Had an amazing time on The Honorable William Wall (watching Sail GP)....the staff was extremely nice and they had a great selection of drinks. It's BYOF (Bring Your Own Food), so no restrictions there! Seating top deck consists of the bar and reservable tables...there is indoor seating on the main deck if you want to get out of the elements. Make sure to get to the Manhattan Yacht Club at least 15 minutes before your embarking time as the shuttle will fill up and you will have to wait about 30 minutes for the next one... Overall, such a great time and one I wish there was more of in and around New York harbor/waterways.. read more

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Great secret date night or after drinks spot! Cocktails are only $12. Loved the ride out and def go at sunset! read more

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Place is fantastic -- it's a fun and different bar to visit that's anchored in NY Harbor with the nicest views you can get of the sunset, skyline, lady liberty, Ellis isl., etc. A boat picks you and take you there, it's grt!!! However, they REALLY need a new or an additional bartender. I'm sure the lady is very nice, but she cannot handle that bar and we waited about 30-40 mins for our first round which started the experience with a really bad vibe. Ultimately, the Captain (nice guy) stepped in, purée the drinks, and comped the round. But for the bartender this place would get 5 stars, easy. read more

A unique and fun experience! Came here for a friends birthday. We purchased 3 tables and were able to call ahead and request the tables be put together. The tables were a bit expensive for their size. We arrived at the docking area and received a color coated band. Our small boat was right on time to take us to the William Wall boat. It was about a 15 minute or less beautiful ride there. The scenery was breathtaking! When we arrived, we noticed they only put two of our tables together but it was no hassle to add our third table. We brought a bunch of food as there is no food served on the boat and it was great! Someone in our party wanted to buy a bottle but they do not allow that sadly. The only thing sucked a bit was that the music wasn't loud enough! Also, heads up, if you get motion sick, prepare to take medication beforehand. It can get really intense!! Lastly, we found out at the end of the night that the color coated band dictates what time you have to get off the boat. I recommend the 6pm or later as you'll be able to stay till close! Overall, it's a unique and fun thing to do in Jersey City! read more

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Superb place for a Cocktail while watching the boats And the sun go down. read more

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This review is for the Honorable William Wall, clubhouse situated in the middle of the Hudson River. All roundtrip $20 boating tickets are sold on https://www.zerve.com/ManhattanYC/WWLaunch Even if it says "Sold Out" on the website, most of the time you can just go to pier and they will let you buy a ticket Pros: * William Wall is one of the best kept secrets in Manhattan- I've lived in Manhattan for 6 years and have NEVER heard of this floating bar with gorgeous views of Jersey City + Manhattan! Maybe I'm just out of the loop... * Drinks are affordable * You can bring your own food! Cons: * Bring a jacket- if you come in September, it gets very windy and chilly after the sun sets. * When windy, William Wall becomes rocky as hell. My friends and I were nauseous for most of the time so I recommend taking antiemetic medicines before you board. read more

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After many years sailing in NYC I will say the MYC is fine. The people are nice. Decent entry club to NY Sailing. Michael Fontewhatever is kinda a deuche and it kiss his ass and get the most out of the club. Or don't kiss his ass and be treated like shit. Good thing there are better / other clubs in the city. Later read more

