We believe in giving back to our community and city. When you are a publication it becomes difficult to dig into your pockets for every great charity program. Rather, our part is to inform our readers of the causes that we have worked with and believe in.
Rocking the boat is one of the many programs that we feel is solid for you to invest your time and money. Launching in 1996 as a volunteer project in an East Harlem junior high school, Rocking the Boat worked under the aegis of New Settlement Apartments, which provided both workshop space and students for the cornerstone Boatbuilding Program.
They incorporated as an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization in 2001,
Rocking the Boat continued to cultivate relationships with a wide variety of community-based, educational, environmental, cultural, and historical organizations, and over the years have expanded their size and scope of its services.
Namely, the On-Water Education Program which is near and dear to our hearts. This was added in 2002, the On-Water Classroom in 2005, the Job Skills Program in 2006, Community Rowing in 2007, and the Sailing Program in 2015.
This year with the pandemic we were worried as to how this and many children/young adults charity programs would manage. The word for 2020 seems to be Virtual.
Rocking the Boat was brought to the attention of Downtown by one of our subscribers, and close friends Alies van den Berg
Here’s our conversation with Rocking the Boat Development Director, Jaye Pockriss
DTM: Give us the rundown on how the virtual RTB is going this year and are the participants only walking or running this year or are they doing other activities like Rowan get home or cycling?
RTB: They are walking, running, rowing, kayaking, sailing, cycling, hiking. One woman is riding an adult trike because she has multiple sclerosis. At least two participants are volunteering to encourage voting in the election. One woman is knitting, another gardening. Some dudes are golfing.
DTM: Do you have as many participants and donors?
RTB: We have the most participants ever, roughly 200, and they are from more places across the country (Texas, California) capitalizing on the “anywhere and everywhere” aspect of this year’s event. Going into the final weekend, 1,700 gifts have been received so far, on par with last year.
DTM: With all the many charitable organizations popping up, why would you encourage our readers to support RTB?
RTB: We can go in a couple of directions here…Rocking the Boat’s South Bronx neighborhood, Hunts Point, is in the poorest congressional district in the nation. Students here need comprehensive and sustained services to contend with the disadvantage of under-resourced schools, and the too frequent lack of adequate family support.
Despite having become synonymous with urban decay and pollution, the Bronx boasts some outstanding natural features including the oldest forest and the only true river in New York City. These spaces are home to a wide variety of trees, plants, fish, land animals, and birds. Rocking the Boat programs intimately connects Hunts Point youth to their environment by helping them enjoy it and giving them the skills to care for it.
Rocking the Boat is committed to helping its participants:
Stay in high school until they graduate or receive an equivalency diploma—on average 96% of Rocking the Boat students graduate from high school on time; the rate is an alarming 17.8% in Hunts Point generally
Enroll in college or trade school and be prepared academically and emotionally to succeed there—nearly 100% growth in social-emotional competency and enroll in a post-secondary program directly out of high school
Develop technical skills such as sailing, boat handling, navigating, chart reading, carpentry, sample collection and testing, scientific observation, and recording data, all of which reinforce STEM concepts and put them into a practical context
Develop soft skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking
Team members from Flotsam and Jetsam
DTM: What would you like our readers to know about your organization in order to get them involved?
RTB: Rocking the Boat kept rocking. Virtually, at the onset of the pandemic and on through the summer. We know that the current circumstances could change at any moment, but at the same time, we are excited to have resumed in-person youth development programming as of September 21. We have confidence that our hands-on boatbuilding, environmental science, and sailing experiences are exactly what our participants need right now. We are lucky that building, rowing, and sailing boats all take place in spaces—a 2,500 square foot shop with 15′ foot ceilings and outdoors on the Bronx River—that offer plenty of space to spread out and fresh air to breathe. Comprehensive distancing and sanitizing procedures are in place and will be strictly enforced to keep everyone safe.
