00

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

2009-04-18T19:03:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-04-08T19:51:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-04-04T12:23:00.000-07:00

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!

Have a Laugh in Chelsea!

2009-03-15T12:24:00.001-07:00

World-famous Chelsea comedy club, the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater, has an especially star-studded month coming up!

For (at least) the next few Saturday nights, writers from hit shows including The Colbert Report will be performing in a new long-form improvisational show, Let's Have a Ball. The show started this March and will run indefinitely on Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10, and well worth it for a seat in the small, 76-person capacity theater. With a cast that includes three 30 Rocker-s, one Colbert veteran and a Late Night with Conan O'Brien writer, you can never go wrong, even though the jokes change from show to show!

The Upright Citizens Brigade Theater is run in part by Saturday Night Live veteran Amy Poehler, who also started the hilarious improv comedy show that runs every Sunday, ASSSCAT 3000. Tickets to her hour-and-a-half long show are $10 in advance for the 7:30 p.m. show and free for the 9:30 show, but be prepared to wait in a round-the-block line for several hours prior for free admittance. Amy doesn't always perform in the show, but her hilarious cast of characters rotate in between stints on the stand-up circuit or as actors and writers on 30 Rock.

The UCB Theater is located in Chelsea, just a few blocks away from Classic Harbor Line on 307 West 26th Street - right on the corner of 26th Street and 8th Avenue. You can buy tickets for Upright Citizens Brigade events online or over the phone.

A Neighborhood of Star-chitecture

2009-03-04T12:05:00.000-08:00

From the Guggenheim to the Chrysler Building, New York has some very famous architecture. And the neighborhood of Chelsea is no exception! While your in Chelsea for a sail or yacht ride, don't miss the opportunity to check out the star architecture, too!

Star-chitecture to See in Chelsea:
1. The High Line

The High Line was originally built for freight trains between 1929 and 1934 and spans the entire length of Chelsea (and then some!). It's been out of use for 29 years, but a group called Friends of the Highline are turning it into a public promenade! The current schedule shows the south end (from Ganesvort Street to 20th Street) will be open to the public within the next few months. Keep and eye on the latest news about the High Line.

2. The Standard Hotel
The brand new Standard Hotel was just completed in 2008. It was designed by Andres Balazs, a luxury hotel owner with a grand plan for the building - to build it above the High Line! The impeccably sleek and modern hotel is between 12th and 13th Streets on Washington Street and offers hundreds of rooms with unobstructed views of the Hudson River. With the building's grand views and mod-inspired minimalism, a night at the Standard will make you feel more than 20 stories high, it will make you feel like your 20 years into the future. Book a night at the Standard.

3. The IAC Building
Fans of the Guggenheim will be interested to see another building designed by world famous architect, Frank Gehry. Gehry's glass building was completed in 2007 and is located between 18th and 19th Streets directly across the street from Chelsea Piers. It was built for Barry Diller's company, InterActiveCorp, and mirrors the look of a boat with its sails up. Check out the building on one of our night cruises to see the entire structure aglow!

Classic Harbor Lines Floats North June 1, 2009

2009-02-25T05:42:00.000-08:00

Classic Harbor Line NY is currently located in Chelsea, at Chelsea Piers - a row of piers filled with history! (These are the piers where the famed Titanic was supposed to dock, instead, the Carpathia arrived to Pier 54 with her survivors on April 20^th 1912.)

Currently, we are docked at Pier 59, right next to the Pier 59 Golf Club and its towering waterfront driving range. Today, it’s where one can fine numerous private yachts, transient boats, and the most beautiful boats in New York City: the schooners Adirondack and Imagine and our 1920’s style yacht Manhattan. We have been based here for the past two years, while our previous home on Pier 62 went under construction by the Hudson River Park Trust. On June 1, we are planning to move back!! It’s not far--just four piers north, and what is known to be the south side of the new “Chelsea Cove”.

Chelsea Cove (Piers 62-64) is just one part of Hudson River Park, which spans from 59th Street to lower Manhattan. Construction's been underway for more than 10 years to improve Hudson River Park, and we're thrilled to hear what the Trust has developed for our home base:

"The central upland area [of Chelsea Cove] will include a large green lawn 'bowl,' a spectacular garden designed by Lynden Miller, and a landscape art boulder field by the artist Meg Webster. The rebuilt Pier 62 will include a signature carousel with a green roof as well as a new skate park facility. Open landscaping and seating will enliven the western end of the pier. To the immediate north, a wide waterside esplanade and seating area will be located at Pier 63, in a space once occupied by a large buliding that was demolished to create the park. On Pier 64, there will be a long green pier providing exceptional views to the north and south. Among the pier's special design features will be a tree grove oriented to entice park goers to explore the pier's western end."

The plan above gives an indication of the vast green space that's awaiting us – a beautiful respite from the concrete city space and a delightful environment from which to view the Hudson River. Construction for much of the cove is already complete, and we're hoping to see a nearly finished new park sometime this spring. We are really excited for this park to greet our guests before and after their cruises this year.

Learn more about things to do on the Hudson River Park.