NEWSLETTER
Tickets Now on Sale
New York, N.Y. - South Street Seaport Museum announces the 2026 sailing season for the 1885 schooner Pioneer and the 1930 tugboat W.O. Decker, beginning May 29 and running through October. Tickets range from $5–$70 to sail New York Harbor and are on sale now! Get them here for Pioneer, and here for W.O Decker.
This is a unique and unforgettable way to see the Big Apple's iconic landmarks, making it a must-do adventure for both locals and visitors alike. You can even book a private charter for a special sail with your friends and family or co-workers and clients.
Sail the New York Harbor on 1885 Schooner Pioneer
Experience New York City like never before with the Seaport Museum’s thrilling sails aboard the historic 1885 schooner Pioneer! From May through October, the Museum’s daytime, sunset, and programmatic sails offer you the exclusive opportunity to take in the breathtaking views of the Big Apple from the deck of a National Register-listed vessel. As you set sail on an unforgettable journey, you’ll witness some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, Lower Manhattan’s architectural treasures, Governors Island, Ellis Island, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned New Yorker or a first-time visitor, this adventure promises to be a truly unforgettable experience. But that’s not all––as a guest on board, you’ll have the chance to get hands-on and help raise a sail or simply sit back and relax as you soak up the stunning scenery. And, for the perfect al fresco dining experience, bring along your favorite meal or snack, along with your preferred beverages or even a bottle of wine to sip on deck.
Ride on the 1930 Tugboat W.O. Decker
Get ready for a one-of-a-kind adventure on the last surviving New York-built wooden tugboat W.O. Decker, named “Tugboat of the Year” by the prestigious Steamship Historical Society of America! This 75-minute ride promises to be an unforgettable experience, as you explore the iconic New York Harbor and take in stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Battery, and Governors Island. As you ride on this historic vessel, you’ll feel the thrill of adventure and the excitement of discovering New York City from a whole new vantage point. And, as the only surviving example of its kind that invites you aboard, W.O. Decker offers an immersive opportunity to step back in time and experience a unique age of seafaring. Embark on a thrilling journey aboard W.O. Decker. This experience is particularly popular with tweens, teens, and boat enthusiasts! Book your 75-minute ride today and get ready to see New York City in a whole new way!
Charter a Historic Vessel
Looking for a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate a special occasion with friends and family or impress your clients with an exciting corporate outing? Look no further than the Seaport Museum's private charters on the historic 1885 schooner Pioneer and the 1930 tugboat W.O. Decker! These unique vessels provides the perfect backdrop for a group adventure, celebration, or corporate event. Whether you are looking to host a birthday party, anniversary celebration, or team-building outing, the Seaport Museum has got you covered. Pioneer charters range from $2,000 to $3,750 for either a two- or three-hour sail, for up to 36 people. W.O. Decker charters are $1,100 for a 2-hour ride for up to 14 people. Learn about discounts and book a custom charter experience today. seaportmuseum.org/charters
Education Programs on the Water
Through K–12 educational programming the South Street Seaport Museum teaches New York City students the story of how New York’s great natural harbor gave rise to the metropolis we know today: the story of the ships, the people who sailed them, the cargoes they carried, and the businesses that served them. With programs that can be tailored to meet the age and curricular goals of each group, students are invited to sail New York Harbor aboard the historic 1885 schooner Pioneer and the 1930 tugboat W.O. Decker for subject matter that can focus on life science, physical science and math, social studies, and sailing skills. On board, students help raise sails, see the Statue of Liberty and other Harbor landmarks, observe a variety of ships and waterborne commerce, and engage in exciting hands-on activities. seaportmuseum.org/group-
Discount for Seaport Museum Members
Seaport Museum memberships include unlimited admission to Museum exhibitions, invitations to special events, and great discounts year-round, including 20% off on individual sailing tickets for Pioneer and W.O. Decker. Memberships start at $65 and help support Museum’s exhibitions, preserve the ships and the collections, grow public programs, and serve over 5,000 students through education initiatives. seaportmuseum.org/member
About the Schooner Pioneer
Pioneer was built in Pennsylvania in 1885 to carry sand and heavy cargoes along the Delaware River. Unlike almost all American cargo sloops and schooners that were made of wood, Pioneer was constructed with a wrought iron hull because she was built in what was then the nation’s center for iron shipbuilding. Today, she is the sole American merchant sailing vessel with an iron hull. Through offering sails aboard Pioneer, the Seaport Museum provides an exceptional experience to the public, catering to inquisitive students, seasoned New Yorkers, and eager visitors alike. By offering a unique opportunity to venture out onto the water, this remarkable vessel grants guests a new vantage point to see the city allowing guests to forge a deeper connection with New York’s maritime past and present, illustrating exactly “Where New York Begins. seaportmuseum.org/about-
About Tugboat W.O. Decker
The wooden tugboat W.O. Decker was built in Long Island City, Queens, in 1930 for Frederick and John Russell’s Newtown Creek Towing Company. Originally named Russell I, after the towing company’s owners, she was renamed W.O. Decker in 1946 after being sold to the Decker family’s Staten Island tugboat firm. The tugboat was donated to the South Street Seaport Museum in 1986.W.O. Decker is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is an exemplary model of the types of steam tugs that were once an abundant sight in New York Harbor. This unique vessel is a true testament to New York City’s maritime heritage, which is a direct factor in the city’s global prominence today and is the last surviving New York-built tugboat.Today, W.O. Decker is a beloved member of the Seaport Museum fleet and serves as a platform for educating visitors about New York’s maritime and industrial history. On weekends during the warmer months, she takes passengers into the harbor for views of the Lower Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty and to experience her running. This unique vessel is a true testament to New York City’s maritime heritage and fosters a deeper understanding of the significance of South Street as the place “Where New York Begins.” seaportmuseum.org/about-
About the South Street Seaport Museum
The South Street Seaport Museum, located in the heart of the historic seaport district in New York City, preserves and interprets the history of New York as a great port city. Founded in 1967, the Museum houses an extensive collection of works of art and artifacts, a maritime reference library, exhibition galleries and education spaces, working 19th century print shops, and an active fleet of historic vessels that all work to tell the story of “Where New York Begins.” seaportmuseum.org
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