Thom Thacker
Rocking the Boat engages over 200 teens per year in a series of STEM-based programs that last throughout their high school careers and into college. Participants enter as freshmen and sophomores and choose from one of three programs: Boatbuilding, Environmental Science, or Sailing. They move from being students to paid apprentices to alumni once they graduate high school, at which point they are eligible to work part-time for Rocking the Boat as Program Assistants.
Troy Messenger
In addition, roughly 4,000 local residents take part in Rocking the Boat’s free weekend rowing events and school-driven programs, most often through their math and science classes. 200 teens and 4,000 community members per year, this is a huge feat!
“Think corn and soybean fields as far as the eye can see”
Today, we continue our series with Classic Harbor Line, Female Captains. The newest Captain found her love for sailing right here in New York. How luck can take you places and find a love for a new career when you least expect it!
Meet Captain Diana
DTM: How did you get started in this line of work and where are you from?
Capt Diana: I’m originally from Central Illinois (think corn and soybean fields as far as the eye can see) so working in the maritime industry in NYC was the last thing I thought I would be doing.
DTM: What brought you to CHL?
Capt Diana: I lovingly say that sheer dumb luck brought me to Classic Harbor Line. I moved to New York to attend grad school for Occupational Therapy and my then-boyfriend, now-husband worked for the company and suggested that I interview. That was in 2012 and I haven’t looked back.
Captain Daina CHL
DTM: What type of education or updated education are you given with CHL?
Capt Diana: At a minimum, we conduct and/or attend monthly safety sessions for each of the boats we work on, but as a new crew (who was also new to sailing) I went through some serious on-the-job training in addition to self-study.
DTM: What is your favorite thing about working for CHL in New York?
Capt Diana: One of my favorite things is the sense of community among the crew. I came in knowing virtually nothing and even though it meant more work for the senior deckhands they were all willing to share their time and expertise to facilitate my training. The same was and is true as a captain too.
“I don’t think I will ever forget my first solo trip on each of the boats I captain for CHL”
DTM: Share one of your most memorable/rewarding moments?
Capt Diana: While I’ve had so many wonderful moments in New York Harbor, I don’t think I will ever forget my first solo trip on each of the boats I captain for CHL.
DTM: What is the most common misconception people have about being a Captain of a vessel in New York vs sailing the ocean?
Capt Diana: I haven’t done any ocean sailing so I can’t speak to any of those misconceptions, but I am frequently surprised by the number of people who know that Manhattan is an island but are surprised by our active waterfront and the number of recreational water activities that NYC has to offer.
Capt Diana and Capt Kat CHL
DTM: Do you ever get bored with sailing the same route?
Capt Diana: The route might be the same each time, but between the passengers, traffic, wind, and current each trip is different. Plus, I get a unique view of NYC’s ever-changing skyline.
DTM: What makes a good captain?
Capt Diana: There are so many things that make a good captain, but communication and trust are two that are top of mind.
“Captaining a sail boat and motor yacht both require a similar skillset”
DTM: Is there a difference between being a captain for sailing vessels vs motor yachts?
Capt Diana: Captaining a boat and motor yacht both require a similar skill set; however, our schooners are much more at the mercy of Mother Nature, so we pay a great deal of attention to things like wind speed/direction and the tides. Additionally, the schooners have a lot of moving parts and the captain has direct control over only a small portion of them which is quite different from the yachts and what makes communication so important.
DTM: What’s the last thing you do on your ship before you depart for the day?
Capt Diana: I do one last visual inspection of the boat and dock to be extra sure that everything is safe, stowed, and secure.
DTM: Because we are Downtown Magazine, what is your favorite place in Lower Manhattan Chelsea to the Battery to just get away and relax?
Capt Diana: I could spend hours in Battery Park just watching all the boats go by and catching a sunset over the Statue of Liberty from the land.
DTM: Tips, I’m all about tips for the crew. It’s very important to show your gratitude, they work so hard in such a short time, why is it important to tip?
Capt Diana: The CHL crew works tremendously hard before, during, and after each trip to look after passenger safety and comfort, not to mention proper handling of the boat. The sails don’t go up and the drinks don’t go out without the crew and while they’re doing all of that they also act as lookouts and assist with other tasks for the captain.