When I first looked into joining the Manhattan Sailing Club (MSC), it was a bit mysterious - Racing Committees, Fleet Captains, Skipper Certifications, Mentor Programs, and a floating club house called the Willy Wall. Maybe there's a secret handshake too. Who knows but I decided to find out and joined last summer. There's no secret handshake (well, at least I haven't discovered it yet) but this is definitely the club to join in Manhattan if you want to get out on the water and sail in NYC. I highly recommend the club for beginner as well as more experienced sailors. Here's a cheat sheet to help you navigate the waters (sorry, couldn't resist the pun). I hope you find it useful. Send me a note if you have any questions. 1) Where can I get info on the club? The MSC website is the best place to find out about membership and what the club is all about. If you're new to sailing you might find it a bit confusing so keep on reading... 2) What is the Manhattan Sailing Club exactly? It's a club where you pay annual dues which allow you to sail on club boats, attend club functions, use the clubhouse (anchored in the harbor next to Ellis Island), receive mentoring and participate in club races. That's just the basics. The club is very dynamic so things come up all the time. Since I've been a member, the club has organized trips to the Caribbean, Monaco, Norway and other destinations. A bunch of members also got together and formed a syndicate to purchase a 12 meter racing sailboat (America II) which is now in North Cove. 3) Where is it? The MSC is located in North Cove at the World Financial Center. The Manhattan Sailing School also shares this location with private yachts and tour boats. The MSC and the school are related. 4) What kind of boats does the club have? J/24 sailboats - a popular 24' sailboat used by many clubs for racing and day sailing. 5) How much does it cost? Check the website for the latest rates. Currently for 2007: Initiation Fee: $250; Regular Dues: $1,190; Skipper Privileges: $800 in addition to regular dues. I think this is a bargain considering all the hassle and expense of owning a boat. The key is to go sailing often to get the most out of your $$$. 6) I've never sailed before - is the club for me? Yes, if you like to be on the water with the sun on your face, wind in your hair and enjoy the challenge of learning something new. Also - you'll have NYC as your backdrop which is just an amazing view. NOTE: If you are new to sailing you should first take the basic sailing course offered by the Manhattan Sailing School. 7) What's this whole Crew/Skipper thing about? There are two types of members (besides members who own their own boats). BASIC members sail as crew and must have a certified club skipper present to go out on a boat. SKIPPERS have passed a test and are allowed to take people out. This helps ensure the safety of members and the boats. Skippers also pay more for the ability to take boats out with members or friends. 8) If I'm a basic member, what's the best way to get out and sail? Go online and make a reservation! It's as simple as that. You'll either be assigned to a boat or put on a waiting list until more Skippers show up. Your reservation will say "Skipper Needed". I've always gotten on a boat even if I was put on a waiting list. You should also make friends with skippers who will invite you out to sail. 9) Is this a good place to meet people and make new friends? A sailing club is social by nature. You always sail with others and meet new people. The common bond is sailing and an attraction to the wind and sea. So, yes - you'll meet lots of new people. Some people might wonder if this is a good place to meet a significant other. I'm sure there are plenty of romantic connections at the club but I wouldn't put this top on your list of reasons to join - unless you are attracted to the adventurous, fun loving, sporting types. In that case, you might get lucky! 10) Does the club have parties? Yes - the club has a floating clubhouse anchored just off Ellis Island. There's a bar and a disco ball out there. Really, there is. The club has full moon parties and other special events here. There are also other events during the winter and sailing season. I don't believe the social events and parties are the main focus on the club - sailing is - but sailors definitely know how to party when the time comes. 11) What is the "Mentor Program"? This is a program to help new members become certified club skippers. Experienced members volunteer to take new members out and train them so they can become club Skippers. The main point is instruction during these sails. 12) What is a "Fleet Captain"? A Fleet Captain is a cub skipper who volunteers to take out a boat on a specific day at a specific time. Basic members will be assigned to these boats using the online reservation system. read more

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Last Friday a friend and I headed down to Battery Park and aboard the launch vessel out to sea...destination William Wall Barge. I had no idea anything like this existed (closest I knew of was the Frying Pan - but this is not even close in comparison). It is a two floor barge anchored among an absolutely stunning view of the skyline, Governors Island and the Statue of Liberty. I would suggest getting there early so you can snag a table, but the turnover is so quick that we got one on the 3rd round of launches (they leave/arrive every 30 minutes). You can bring your own snacks aboard (we had a delicious spread of cheese, baguette, cured meats and olives :) and the drinks onboard are completely reasonable. I was sipping my favorite Jack & Diet's and they were only $8. I was prepared for at least $12 considering I was floating in the Hudson with a spectacular 360 degree view and wouldn't have even been upset paying it. The staff is super friendly and the bartenders are quick to fill your order. The only negative was the music selection. For some reason they felt it appropriate to play techno/dance crap during a happy hour filled with prepsters, but that is what Pandora is for :) read more

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After taking a sailing course this weekend, I am pleased to say I had a wonderful time. The facility and boats are impeccable and it was great to see the strong camaraderie between the staff and members. This is truly a hidden gem. Shout out to the Student Skippers Marek, Mike, and Taylor for their clear instruction, and for making the experience even better. Looking forward to getting back out on the water again soon! read more

Very fun. Take out a J24 with a sailing master (captain/skipper) and you can definitely have fun just going down and up the Hudson and into the bay near the Statue of Liberty and more. You can get a membership here, take lessons, become a full captain/skipper, and have fun talking with people, doing races (if you're lucky they'll let you on - get to know people and network a bit!), and there's even a public bar floating out in the harbor to chill at and watch the races from. They have a floating classroom, a single larger J105? I think, and a set of slips that parallel around South End St. in Battery Park. A great way to spend an afternoon, evening, or morning. Ask for Kate - she's amazing! read more

