NEW YORK CITY BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Host Your Private Tall‑Ship Charter on the Hudson: Clearwater’s 2.5–3‑Hour Sail for Up to 45 Guests
A private, 2.5–3 hour tall‑ship charter aboard Hudson River Sloop Clearwater for up to 45 people — this guide explains booking, onboard flow, and what to bring.
Host Your Private Tall‑Ship Charter on the Hudson: Clearwater’s 2.5–3‑Hour Sail for Up to 45 Guests.
Step aboard Hudson River Sloop Clearwater for a private tall‑ship sail: a 2.5–3 hour outing that mixes hands‑on seamanship, crew‑led history, and music aboard a working vessel configured for private events.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Living Tall Ship with a Story
Clearwater’s private charters include onboard interpretation of the sloop’s history and mission and music by the crew, giving events the feel of an intimate floating commons run by people who live aboard.
Hands‑On Sailing
Sails typically call for all hands to the halyards, inviting guests to help hoist sails after a dockside orientation before departure.
Private Events with a Fixed Cap
Charters accommodate up to 45 passengers total — that count must include caterers and musicians — and reservations are held with a credit card and secured via a signed contract and 10% non‑refundable deposit.
What the day feels like
What It Feels Like
The outing begins with a dockside orientation, then a call to hoist sails; the crew shares Clearwater’s mission while guests may sing along with crew music, pause for a moment of reflection, and otherwise enjoy a 2.5–3 hour sail aboard the sloop.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private charter suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Private charters run about 2.5–3 hours; plan your event timing around that duration and the fact that sails run rain or shine and can be hard to reschedule if cancelled.
Bring layered clothing, reusable water bottles, sunscreen, and a mask if you plan to go below deck; BYOB is allowed for guests 21 and older.
Private charter reservations cannot be made online — inquire directly via [email protected]; reservations are free to make but require a credit card to hold and a signed contract plus a 10% non‑refundable deposit due within one week of contract receipt.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is a private charter?
Private charters run approximately 2.5–3 hours.
How do I book a private charter?
Private charter reservations cannot be made online; to inquire about booking, contact [email protected] directly.
Is there a passenger limit?
Yes — charters accommodate up to 45 passengers total; this number must include caterers, musicians, and guests of all ages and cannot be adjusted.
Are reservations paid in advance?
Reservations are free to make but require a credit card to hold the spot; a signed contract and a 10% non‑refundable deposit are due within one week of receipt to secure the booking.
What should guests bring?
Guests should bring layered clothing, reusable water bottles, sunscreen, and a mask if they intend to go below deck; BYOB is permitted for those 21 and older.
What happens if it rains?
Clearwater sails rain or shine; it can be difficult to reschedule a sail cancelled for inclement weather, so plan with the possibility of rain in mind.
Can I request an unusual time slot or weekday in shoulder months?
If you don't find an available time slot, you can fill out the operator's standard inquiry form for requests (for example, weekday charters in April–June or September–October), but the operator will prioritize groups that book through FareHarbor slots.