DTM: What’s the best advice to give new captains when working with the public?
Capt Diana: I’m still a pretty new captain myself, but for what it’s worth I try to reflect on something that went well and something to work on for next time. Also, it’s okay to be nervous-trust your training.
Captain Diana Christopher Bio:
Captain Diana has been with Classic Harbor Line New York (CHL) since 2012. First as part of the sales team, then as crew, and now as captain. In 2018 she earned her USCG 100 Ton Master with Sail Endorsement. In her eight seasons with CHL, she’s passed by the Statue of Liberty well over 1,000 times. While NYC is home, she’s found a way to work at least one shift in three of CHL’s four locations on all but one of CHL’s 10 vessels (Sloop Eleanor in Newport, RI, would check all the boxes). When she’s not on the water you can find her exploring NY’s city and state parks with her dog and husband.
When you are sailing, the feeling and sounds of the wind, water, and the warm sunshine touching your face somehow force you ever so gently to let go. It’s my one and only place where I can just…be.
To say that sailing is one of our company’s favorite pastimes would be an understatement. We are huge fans of Classic Harbor Line, their captains, and crew.
Over the years we’ve had the great opportunity to meet and get to know the Captains of their fleet. This season we wanted to share our one-on-one interviews with some of CHL female captains
Meet Captain Kat.
Adirondack Classic Harbor Line
DTM: How did you get started in this line of work and where are you from? Capt Kat: I taught sailing on 24- 50 ft boats. I grew up in Seattle and moved to New York after college.
DTM: What brought you to CHL? Capt Kat: Adirondack has been the prettiest boat in the Harbor since 1999. One of my colleagues from teaching sailing was the full-time captain and another colleague got hired as a relief captain and asked me if I wanted to sail Adirondack too. This is back when Adirondack was the only boat CHL (before it was CHL) had in New York.I have been one of Adirondack’s captains since 2006.
DTM: What type of education or updated education are you given with CHL? Capt Kat: We do safety training once a month and have checklists and training for the crew to advance to first mates and captains.
DTM: What is your favorite thing about working for CHL in New York,
share one of your most memorable/rewarding moment? Capt Kat: New York Harbor is a beautiful and challenging place to sail.It is rewarding to feel the boat spring to life with a lovely breeze and see the joy in our guest’s faces as we sail by stunning views of NYC powered only by wind and current (when conditions allow).
DTM: Have you ever raced or sailed the ocean? Capt Kat: Yes. I like sailing places I’ve never been to before and take my vacations sailing in locations all over the world.
Captain Kat and Crew
DTM: Do you ever get bored with sailing the same route? Capt Kat: No. For me, the challenge of being under sail for as much of the trip as possible, the changing current and wind conditions, and having to get to the Statue and back in the allotted time all combine to create essentially a game of chess.It’s different every time.
DTM: What makes a good captain? Capt Kat: An awareness of the overall safety of the vessel, crew, and guests.
DTM: Is there a difference being a captain for sailing vessel vs motor yachts? Capt Kat: Not really, you have the same responsibility for the safety of the vessel and all on board.For me, the sailboat is much more fun because of the challenge of getting the boat to move with only the power of the wind and current.It’s a combination of science and art.
DTM: What’s the last thing you do on your ship before you depart for the day? Capt Kat: At the end of the day, the last thing I do is check the dock lines.
DTM: Because we are Downtown Magazine, what is your favorite place in Lower Manhattan Chelsea to the Battery to just get away and relax? Capt Kat: I love lower Manhattan. My favorite sculpture is the WTC Sphere. I loved it in its original location, bringing humanity to the tall towers.It spoke to my heart standing damaged but still strong in Battery Park. And now in Liberty Park, it still brings tears, but also a path forward.
Captain Kat Adirondack
DTM: Tips, I’m all about tips for the crew its very important to show your gratitude, they work so hard in such a short time, why is it important to tip? Capt Kat: Our crew is amazing. For me to maneuver the boat under sail, the crew must man the sails.We are sailing the boat as a team. They have an awareness of the safe operation of the vessel while also chatting with guests and serving drinks.
