Looking for something cool, refreshing, and different this weekend?

Yes, it going to be another hot summer weekend, as the humidity rises, we take to the waterways. We are delighted to share with you, Manhattan by Sail is hosting an exclusive Summer series on the waterfront this season starting this weekend, Aug 1, 2020, with its unique Craft Beer Cruise in partnership with the popular Staten Island brewery, Flagship Brewing Company.

Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or just want to enjoy lifting a pint with friends, guests are going to love this one-of-a-kind craft beer tasting adventure onboard the incredible, Shearwater Schooner.

Beginning Saturday, August 1st at 1:30 PM, this specialty Craft Beer Cruise will take place every Saturday afternoon throughout the entire sailing season. On Saturday, August 1st, guests will also get to experience a special Meet & Greet with Cris Lombardo, Brand Ambassador at The Flagship Brewing Company to learn about the different types of craft beers, the process of how the beer is made and more!

Tickets include a tasting of beers, light snacks, and exceptional views: $79 for adults, $45 for children 12 and under.

Flagship Secures Exclusive Summer Series on the Water with Manhattan by Sail — Shearwater Manhattan by Sail

“We love partnerships! And we are proud to pair up with another New York City business like Flagship Brewery. It is the perfect pairing to enhance our sailing experiences as guests cruise the Manhattan harbor. We know people could use a nice cold craft beer on a historic sailing yacht while taking in the amazing views of the New York City skyline, especially after the past few crazy and stressful months of being cooped up!” says Tom Berton, CEO of Manhattan by Sail.

“We can’t wait to partner again for another sailing season with Manhattan By Sail. After a busy few months of delivering beer all over Staten Island and New York City, we are proud to say that our “Unforgettable Beers From The Forgotten Borough” have definitely been making their rounds in New York. We know guests will love our variety of delicious and crisp craft beers paired with the scenic views our city has to offer.” says Jay Sykes, Owner of The Flagship Brewing Company.

To book your tickets and to see a list of all other upcoming events, please visit https://www.manhattanbysail.com

ABOUT THE “SHEARWATER” BOAT The Shearwater was hand-built in 1929 from native hardwoods, the 82-foot schooner Shearwater harkens back to a bygone era of yachting. One of New York City’s only floating designated landmarks, Shearwater has been taking New Yorkers and the city’s visitors sailing in the harbor since 2001. She celebrated her 90th birthday in 2019 and still going strong and sailing gracefully, the Gatsby-era yacht comfortably accommodates up to 48 passengers and departs daily from lower Manhattan’s North Cove Marina on public sails and private charters.

ABOUT “MANHATTAN BY SAIL” Manhattan by Sail offers private charters and public sailing trips from two Downtown Manhattan locations. Daily May – October. The mighty Clipper City is a 158′ family-friendly gaff-rigged schooner with a full bar and room for 149 passengers sailing from Battery Park. The Shearwater provides a casual and refined adventure aboard the 82′ Classic Gatsby Era Schooner Yacht with drink service and room for 49 passengers sailing out of North Cove Marina. For more information on NYC’s premier harbor sailing experience, please visit: www.manhattanbysail.com

Be sure to get off the land and on the beautiful Hudson river this summer with Manhattan by Sail. Downtown’s team will see you there, come up and say hello, tell us about your experience.

Happy Sailing!

There is never a shortage of things to do in our wonderful city, but even the most active New Yorker doesn’t get to experience everything that’s worthwhile. In turn, opportunities like “The Macallan’s Rare New York Weekend For 2” -– as produced in collaboration between The Macallan and Gilt City -– provide a great service to those looking to experience some local luxury in a unique way. It takes its purchasers all over town in a relaxed manner as they get to do a variety of things that the everyday person doesn’t have the clout for.

Having kicked off earlier this month, “The Macallan’s Rare New York Weekend For 2” package costs a pretty penny at $4,999, yet its activities all total up to $8,816 in retail value. First, there’s the American Express gift card that is valid towards the purchase of two plane tickets. Naturally, there is private car service from the airport to the hotel, which will be The NoMad Hotel for two nights. While the everyday person may be able to get great seats to an MLB game or golf at The Golf Club at Chelsea Piers, there is an “omakase” dinner at Zuma with Macallan pairings. There is also a private suit fitting for two with Heritage by Martin Greenfield, which includes a private tasting with a Macallan brand ambassador. Thus, a weekend of top-notch accommodations, food, drink, sport, fashion, and expert-guided events.