"And are you going to join the Yacht Club in a few years?" I asked flippantly when I first met him and he told me that he was a member of the Manhattan Sailing Club. He answered quite seriously, "Why, yes, I will." And with that, I was sold. I want to be going places and sometimes that means via a sailing vessel. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays from spring til fall, they hold races, which one is welcome to watch at the Honorable William Wall, their clubhouse out on the Hudson River. There's a boat that will shuttle you from the pier to Willy Wall for $10 for non-members (free for members). Once you're at Willy's, you can stake out a place and imbibe numerous adult beverages while watching the race. And if your date is a thoughtful one, he'll bring proper nourishment of baguette, various cheeses, fruit, and chocolate, to supplement the goldfish crackers that Willy provides. On a beautiful warm summer night, I watched sailing boats race in the river and disappear off into the burning rays of the sun as it set down on the Manhattan skyline. Some things are never meant to be more than a summer's memory. read more

This review is for the Honorable William Wall. I purchased tickets for myself and some friends to head out to the Honorable for a birthday party last week. The ferry boats to and fro are quick and reliable, and offer a breathtaking view of Manhattan, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. For $10 round-trip, it can't be beat. The bar offers plenty of options for drinking, and now allows credit cards for purchasing, which can be dangerous considering you are stuck on a boat sans nutrition save for a few salty pretzels. While I had a great time, I only enjoyed 1 margarita and bought a round of beers for my friends. When I settled up, my bill was mysteriously expensive from a few drinks, yet the last boat was about to leave, and left me little time to squander over how the price was determined; I felt rather mysteriously intoxicated and duped by the dis-Honorable by the time I returned to the shore. read more

I'm reviewing the Willy Wall barge, which is one the most unique experiences you can have in NY. It's the only place I know of where you can basically hang out in the middle of the Hudson and enjoy views of Governor's Island, the entire West Side of Manhattan (one of the most amazing views of the city, especially at night), and Jersey City (yeah I know, who cares). You can bring your own food and picnic out there, beers are not too pricey (about $6 I think), and the staff crew are very friendly and laid-back. Highly recommended, especially for a summer night. read more

A friend of mine is a member of this club and took me here for my first sailing trip in Jersey City/New York. It was an amazing experience, the staff was very helpful and the boat was clean and in good condition. The location is convenient with plenty of parking nearby. read more

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You can't beat the Willy Wall! It's a great place to wind down after a long day with a rum and coke and enjoy a beautiful sunset. I was worried at first about motion sickness (not on the small boat out to William Wall, but actually on the William Wall) as it was a windy day and we were moving quite a bit, but I quickly adjusted. Such a beautiful place to hang out and enjoy the views. Will definitely go back next year. read more

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Sailing in some of the most scenic spots in the World with the best Summer breezes around And you don't have to own a boat Hard a lee! Let the chute fill as you fall off Nothing better read more

Unless P. Diddy personally invited me to board his yacht, you would never find me on board a boat. At least I initially thought. This review is not for the Manhattan Sailing Club (MSC), but for the Honorable William Wall, the MSC's naval clubhouse on the Hudson River that lies halfway between New York and New Jersey. I used to go to the Frying Pan, but after docking on the Willy Wall, why party "on" the water, when you can party "in" the water? Upon disembarking, the panoramic views of Manhattan, Ellis Island, and New Jersey are stunning and unparalleled. During the summer, there's simply nothing like drinking on a deck, tradewinds gently blowing through your hair, while the sun sets in the water in miraculous hues of orange, red, and gold. The club runs frequent races and regattas, so in addition to the breezy views, you might get lucky and get some action (sailing, that is). You don't have to be a Manhattan Sailing Club member to go on the Willy Wall. Transportation to and from the clubhouse leaves every half hour from the World Financial Center. There is a $10 fee for guests and non-members, but free for those who show their membership card. The bar only serves drinks and snacks so the MSC encourages people to bring a picnic lunch or dinner. read more