DTM: What’s is the best advice to give new captains when working with the public? Capt Kat: If you have joy in your job sailing the boat, chances are the guests will also enjoy sailing.
Captain Kat’s Bio Katrina van Zee, aka Captain Kat, is a captain for Classic Harbor Line, sailing in New York Harbor for over a decade. She holds a United States Coast Guard (USCG) 100-ton Master License with a sailing endorsement and is a U.S. Sailing Certified Instructor at Basic Keelboat, Cruising and Coastal Navigation levels. In the off-season she enjoys sailing in places she’s never been before; favorites include Sea of Hebrides, Baltic Sea, and the Gulf of Thailand.
Classic Harbor Line is the operating company of the Schooners Adirondack & America 2.0 and the Luxury Yachts Manhattan, Manhattan II & Kingston of Chelsea Piers. Operating sightseeing trips on New York waters since 1999, Classic Harbor Line specializes in bringing beautiful, classic-style vessels to the New York City waterways and creating special and memorable excursions.
Our Crew, including all captains, mates, chefs, and on-land representatives at Classic Harbor Line, is what makes the experience on our beautiful yachts truly magical. We have maintained a consistent history of not only operating with professional staff but also with warm and inviting hosts. You will, without a doubt, have fantastic views of the city and find the boats beautiful and comfortable, but what will surprise you and stay with you when you leave is the warm and special treatment you receive from our extraordinary team.
The Old Man and the Sea is a short novel written by the American author, Ernest Hemingway. It takes place in 1951 Cuba and was published in 1952, long before females took the helm. One could argue that yes, in fact, there were female Captains back as far as 231 B.C. The Norwegian Princess Sela, considered a pirate, sailed in 420 A.D.
Today we have captains, right now in our time and right here in New York City.
Being a female entrepreneur, I am extremely proud whenever I meet females in the role of power. If there’s a female in charge of the plane or a sailing large vessel I’m on, it makes me smile from ear to ear, a sense of female pride.
I just love being that “fly on the wall” only to hear men say, it’s a woman? She’s not the one in charge? I just chuckle to myself biting my tongue and watch in amazement when they quickly eat their words. This recently happened onboard Captain Sarah’s vessel.
I’ve not only had the pleasure of being a guest on her ship but also recently the extreme pleasure of interviewing, her.
Captain Sarah Pennington Sailing America 2.0 Photo by Nick Appice
DTM: How did you get started in this line of work and where are you from? Capt Sarah: I am originally from Ohio. I grew up sailing with my family on a large lake in Kentucky and then in the Houston area. I really learned to sail when I learned how to teach sailing at a girls’ camp in northern Minnesota while in college. I took a tall ship job on a coastal schooner right after I finished college in Maine. That’s when I got hooked on schooners.
DTM: What brought you to Classic HarborLine (CHL)? Capt Sarah: I came to New York in 2002. I saw an advertisement in TimeOut New York magazine for the schooner Adirondack. I called them to see if they needed a crew. The ticket agent said, “Yes, please come over as soon as possible.” I came down that day to introduce myself. The rest is history.
DTM: What type of education or updated education are you given with CHL? Capt Sarah:I certainly have learned so much through working with CHL. The most industry-specific education would be that of the regulatory requirements of the field. Tangentially, since I’m involved with the business side of the company, I’ve learned so much on the marketing, tourism, PR, finance, and online sales side of the business as well. CHL also helped me get an MBA a few years back and that really helped me put a business strategy in focus and gave me a vernacular for business.
DTM: What is your favorite thing about working for CHL in New York? Capt Sarah:My favorite thing about working for CHL in New York is that anybody can be on our team if you just have the right attitude.
