Set Sail on a Classic Schooner Today at Sunset
Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships Boston offers a hands-on experience each day
Enjoy the breathtaking view of Boston Harbor at sundown and experience the city as it was hundreds of years ago by boarding one of Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships Boston’s majestic sailing schooners. Photo by Christopher Evans
Enjoy salt water breezes on a hot summer evening aboard a classic sailing schooner taking a spin around Boston Harbor at sunset. Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships Boston offers a chance to view the city’s skyline at dusk while catching a breeze and enjoying unparalleled views of the Boston skyline. The fleet operates two ships: the Liberty Clipper, a 125-foot gaff-rigged schooner, and the 67-foot Liberty Star. Both ships set sail daily at sunset (6 pm for the Liberty Clipper and 6:30 pm for the Liberty Star), departing from Central Wharf, next to the New England Aquarium.
Built in 1983, the Liberty Clipper was designed to be a modern replica of a Baltimore Clipper–style schooner, popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. Built in 1972 and originally a private yacht, the Liberty Star is a replica of an 1890s coastal schooner. It was acquired by the Liberty Fleet in 2012 and renamed with an official ceremony, complete with a bottle of rum.
Sailing Boston Harbor since 1993, the Liberty Fleet offers a variety of sailing experiences for landlubbers. The daily sunset sails offer one and a half- to two-hour excursions in and around the harbor. And best of all, adventurous guests can get some hands-on experience by helping the crew raise the mainsail and foresail and a chance to join the captain at the aft deck for a turn at the helm. Or leave the sailing to the professionals, sit back, and enjoy a cocktail (21+ only) and a light snack. Recommended for summer weather: a Dark ’n’ Stormy, a rum drink.
The Liberty Star’s sunset cruises are from early May to mid-October. The Liberty Clipper offers daily sunset cruises from early June through mid-September. Tickets are $35 to $40 for adults and $24 for children (refreshments not included).
If you’re looking for a more jovial experience, check out the Liberty Fleet’s Rum & Revelry Sail (21+ only) aboard the Liberty Clipper, where you can sing along with professional actors as they perform traditional sea shanties. You’ll have a chance to sample a selection of rums in a free tasting, too. The Liberty Clipper also hosts a popular Sunday Brunch Boston Harbor Sail.
The fleet offers daily cruises starting at noon. Find directions and information on availability and prices here. The Liberty Fleet Sunset Cruises set sail from Central Wharf, adjacent to the New England Aquarium, daily at 6 pm and 6:30 pm.
Sarah Wells can be reached at swells21@bu.edu.
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