A Storied Yacht Straight Out of The Great Gatsby
Even though it affords possibly the best view of Manhattan and its outskirts, the Ventura is a New York City attraction few know about. This national landmark sailing vessel was built by legendary luxury liner designer Nathanael G. Herreshoff in 1921 and now operates as a charter yacht. A beautiful sailboat with a hull of solid mahogany, decks made of Indian teak and a hollow mast constructed of American spruce, the Ventura was specially crafted for George Baker, the founder of what is now Citibank. Board this beautiful wooden ship and find original bronze fittings, hand-carved wood panels, brass oil lamps and a brass-and-stone fireplace. The Roaring ’20s decadence is the perfect backdrop for one of the three-hour sails offered. Choose a Sunday summer brunch cruise along the Hudson, an afternoon sail with a gourmet picnic lunch or an after-work open bar with seasonal snacks (which have included Maine lobster rolls, Kobe beef sliders and pan-seared ahi tuna lollipops). For a truly VIP ride, privately charter the boat for 34 of your closest, and settle in for sunset followed by a panorama of the glittering outline of Manhattan’s famous skyline.