America 2.0 Classic Harborline
DTM: Share one of your most memorable/rewarding moments? Capt Sarah: The most rewarding part of work is seeing our crew develop and take on more responsibility within the company. Some become managers, some become captains. I love to see people grow in our company. We have a roster of mostly homegrown captains, many of whom had no marine experience when they started. A captain who drives half of our fleet now started as a part-time salesperson in our office. She just had the right attitude, kept learning, put one foot in front of the other, and now she’s running our boats.
DTM: What is the most common misconception people have about being a Captain of a vessel in New York vs sailing the ocean? Capt Sarah: I think the biggest misconception is that guests think we have nothing to do in the winter. We operate year-round with part of our fleet.
DTM: Have you ever raced or sailed the ocean? Capt Sarah:I’ve done very little offshore work and very little racing. It is not something we get much time, since we run full time with our tours in NYC.
DTM: Do you ever get bored with sailing the same route? Capt Sarah: I’d say I’m glad we have such a magnificent skyline that is always changing. I’m also thrilled that we have such an active harbor. That keeps us on our toes for sure. The only thing that may make for a long, dull day is a day with no wind!
DTM: What makes a good captain? Capt Sarah:A good captain in our industry is one who communicates and connects with the crew and their guests regularly. Regular communication throughout the trip amongst the crew and checking in with guests periodically make such a huge difference in how everyone perceives the experience.
Captian Sarah Pennington Jazz Cruise America 2.0 (interacting with her guests) Photo by Grace A. Capobianco
DTM: Is there a difference between being a captain for sailing vessels vs motor yachts? Capt Sarah: The only difference in licensing is that a skipper needs a sailing endorsement on their license to run a commercial sailing vessel.
DTM: What’s the last thing you do on your ship before you depart for the day? Capt Sarah:We have a long list of shut down “to-do’s” for each boat, but typically, the VERY last item is to lock up and ease our dock lines a bit so the boat is not pulled hard against the dock all night.
Captain Sarah Pennington
DTM: Because we are Downtown Magazine, what is your favorite place in Lower Manhattan Chelsea, to the Battery to just get away and relax? Capt Sarah: I like to bike or take a run down the Westside of Hudson River Park. One special spot for me to grab a coffee or nice breakfast is the cafe in the lobby of the Jane Street Hotel (also right on the west side highway)…when indoor dining was permitted.
DTM: Tips, I’m all about tips for the crew. It’s very important to show your gratitude, they work so hard in such a short time, why is it important to tip? Capt Sarah: Making a living in NYC means being able to live in NYC. Sailing is weather dependent, seasonal, and requires some very skilled labor. Certainly, good tips help us keep doing what we love and pay the bills while doing it.
View onboard America 2.0 with Captain Sarah Pennington at the helm Photo by Grace A. Capobianco
DTM: What’s the best advice you can give to new captains when working with the public? Capt Sarah: I like to remind folks I work with, “It’s just a boat ride.” We are just taking people out to have fun, so let’s not stress out too much. Let the brain surgeons stress out. Our job is to make fun. Keep them safe and have fun.
Take my advice, go online, and book anyone of Classic Harbor Line’s vessels, you just may get lucky enough to be a guest on Captain Sarah Pennington’s ship!
Looking for something cool, refreshing, and different this weekend?
Yes, it going to be another hot summer weekend, as the humidity rises, we take to the waterways. We are delighted to share with you, Manhattan by Sail is hosting an exclusive Summer series on the waterfront this season starting this weekend, Aug 1, 2020, with its unique Craft Beer Cruise in partnership with the popular Staten Island brewery, Flagship Brewing Company.
Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or just want to enjoy lifting a pint with friends, guests are going to love this one-of-a-kind craft beer tasting adventure onboard the incredible, Shearwater Schooner.
Beginning Saturday, August 1st at 1:30 PM, this specialty Craft Beer Cruise will take place every Saturday afternoon throughout the entire sailing season. On Saturday, August 1st, guests will also get to experience a special Meet & Greet with Cris Lombardo, Brand Ambassador at The Flagship Brewing Company to learn about the different types of craft beers, the process of how the beer is made and more!
Tickets include a tasting of beers, light snacks, and exceptional views: $79 for adults, $45 for children 12 and under.
