Private Charters
Bookings Are Available Through Columbus Day
Queens of Oyster Bay
Oyster Sloop CHRISTEEN & Oyster Dredge IDA MAY
Sail aboard one of these historic landmark ships.
Reserve our flagship, CHRISTEEN, or the IDA MAY for a private and unforgettable cruise with friends and family. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, bachelor/bachelorette party, business function, or any special occasion, we’ll help make it a truly unique and memorable experience.
Sail through the scenic waters of Oyster Bay Harbor while enjoying the charm and history of these iconic vessels. Create lasting memories with a customized charter tailored to your special event.
CHRISTEEN
Private Charter
Reserve our flagship, CHRISTEEN, for a unique and private cruise among friends and family. Transform your bachelor/bachelorette party, birthday, anniversary, business function, or any other special occasion into a truly unique and memorable experience.
CHRISTEEN, a 60-foot (LWO) gaff-rigged sloop, is the oldest oyster sloop in America and a National Historic Landmark. She was originally built in 1883 for Captain William Smith in Glenwood Landing, New York, for harvesting oysters in Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbor. Over her 125 years, CHRISTEEN served not only as an oyster dredge but also as a cargo carrier and live-aboard between Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey.
CHRISTEEN was completely restored and launched in 1999. CHRISTEEN’s new mission is to serve as a floating classroom for The WaterFront Center. Her Coast Guard Certified Captains and experienced crew educate up to 24 passengers about maritime history, marine science, coastal ecology, the oyster industry, and aquaculture.
Max group size 24 (at least one adult on the water).
Price: $1400 (2.5 Hours), and each additional hour is $400. Additional service fees may apply.
*No children under 3 years old; all children must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18. No animals are allowed aboard.
For a full list of our recent policy changes, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions Page
If you have any questions please contact booking@thewaterfrontcenter.org or call (516) 922-SAIL [7245]
IDA MAY
Private Charter
Reserve the IDA MAY, for a unique and private cruise among friends and family. Transform your bachelor/bachelorette party, birthday, anniversary, business function, or any other special occasion into a truly unique and memorable experience.
Built-in 1925, the original IDA MAY was the first oyster dredge powered by an engine instead of a sail, revolutionizing the oyster industry in Oyster Bay, where she worked for 75 years. Today, her faithfully crafted replica follows the original design as closely as possible while meeting modern U.S. Coast Guard requirements, allowing her to carry passengers safely.
The new IDA MAY is 50 feet long and 17 feet wide, built to accommodate up to 44 passengers for educational programs, public cruises, and private charters. With a wide, open deck, she serves as a floating classroom, providing hands-on experiences in maritime history, aquaculture, and marine conservation.
IDA MAY honors Oyster Bay’s rich maritime heritage while highlighting modern oyster farmers' dedication and aquaculture's sustainability in our harbors. Her construction is a tribute to the craftsmanship of traditional wooden boat building and the teamwork of volunteers, shipwrights, and community supporters who brought her to life.
Max group size 44 (at least one adult on the water).
Learn more about her story at sailidamay.org/history.
Price: $1900 (2.5 Hours), and each additional hour is $400. Additional service fees may apply.
*No children under 3 years old; all children must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18. No animals are allowed aboard.
For a full list of our recent policy changes, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions Page
If you have any questions please contact booking@thewaterfrontcenter.org or call (516) 922-SAIL [7245]
Looking for Education Sails & Youth Programs?
Visit our Marine Education Sails page on SailCHRISTEEN.org to find CHRISTEEN sails for schools, troops, and groups!