To learn more about the package, I spoke with Steven Schneider, President of Gilt City, Gilt Business Development and International, and Craig Bridger, The Macallan’s National Brand Ambassador. Turns out that Steven and Craig have worked together before, and have plans to collaborate together in the future. Other “Rare Experience” getaways are planned for later this year, including getaways based in Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami and Scotland.

For more information on The Macallan x Gilt City “Rare Experiences” series, click on over to http://www.gilt.com/city/newyork/collection/macallancollection. Steven can be followed on Twitter via @Sschneids, while Craig is on Twitter as @MacallanCraig.

How did this partnership between The Macallan and Gilt City come about?

Craig Bridger: The Macallan and Gilt City are both passionate about curating special experiences for their consumers. It’s a natural fit.

Steven Schneider: Gilt first partnered with The Macallan on an event with Scott Conant in 2014 and again in December 2015, curating exceptional holiday gift ideas for Gilt.com inspired by the premium Macallan Rare Cask. Our customer loved these collaborations, so we wanted to build on them. The “Rare Experiences” campaign on Gilt City features luxury, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that incorporate The Macallan and reflect the refined nature of the brand.

How would you describe this “Rare Experiences” package?

CB: As the name suggests, this package is composed of very rare things. New York City is a place chock full of incredible places and experiences, and The Macallan — in partnership with Gilt City — has cherry-picked a few stunners.

SS: The NYC getaway package is the ultimate guys’ weekend, replete with unforgettable activities, such as a private suit fitting for two with Heritage by Martin Greenfield, omakase dinner at Zuma with The Macallan pairings, tickets to an MLB game, and more.

What is your personal favorite part of the package? Is there something that you wish you yourself could be part of?

CB: Well, I certainly wouldn’t say no to a custom tailoring session with the folks at Martin Greenfield. I can pay in bottles of The Macallan. (laughs)

The Macallan's Craig Bridger — The Macallan’s Craig Bridger

SS: It’s a tough call, but the private suit fitting from Heritage by Martin Greenfield is my favorite part — who can say no to impeccable hand-tailoring from one of the world’s most distinguished tailors? And to enjoy an exclusive tasting of The Macallan led by its brand ambassador, Craig, during the fitting session is a special bonus.

Will anyone from your brand be participating within the “Rare Experiences” package?

CB: I’ll have the pleasure of conducting a rare whisky tasting for attendees.

Might we see your brand be involved in another offering like this in the future?

CB: Yes, we have four other experiences on offer throughout the year taking place in Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles and Scotland.

SS: Absolutely. Gilt regularly partners with the most coveted brands to not only provide exclusive offers and sales, but also to serve as a publishing platform, creating one-of-a-kind, multi-faceted marketing campaigns for these companies.

What’s ahead for your company after this promotion wraps in mid-July?

CB: We are busier than ever, with no less than three major new releases in the chamber, including The Macallan 65 Years Old, one of the oldest expressions ever released by the distillery. It’s an exciting time to be a whisky fan.

SS: Since Hudson’s Bay Company’s acquisition of Gilt, we have opened Gilt’s first-ever physical concept shop in NYC’s new Saks Off 5th store on 57th Street. We are developing exciting programming and events for this store, which features a new, in-person Gilt flash sale every week. We are continuing to build and develop an omnichannel shopping experience for our members.

Gilt's Steven Schneider — Gilt City’s Steven Schneider

When not busy with your company, how do you like to spend your free time?

CB: When I can find the time, I’m with my dog in Fort Greene Park, or editing my novel. Usually with a dram of whisky.

SS: I love snowboarding, traveling, cycling and spending quality time with my friends, family, and adorable dog, Lily.

Do you have a favorite restaurant in Manhattan?

CB: It’s Manhattan — I have a million! But here are some current favorites: Gabriel Kruether, The Polo Bar, Eleven Madison Park, Trattoria il Mulino, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, and Vinegar Hill House. Gotta have one in Brooklyn!

Any special plans for you this summer? Are you going on vacation anywhere summer?

CB: Well, I’ve set aside some time to help my folks move into a new home. And I’m looking forward to attending Tales Of The Cocktail in July.

Do you have a favorite Gilt City experience in Manhattan?

SS: I use Gilt City to discover all of the best experiences in and around New York City, and lately I can’t enough of spinning. Gilt City offers an array of top-notch spinning classes at insider prices. I also love the homemade guacamole at Rosa Mexicano that I tried when enjoying a Gilt City experience there.

Finally, any last words for the kids?

CB: For all the kids over 21: Be good to your bartender!