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New York Area Offers On-Board Event Options

Organizing events on the water is easier than ever with veteran fleets and experienced staff up to the task.

By Adrienne K. Yee

Caliber Yacht Charters

Owned by Cloud Nine Charters, Caliber is a brokerage company representing a variety of yachts, sailboats, and paddle wheelers that are great for corporate events, client appreciation parties, photo shoots, and social events. They will work with you to determine your needs and provide the yacht that best suits your group and your event.

(Contact: Nancy McAvee, 718 321-0013; Website: www.caliberyachtcharters.com)

Classic Harbor Line

The sleek schooner Adirondack, an 80-foot wooden sailing vessel, built in 1994 to resemble an 1890's-style Pilot Schooner, is known for her speed and maneuverability (twice winning the Mayor's Cup races in New York Harbor). Certified for 49 passengers, she sails regularly in New York, this year, from the last week in May through October. Groups can reserve tickets on regularly scheduled cruises, or charter her for their own use. The schooner is often used for team-building activities and offers a fun, competitive and educational program involving a set of contests that require communication, teamwork and planning skills. With these hands-on activities, teams will not only have a great time, but will also collectively learn quite a bit about the basics of sailing and line-handling. All team-builders start off with an on-deck safety session, and crew members are assigned to each team to ensure that each guest has a great time and stays out of harm's way. The program can last two to four hours, depending on how intensive the client would like the exercises to be and how many people are involved. The team-builders are ideal for teams of three to six people, for a total of up to 35. Team-building sessions often end with a picnic luncheon and an optional open bar. Adirondack is docked at Chelsea Piers, but alternate pick-up locations that can be arranged (at additional cost) include New Jersey and North Cove Marina.

This year Classic Harbor Line is introducing Manhattan, a 1920s-style luxury yacht completed just this month. Certified for 100 guests, Manhattan operates public tours in the NYC harbor, around Manhattan, and is also available for private charter use. She features an enclosed back seating area surrounded by windows, skylights, and is equipped with air-conditioning and heating. Manhattan can accommodate 40 for a sit-down dinner cruise.

(Both vessels dock at Chelsea Piers. Contact: Classic Harbor Line; Ticket representative line: 646-336-5270; Or book tickets online at www.sail-nyc.com
For private charters contact Sarah Greer: 917 447-7245 or privatecharters@sail-nyc.com.)

Cloud Nine Charters

Cloud Nine is an accomplished charter company with over 20 years in the yachting industry. Their two vessels, Cloud Nine III (a 95-foot luxury yacht) and the Cloud Nine IV (135 feet) are perfect for weddings, graduations, cocktail parties, and corporate dinners. Both vessels have panoramic windows, upper-deck dance floors, impeccable cuisine and flawless service. Cloud Nine also conducts dinner and lunch cruises around Manhattan on the East and Hudson Rivers for up to 150 guests. Yachts depart from various piers throughout the tri-state area—New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Long Island—depending on clients' preference.

Cloud Nine owns Caliber Yacht Charters, a brokerage company for other yachts.

(Contact: Vicki Vizzio, Sales Manager, 212 248-3800; Website: www.cloud9charters.com)

Circle Line Harbor Cruises

Circle Line's versatile fleet can accommodate just about every size crowd and every special event. According to Patricia Long, Charter Sales Manager, Circle Line Downtown: "ZEPHYR's versatility was demonstrated when we hosted a 385-person event for Marks Paneth's annual summer outing last year. ZEPHYR was transformed into a multifaceted entertainment vessel offering a full buffet dinner, casino games, DJ, dancing, and a cabaret-style lounge singer on the casino deck. Additionally, a photo booth was set-up to capture the many memories made on the fun-filled day sailing aboard ZEPHYR with the magnificent Manhattan skyline as a back-drop."

ZEPHYR has three-tiers and features climate-controlled decks, plush seating, mahogany bars, a dance floor, flat screen monitors, state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment, complete sound systems, and breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Sailing from New York City, Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut, staff will arrange every event detail.

Also, available for private charters are Miss New York, the famous sightseeing boat; Patriot, an intimate luxury yacht; and Shark, a speedboat thrill-ride perfect for team-building events.

(South Street Seaport, Pier 16. To speak with an Event Planner call 212 809-0808, fax 212 425-2215, or e-mail charters@circlelineferry.com, or visit www.circlelinedowntown.com.)

