June 24 | 1pm | Pier 16 | $15–$50
Cap the Seaport Museum’s Pride Month festivities by getting out on the water to join the LGBTQ+ sailing club Knickerbocker Sailing Association’s (KSA) 21st-annual floating parade.
Two of the Museum’s National Register-listed historic vessels will join over 30 vessels for the sail, which means you can join part of the parade on the 1885 schooner Pioneer or the 1930 tugboat W.O. Decker. The fleet of 30+ vessels will feature sails designed by Gilbert Baker who created the first pride flag and was a member of KSA.
For each Pioneer and Decker ticket purchased, the Seaport Museum will donate a sailing ticket to Ali Forney Center, which is dedicated to protecting LGBTQ+ young people from the harms of homelessness and empowers them with the tools needed to live independently.
Click below to get your ticket to join the procession. Advance registration is required. Capacity is limited; claim your space before each sail is full!
Want to enjoy the parade from shore? No problem! The procession of vessels is expected to sail past the Seaport Museum between 3-3:30pm and anyone can come to Pier 16 to enjoy the site and cheer them on. While on the Pier, you are invited to browse and support the Hester Street Fair, which will feature all queer-owned or -operated businesses.
Please Note This is a Past Program, Event, or Activity
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Pioneer Pride Sail
June 24 | 1–3pm | Pier 16 | $20–$50
The 1885 Schooner Pioneer will dawn her LGBTQ+ Pride flag and join Rainbows on the Hudson boat parade for two hours in New York Harbor.
The experienced crew will guide the vessel past New York’s iconic Lower Manhattan skyline and into New York Harbor to join the parade at the Statue of Liberty. Guests are invited to BYOB––whether it’s Bring-Your-Own-Brunch, -Beverage, or -Bottle of wine is up to you! Pioneer sails make for a unique al fresco experience so feel free to bring along your favorite meal or snack.
Pioneer will join a portion of the procession and will return to Pier 16 by 3pm, in time to provide participants a beautiful view of the full parade making its way past the Seaport Museum at Pier 16 between 3–3:30pm.
Tickets
$50 Adult
$45 Senior
$45 Student
$20 Child
W.O. Decker Pride Ride
June 24 | 1–2:15pm | Pier 16 | $15–$30
Board the last surviving New York-built wooden tugboat W.O. Decker, for a 75-minute ride with Rainbows on the Hudson.
This 2021 “Tugboat of the Year” will raise her rainbow flag and cruise along with the parade while exploring the iconic New York Harbor and take in stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Battery, and Governors Island.
W.O. Decker rides are particularly popular with tweens, teens, and boat enthusiasts. Decker will join a portion of the procession and will return to Pier 16 by 2:15pm, in time to provide participants a beautiful view of the full parade making its way past the Seaport Museum at Pier 16 between 3–3:30pm.
Tickets
$30 Adult
$25 Senior
$25 Student
$15 Youth (Ages 10–17)
Know Before You Go
Tour routes are subject to change due to unpredictable boat traffic in the harbor and weather, though captains will do their best to include the sites listed. Read the full FAQ for more details on sailing with the Seaport Museum.
Pioneer Pride Sail
Check In Begins: 12pm
Check In Ends: 12:45pm
Board: 12:45pm
Depart: 1pm
Return: 3pm
W.O. Decker Pride Ride
Check In Begins: 12pm
Check In Ends: 1pm
Board: 1:05pm
Depart: 1:15pm
Return: 2:30pm
About W.O. Decker
The last surviving New York-built, wooden tugboat W.O. Decker was built in Long Island City, Queens, in 1930 by the 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 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.