Shearwater Manhattan by Sail
“We love partnerships! And we are proud to pair up with another New York City business like Flagship Brewery. It is the perfect pairing to enhance our sailing experiences as guests cruise the Manhattan harbor. We know people could use a nice cold craft beer on a historic sailing yacht while taking in the amazing views of the New York City skyline, especially after the past few crazy and stressful months of being cooped up!” says Tom Berton, CEO of Manhattan by Sail.
“We can’t wait to partner again for another sailing season with Manhattan By Sail. After a busy few months of delivering beer all over Staten Island and New York City, we are proud to say that our “Unforgettable Beers From The Forgotten Borough” have definitely been making their rounds in New York. We know guests will love our variety of delicious and crisp craft beers paired with the scenic views our city has to offer.” says Jay Sykes, Owner of The Flagship Brewing Company.
Flagship Brewery
To book your tickets and to see a list of all other upcoming events, please visit https://www.manhattanbysail.com
ABOUT THE “SHEARWATER” BOAT The Shearwater was hand-built in 1929 from native hardwoods, the 82-foot schooner Shearwater harkens back to a bygone era of yachting. One of New York City’s only floating designated landmarks, Shearwater has been taking New Yorkers and the city’s visitors sailing in the harbor since 2001. She celebrated her 90th birthday in 2019 and still going strong and sailing gracefully, the Gatsby-era yacht comfortably accommodates up to 48 passengers and departs daily from lower Manhattan’s North Cove Marina on public sails and private charters.
ABOUT “MANHATTAN BY SAIL” Manhattan by Sail offers private charters and public sailing trips from two Downtown Manhattan locations. Daily May – October. The mighty Clipper City is a 158′ family-friendly gaff-rigged schooner with a full bar and room for 149 passengers sailing from Battery Park. The Shearwater provides a casual and refined adventure aboard the 82′ Classic Gatsby Era Schooner Yacht with drink service and room for 49 passengers sailing out of North Cove Marina. For more information on NYC’s premier harbor sailing experience, please visit: www.manhattanbysail.com
Be sure to get off the land and on the beautiful Hudson river this summer with Manhattan by Sail. Downtown’s team will see you there, come up and say hello, tell us about your experience.
Every Spring downtowner’s look at the marina to test the seasons, when we see the boats in Brookfield Marina, we know it’s time to get out for the warmer weather. The winter blues are removed and quickly forgotten.
This year was sad for many as we did not see our local marina buzzing with boats and movement. I can assure you that the minute we saw your sailboat (Tribeca Sailing – Tara) smiles and hope was on everyone’s mind, and it was time to book our Staycation.
Tribeca Sailing
We had the pleasure of catching up with Captain Dave Founder of Tribeca Sailing. Our COO Luigi and I were his guests on Tara, oh yes, she is a beautiful as her name. “one of only five 1964 Hinckley Custom Pilot 35s and is the prettiest sailboat in all of New York City.” Captain Dave
I’ve never been on this size sailboat, at first I was a little concerned but as we left the marina, Captian Dave, handled her like a newborn babe. The sails were up and we were underway.
It was our first sail of the season, and certainly set the standard for others to follow. Captain, is funny, charming, and extremely knowledgeable. He is a true Captain and follows all the rules ensuring his guest’s safety.
No one can know what will come of COVID-19 and or when we will return to “normal life”, one thing is for sure, we live in the greatest city in the world and more so the best area in all of New York. It’s like being on vacation 365 days of the year, we are blessed to have met Tara and Captain Dave.
We give them both 10 out of 10 Sails.
DTM: How difficult was this delay for your business? DC: As a unique small family business and living in downtown Manhattan I spent my time watching our governor and waiting for the curve to flatten. As Spring approached, I would have started working on my sailboat Tara for an April 1st opening but instead, I stayed home and did my part to stay healthy and help our essential workers.
The most difficult part of the delay in opening was a financial hardship. Tourism is a large part of my pre-season bookings and due to COVID 19 travel plans were canceled and I was refunding almost all pre-booked charters. (I changed my policy to give full refunds due to the pandemic.) My business relies on pre-bookings to pay bills. Bookings stop but bills continued.