Eastern Star

Motor Yacht Eastern Star specializes in three- to-four-hour custom cruises around New York City and the tri-state area. She also can be chartered to cruise the Hudson River Valley, West Point, and Sleepy Hollow. The onboard chef, classically trained at the Culinary Institute of America, creates superb menus for every occasion. The 85-foot yacht provides an elegant classic setting with mahogany and brass details for up to 60 guests. The first level includes a spacious main salon with wood burning stove and plush furnishings and mahogany bar, a formal dining room, and a cozy book-filled library. The upper deck includes an additional wet bar, teak lounge chairs, and a shaded dining area, great for viewing the stunning views of Manhattan. Stereo sound system is available throughout the yacht, and there is ample room for live entertainment or a DJ. A new awning system completely encloses the upper deck in inclement weather.

Private wine tasting cruises with an accomplished sommelier can be arranged as well.

(Pier 61S at Chelsea Piers, West 23rd St. Contact: Laurie Kutscera, Director of Sales and Events 1-800-445-5842. Website: www.easternstarcruises.com)

Manhattan Steamboat Company

The company's mission is to provide an out-of-the-ordinary, upscale, entertaining experience on the water. Their yacht Noa Danielle, an elegant and sophisticated 62-foot vessel, is used for corporate and private entertaining and celebrations for up to 49 guests, as well as for film, TV, and video shoots.

The Noa Danielle's classic steamboat exterior complements the sophisticated Roaring Twenties-style interior. Clients can choose from a variety of cruise themes and menus, including the Great Gatsby Flapper Cruise with servers dressed in Twenties style, the Summer Seafood Extravaganza, the Kansas City World Class BBQ, and the Geishas' Harbor Escapade with waitstaff dressed in kimonos.

Meetings can also be conducted on board. Past clients include Pfizer, Nickelodeon, and UN-IAPG among others. According to Dorit Zeevi-Farrington, President and Co-founder of the Manhattan Steamboat Company, "It's an excellent venue for executives and corporate board members to get comfortable, unwind, get inspired, and connect. The nice thing about the yacht is that guests can move about and explore the different areas: the elegant saloon, the nautical veranda, and the open-air sundeck."

The Noa Danielle also has a sound system with wireless microphone connections mounted throughout the vessel. The sound can be controlled separately for each area. A/V equipment can also be brought in and installed as needed.

Itineraries can be customized and guests may be picked up at various locations that include Manhattan, one of the marinas up the Hudson, Connecticut, Westchester, or Long Island. Destinations include the East River, Hudson River, the Battery, Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, Governor's Island, Port Washington, Glen Cove, Oyster Bay, and Long Island Sound.

The Noa Danielle is docked at the World's Fair Marina (by LaGuardia Airport and Shea Stadium).

(Contact: Dorit Zeevi-Farrington, President; 212 355-8304 (tel/fax); 917 686-1016; e-mail: dzf@manhattansteamboat.com; www.manhattansteamboat.com.)

Mariner III

This 122-foot yacht, accommodating up to 115 passengers, cruises the waters of New York and New England in the summer months and the Caribbean in the winter. She is available for day or week charters for private outings, corporate events and business meetings, as well as dockside entertaining. Great care has been taken to maintain the original 1920's design and ambiance, from the solid mahogany table that seats eight on the aft deck to the two lavish full-size bathtubs on board. The air-conditioned interior provides six staterooms, plus quarters for a crew of six. Guest accommodations include two full-width master staterooms and three single staterooms and one V-Berth. The main salon is outfitted with an entertainment center, complete with stereo, TV and VCR. Directly above, Mariner III's enormous sun deck offers the ideal spot for sunbathing or cocktail parties. Picnics and clambakes can be held on the beach or island particularly in the West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami areas in the winter and for requests going to the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

(Chelsea Piers, Pier 60, West 23rd Street. Contact: Susan E. Courson, Charter Sales, 212 645-8813. Website: http://www.marineriii.com)

NY Waterway

NY Waterway has the largest ferry and excursion fleet in the NY Harbor with boats that hold up to 400 people. The company offers entertaining and informative cruises that sail all year 'round with standard tours narrated by certified tour guides. On-board catering is also available.

NY Waterway offers a variety of special tour packages (50 to 90 minutes long) that leave from both midtown and downtown Manhattan. Cruise packages include Lady Liberty, Harbor, and Twilight cruises. A Happy Hour Cruise and Party Cruise are available during warmer weather. NY Waterway boats can also be chartered from Port Imperial in Weehawken, and two locations in Manhattan: West 38th Street Terminal in Midtown and Pier A in Battery Park City.

(Contact: Dana Monaghan at 201 902-8741 or dana@nywaterway.com. Website: http://www.nywaterway.com)

Spirit City Cruises

"This year, we're very excited to celebrate Spirit of New York and New Jersey's 20th anniversary," said Christine Metivier, Sales Director, Spirit Cruises of New York and New Jersey.

