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Help raise sails aboard the classic wooden yacht Selina II or relax as the moon lifts over Shelter Island and the North Fork. Two-hour evening sails with optional charcuterie, bubbly, and photographers make this a perfect small-group celebration.
Help raise sails aboard the classic wooden yacht Selina II or relax as the moon lifts over Shelter Island and the North Fork. Two-hour evening sails with optional charcuterie, bubbly, and photographers make this a perfect small-group celebration.
Book with Sail Selina NY
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Operated by Sail Selina NY · Shelter Island Heights, New York
On the edge of Long Island’s North Fork, Shelter Island Heights is the gateway to an old-school maritime evening: the Moonrise Cruise aboard Selina II. This two-hour sail runs from Shelter Island waters out toward the North Fork shoreline, offering low-slung vineyards, saltmarsh flats, and distant lighthouses as the moon climbs. Guests can learn to raise the wooden yacht’s sails or simply settle at the rail with a glass of bubbly.
Selina II is a classic wooden sailing yacht with varnished teak and brass that feels alive in hand. The boat’s traditional rig and nimble hull make for a close-to-the-water experience; you’ll feel wind and tide rather than distance. Key scene features include the narrow channels between Shelter Island and the North Fork, exposed mudflats at low tide, and the white-sand beaches and scrub pines that edge the coves. Birdlife—osprey and terns—often ride the wind, while harbor seals haul out on rocky shoals after sunset.
What makes this cruise a standout is the hands-on option: guests may assist with lines, learn sail trim, and hear compact lessons in classic seamanship while the crew manages safety. For visitors, that offers a morning-sail clarity of purpose or an evening’s gentle education beside the moonlit water. Optional add-ons—charcuterie boards, chilled bubbly, floral arrangements, and professional photographers—turn a simple sail into a perfect date night or a small celebration.
Shelter Island’s maritime roots run deep; seasonal ferry traffic and working waterfronts have defined local life for centuries. The Moonrise Cruise connects visitors to that local rhythm without requiring boating experience. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, and anyone who wants a quietly theatrical way to watch a moonrise over vineyards and coastline.
Practical details: the trip lasts two hours; wear layered windproof clothing and nonmarking shoes suitable for a wooden deck. Seas can be calm or brisk depending on tide and wind; motion sensitivity affects comfort more than fitness. Bring a jacket, camera, and any celebratory extras you prefer—book optional services early. The operator’s referral link organizes reservations in advance. Whether you help haul sail or simply watch the sky change, Selina II delivers a tactile, storied maritime evening you won’t forget.
Timing matters: the captain plots the route to place the yacht where the moon ascends over open water rather than behind distant pines, so check the scheduled moonrise on your chosen date when booking. The cruise is small-boat friendly but not a certified accessible vessel; passengers with mobility needs should contact the operator in advance to discuss accommodations. If you want to extend the evening, plan to dock at Shelter Island Heights and stroll to a waterfront tavern. Reservations fill on summer weekends; book early and consider weekday sails for a private horizon.
The Moonrise Cruise is two hours long, designed to position the vessel for moonrise over open water.
Yes—guests are welcome to assist with raising sails and basic line work under crew supervision.
No specific age provided; families often sail but infants and very young children should be supervised and wear life jackets if required.
Bring medication or acupressure bands; sit mid-ship and stare at the horizon for best results, and inform crew if you feel unwell.
Food and premium beverages are optional add-ons—charcuterie boards and chilled bubbly are available for purchase and should be booked early.
Use the operator referral link to check availability and make reservations; weekend summer sails often sell out, so book ahead.
Sail Selina NY operates from Shelter Island Heights, New York, offering passenger sailing experiences aboard Selina II, a restored historic wooden yacht. The business offers scheduled public sails and private charters that include the 2-Hour Classic Sail, Family Sailing Charter, Moonrise Cruise, Romantic Champagne Sunset Sail, Half-Day and Full-Day Private Charters, Private Sailing Lessons, Nautical Wedding Package, private engagement and proposal sails, and bachelorette party experiences. Trips navigate the calm waters of Shelter Island, Peconic Bay, and the North Fork, with routes tailored to weather, tides, and guest preference. Guests may participate in raising sails and steering or choose to relax with Bluetooth music and scenic views. Private Sailing Lessons focus on helm control, sail trim, basic navigation, and safety procedures, suitable for beginners and intermediate sailors. Half-day and full-day charters allow anchoring in quiet coves for swimming, sunbathing, and picnics. The Nautical Wedding Package and private proposal sails are staged aboard Selina II for intimate waterfront ceremonies and announcements. Moonrise and Sunset cruises highlight shelter island and North Fork vistas during golden hours. Operations center in Shelter Island Heights, emphasizing small-group, personalized experiences aboard a classic wooden yacht that preserves maritime character. All offerings are delivered subject to seasonal scheduling and local regulations; trips may be adjusted for weather and sea conditions to ensure guest safety. Selina II’s vintage lines and wooden construction contribute to a classic sailing atmosphere, while Shelter Island’s sheltered bays provide calm conditions ideal for family outings, lessons, and special events throughout the sailing season.
Book with Sail Selina NY