DTM: Who makes the decision for the marina to open? DC: Marinas were considered essential and access to North Cove Marina was permitted. During the stay- at- home order North Cove was primarily used by NYPD Harbor Patrol and perhaps a transient boater as a leg (stopover) of their cruising journey. They left it up to me to decide when I wished to return.
Tribeca Sailing
DTM: What comments have you heard the most once you were back at the marina.? DC: On May 28 I arrived back to North Cove Marina to my seasonal docking slip. It was a beautiful day and NYers were out on the promenade. As the joggers and dog walkers passed I got lots of thumbs up and comments like “Great to see you back!!!”, “Tara looks fantastic”, “The first boat back gives me hope”, “When will you open I need to get out of my house!”. I was so happy to bring Tara back and the positive energy gave me hope for NYC and for my business.
DTM: You’re the only boat we see now, is there a reason other are not coming back? DC: As Phase, I approached I returned to North Cove Marina to be prepared to start the season. This decision was not easy, as North Cove Marina is a premier marina in such a unique location, and a seasonal business slip is very costly. I am rolling the dice that NYers will take advantage of a staycation and want to go sailing and book a charter with Tribeca Sailing.
The marina is a mix of seasonal tour businesses, personal boat owners, and transients. The tour business charter companies are a close community and we speak frequently. Due to the dockage costs, lack of tourism, and corporate business bookings many of these charter companies are uncertain when they will reopen as they rely on this revenue to pay for their dockage. Transient boaters usually visit the marina to take advantage of NYC in the warm weather along with wonderful restaurants and shopping. This will hopefully be during the next few phases of opening and you can be certain I will be waiting on the dock to welcome them when they arrive.
Tribeca Sailing
DTM: What hours are you open for sail and how do client’s book? DC: Tribeca Sailing sails five times a day, seven days a week at 10 am, 12:30 pm, 3 pm, 6 pm, and 8:15 pm. Longer sails are available on request. The easiest way to book is by clicking the following link and booking on-line.
DTM: What changes should your customers expect and what protective procedures have you put into place if required? The number of people per sail, social distancing, etc? DC: I have been following the local authorities and adjusting accordingly. I have purchased extra masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant spray/wipes.
Three major changes are now in effect:
Private Charters Only. Per Person, booking is no longer available.
Pricing based on; 1-3 guests or 4 to 6 guests
All passengers must arrive wearing masks and all social distancing requirements apply.
Extra masks will be provided if needed.
“Tara” is wiped down with disinfectant before and after each sail and hand sanitizer is available. Every night the boat is cleaned with a CDC recommended disinfectant.
Tribeca Sailing
DTM: What has been the most difficult thing about this situation for you, and your business?
DC: As a small business with limited resources it is challenging to get the word out to the local resident, we are open for business for a perfect staycation. I rely a lot on my Trip Advisor ratings for referrals and I am grateful for repeat local customers but because tourism is limited bookings are soft. We are a hidden secret and it is time to get the word out.
As NYC re-opens, I am hoping to find locals and day visitors starting to venture into NYC to book an intimate sail around the harbor with Tribeca Sailing. Some might hesitate for a bit, but I am optimistic the locals will want to be outside and finally enjoy this beautiful weather on the water. The most frequent statement I hear is: “I never knew this existed in NYC and I can’t wait to tell my friends and family.” I know you are out there……….
DTM: Is there a silver lining for you from this pandemic?
DC: As a downtown resident I have seen the community come together and support the local neighborhood businesses. I think it is important to maintain a community and watch out for each other. The silver lining is knowing NYC will be back as it is still the greatest city in the world and has even a better view from the water. With the lack of ferries sailing in the harbor is a dream to sail with no traffic and no wakes!
Tribeca Sailing
DTM: As we are now hopefully on the downslope of this battle in New York, and discussions have turned to open up our economy, what are your concerns about that and what would you like to see happen, both in society at large and in your regular work environment?