The Spirit Cruises' New York and New Jersey operations include Spirit of New York, Spirit of New Jersey, and Bateaux New York. Spirit of New York and Spirit of New Jersey each can hold up to 600 guests and can accommodate parties of just about any size up to that number. Spirit City Cruises offer a contemporary New York experience in a swank bistro atmosphere, complete with Broadway-style entertainment, a dance club on the lower deck, and a dinner selection for any palate. Bateaux New York was inspired by the glass-enclosed vessels of Europe and can accommodate up to 300. Guests can experience the ultimate fusion of fine gourmet dining, entertainment, and exceptional service, while taking in unbeatable scenery. The glass ceiling and walls reveal a magnificent skyline view at every turn on the New York Harbor waterways. Songs inspired by the sights set the perfect mood, and ensure the night is pure perfection.

Spirit offers a variety of enhancement packages that are available on most cruises, such as Romance on the River, Stepping Out, Wine & Cheese Package, and Kosher Meal Options. Upcoming summer specialty cruises include the July 4th Fireworks Cruise (Bateaux NY, Spirit NY and Spirit NJ) and Hot Latin Nights (Spirit NY and Spirit NJ.)

(Manhattan: Pier 61, Chelsea Piers, on West 23rd St.; New Jersey: Lincoln Harbor Marina, Weehawken, NJ. Contact: Spirit Cruises, 1-866-399-8439. Website: www.spiritcitycruises.com)

Windridge Yacht Charters

The flagship of the Windridge fleet, the 170-foot Lady Windridge plies New York waters from June through September. Other vessels are available from the company in South Florida year 'round. The Lady Windridge is fully air-conditioned and provides plenty of space for entertaining: four levels of salons, lounges, staterooms, and open decks. The spacious dining salon can accommodate up to 300 for formal table service and 500 for informal buffets. The upper deck is perfect for sightseeing and dancing under the stars with its enclosed observation lounge.

The interior of the Lady Windridge was recently redecorated with new furnishings including new carpeting, seating, wallpaper, decorations, dining room seating, and sofas. For an unforgettable experience charter the yacht for a dinnertime cruise with a full crew and chef, who prepares everything on board.

General Manager Buddy Olin adds that if you want to catch a glimpse of the Lady Windridge in action before she moves up to New York, watch Ft. Lauderdale's annual Winterfest parade with the grand marshal on board. The event is televised nationwide.

(Chelsea Piers, Pier 59, June-September. Contact: 212 247-3333 or 954 525-7724. Website: www.windridgenewyork.com, and www.windridgeyachts.com)

World Yacht

World Yacht operates three luxury dining yachts, Duchess, Princess, and Cabaret, for public use and private charters daytime and evenings year-round. Contemporary American cuisine, elegant service, and modern décor are features of World Yacht's newly renovated vessels. The two larger yachts can accommodate any social or corporate function for up to 500 guests; the smaller Cabaret, 50 to 150. Amenities include fully equipped kitchens, three decks, furnished outdoor decks, full-service bars on all decks, A/V, baby grand piano, and climate-controlled interiors.

World Yacht hosts all types of events: weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries, corporate events, milestone occasions, and celebrations on special calendar dates such as Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, July 4th, and New Year's Eve.

General Manager Lawrence Morgan cited a couple of memorable events on World Yacht this past year: "In May of 2006 we hosted the King and Queen of Sweden, sponsored by Volvo, in Volvo's production of the "Volvo Ocean Race.

"A second major newsworthy event involved Donald Trump, who sailed aboard World Yacht in October to raise $100,000 for "Toys for Hospitalized Children" and "The Academy of Sports Marketing in Harlem."

(World Yacht Marina, Pier 81, West 41st St at the Hudson River. Contact: Mary Beth Nealand, Group Sales Supervisor for groups of 15 or more, 1-800-498-4271. Banquet sales: 212 631-8800. Website: www.worldyacht.com)

Yacht Owners Association of NY

Yacht Owners of New York functions as a brokerage company and represents a wide variety of vessels in many styles and sizes. Staff can assist in finding the right yacht for you and also help you plan your event.

Frank Giordano, Jr., president of Yacht Owners Association of NY, also owns the Motor Yacht Calypso, a 72-foot Stephens Classic yacht that is certified for 45 passengers plus 5 crew members. Her summer cruising areas include the Long Island Sound and New York Harbor/Hudson River. In winter she cruises South Florida.

In 2006, the Calyso hosted a personal cruise with the cast from the Sopranos, a photo shoot for China Vogue, and an all-day cruise to West Point for the school's big October football game.

Pier 17 at the South Street Seaport and the Grand Hyatt in Jersey City are two new docking locations for the charter boats.

(Contact: Frank Giordano, Jr., 212 736-1010. Websites: www.calypsocruiselines.com and www.yachtsny.com)