The MSC does have the above advantages and from some points of view very good. But Michael Fortenbaugh, the Commodore, is very neurotic and impossible to talk to on a simple human basis. He is enthralled with sailing as high status and will grade you worthy or not. Also, members have a hard time sailing as you have to go with a Captain and each Captain has his clique of people worthy to sail with him. Many can't get on boats because they are somehow not worthy. Many become frustrated and quit as they wanted to sail but couldn't get on a boat. Also, you will be charged extra for sailing on one of the bigger boats. So if you loved High School with its small clique of popular kids you will love this club! read more

I almost don't want to write this review because the Honorable William Wall is the best kept secret in Manhattan! Such a great way to see a different view of the city, hang out with friends, and enjoy an evening of fun and drinks. So fun, you must do it! read more

These guys are a class act in every sense. In February we sailed the BVI's on the Yacht Clubs flagship Arabella (not in the literal sense, the crew sailed while we sipped on cocktails in the onboard hot tub). An unreal experience that made every guest on board want to become a have-a-go sailor. After that, I booked onto the beginners sailing course with Bob. Bob's a real gem... good skills, great chat and a very calm influence (given the shoddy crew he had to work with). We also had Charles along for the ride who was great to have around with his knowledge and sailing experience. Thank you guys. Before we'd even stepped on the boat, you knew that the MYC run a tight ship. Aine and Siofra went above and beyond anything you could expect to help you when making all the necessary arrangements. Kudos to them too. Experienced sailor or just wanting to dip your toes, MYC is a cut above. The only thing left for me to do is sign up to the club, make use of the boats and waste away my evenings watching the sun set with a rum and soda at the Willy Wall. read more

The Honorable William Wall is my favorite summer spot in the city. It's $10 to take the boat to the other boat, but well worth it! The view of the city is spectacular and the wine is only $5 once you get on. read more

We had a great time at The Hon. William Wall for a friend's birthday party. We got there early enough that we were able to get seats and set up an area. Make sure you get on an earlier launch. We took a four o'clock and it was crowded but we were able to get on. People who got there after us to take a later launch had to wait two hours in line to get on a launch. Well worth the wait! read more

The sailing here is great and the drinks are properly cold. What's not to love?

I took the basic sailing course with this school. Note that despite the name, they are actually located in New Jersey. The course went fine, and I signed up for their annual "Caribbean Regatta". However, unlike most regattas, this one was focused on making money for the club and creating a non-stop party atmosphere, above basic safety. One of the boat skippers was a young woman who had never sailed a catamaran before, and was now in charge of one. The result was a disaster: she crashed her catamaran into ours, in the process severely injuring one of our crew, who was immediately taken to a nearby hospital after we radioed for help. The rest of our crew spent the afternoon and evening cleaning large amounts of blood from our catamaran, and we were all really shaken by the experience. The next day, the leader of this Regatta, the Commodore, led the members of the trip in a song and dance so as not to stop the 'fun' atmosphere. What's more, the skipper of the boat that crashed into ours was allowed to continue the trip. I did not feel safe and was happy to go home a couple of days later. If you are serious about sailing, I'd recommend looking for another school. read more

Been meaning to write a review about this place since going 3 months ago. Lout friends had birthday drinks at the floating club and it was fantastic! You get a great Italian looking speed boat to the floating clubhouse, then you get to look back at the city having a few cold drinks on the deck. Nothing better. A must see read more

Had a fantastic time out on the water. I'd recommend it to anyone looking to learn how to sail!

I recently took two courses with the Manhattan Yacht Club and found both to be not only very fun but highly instructive. The club is well located for those living in Manhattan, and ideal for both sailing and seeing the New York harbour and its surrounding areas. Both the facilities and boats are well maintained and the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. Highly recommended for beginners as a place to learn to sail. read more

I booked a trip with a group and on the day of the launch they sent an email alerting us that it was moved to a different pier, one we could only access by another ferry. The email didn't provide some obviously important information like: when should we get to that ferry? How long is the ride? How does this impact the return trip? We had to figure that out for ourselves. Also, the email offered a full refund but provided no information at all how to request it. Apparently, we're supposed to figure that out too. Aggressively dismissive customer service. Lots of similar services out there and I recommend you try those. read more

Had a great weekend with the Manhattan Sailing Club! The Basic Sailing Class was a great refresher of everything you need to know to get your sea legs back or if you're brand new to the sport. Can't beat the location and quality of the marina/boats - truly a hidden gem in Manhattan - I'll be joining the club shortly. read more

Love this club! Been going for years and it just keeps getting better. Great people, fun sailing and racing, cool clubhouse.