DC: People need to continue to be aware of personal space and their environment. I am proud of how NYC responded to reduce this virus and worked to adhere to the government requirements. Small businesses continue to need support from the community for survival. Please do not ask for a discount, save that question for the larger companies. Go the extra mile and share your experience on social media and refer your friends and family, or just buy a gift certificate. Small acts of kindness will help NYC survive and bounce back as small businesses are its backbone.
DTM: What do you miss most about pre-COVID New York City? DC: As a long time, NYC resident, I miss the energy that the city provides including the tourist that flock to downtown. As a foodie who misses the great restaurant options in NYC, I can not wait to go back to my favorites which I have also listed on my website.
DTM: Tell us how you got into sailing?DC: When I was 16 years old my mom received a phone call from a friend who was looking for crew for a sailboat race and asked if I would be interested. When she asked me about going, I refused to say “Sailing sounds boring”. She made me go anyway and that race changed my life. Falling in love with the sport, I raced sailboats for the next 30 years. I never thought I would turn that passion into a viable business.
DTM: During your time aboard Tara, Captain David will share facts about New York City, stories about personal experiences, and expert sailing techniques. In short, Captain David wants you to have a good time. He’s a United States Coast Guard Licensed, Master. (Anything you want to add)
DC: As a real NYer I like to bring a local personal aspect to my charters. I love telling stories and giving little known tidbits about the sights and not just a canned speech. People are always asking me about restaurant recommendations and I have devoted an entire section on my website to help them by budget, cuisine, and location.
DTM: What do you like to do in your spare time?
DC: Tribeca Sailing season starts April 1st through the end of November. During the off-season, Tara requires maintenance and winterization. This is also the perfect time to work on website updates etc. When not working on the boat I like to take advantage of new restaurants, go to the theater, and visit museums especially when they are holding a special event that I find interesting.
DTM: What do you love about living in Lower Manhattan?
DC: I love that Battery Park City is so beautiful and tranquil also the energy from visitors to the area. Although I am on the water all day, I still love walking along the promenade. Walking by Alexander Hamilton’s grave and through the Oculus makes me smile and reminds me that Lower Manhattan is such a unique and wonderful destination.
DTM: For anyone reading this who may have dreamed of becoming a ship Captain, what’s it like?
DC: Safety is paramount and thinking of that tropical destination is secondary. People always ask me what it would be like to sail long distances, my reply is that it is hard work. For example, you’re on three-hour shifts, sleep is hard as you are always moving, the food is so-so and then the storm comes in the middle of the night. The reality of being a ship Captain vs the dream is quite different. The reward comes when the wind is perfect, the sun is shining, my customers are a joy and laughter abounds. The great news is that this happens most of the time. I am incredibly lucky to have my passion as my way to earn a living.
DTM: Anything you would like to share with our readers we have not asked?
DC: I have had a very, special guest on board. I received an anonymous phone call asking if I was available to sail and was told to show up at 3 pm for a special guest. Next thing I know the Secret Service showed up and soon thereafter the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie came on board Tara. What an amazing sail we had. They sat on the bow (front of the boat) and enjoyed the spectacular sights of NY Harbor. Before they departed, we had a great personal conversation and they were gracious enough to allow a photo op. I had a real connection to them, and the memory will stay with me forever.
Other fun facts about Tribeca Sailing
over 200 successful engagements on board (and I still get teary-eyed when it happens)
location, location, location…always front and center for the Macy’s July 4th fireworks display.
“Tara” is one of only five 1964 Hinckley Custom Pilot 35s and is the prettiest sailboat in all of New York City.
Tara – Tribeca Sailing
Our Tours
Set sail on a private or semi-private tour of New York Harbor perfect for: Birthdays, Anniversaries, Engagements, Private Tours, Corporate Team Building
Location:
North Cove Marina 225 Liberty Street Corner of Liberty St. & South End Ave. Contact: Captain David Caporale Email: david@tribecasailing.com Phone: (917) 593-2281
