For travelers looking to experience New York from a different angle, a sail from Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 5 offers a slower, more intimate way to take in the city. According to the report, the outing began on a sunlit July afternoon at the Brooklyn Heights waterfront, where the marina sat beside soccer fields and oyster restoration projects, with the Manhattan skyline spread across the water. The setting felt distinctly Brooklyn, even though the Financial District was only a short subway ride away.
The trip was booked through Airbnb Experiences with Brooklyn Sail, a company founded in 2017 by two brothers. The sailing departed at 5 p.m. aboard the Enchantress, a classic sailboat with wooden interiors, navy cushioned seating, a small bathroom, and enough room to relax without feeling crowded. Captain Ian handled the safety briefing and then guided the boat out of the marina, creating what the report described as a personal, easygoing atmosphere rather than a standard tour.
A quieter route past the city’s best-known sights
Once underway, the boat passed beneath the Brooklyn Bridge and continued by Lower Manhattan, Governors Island, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. The report says the perspective from the water made familiar landmarks feel newly dramatic, with bridges appearing larger and buildings seeming taller. The Statue of Liberty, seen closely from the harbor, stood out as one of the most memorable moments of the sail.
Unlike larger sightseeing cruises, the experience emphasized calm and space. The boat used its motor only when necessary, making conversation easier and the ride noticeably quieter than a motorboat trip. The captain also shared harbor stories and answered history questions along the way. Over the two-and-a-half-hour sail, passengers were able to bring food on board, make the boat feel like their own, and enjoy views of passing ferries, seabirds, and other boats from a more relaxed vantage point. According to the report, that combination of scenery, silence, and time made the experience stand out as one of the best ways to see the city.
Source: cntraveler.com