NY Water Taxi Offers Cruises for Fleet Week

NEW YORK, New York - New York Water Taxi, the official waterborne touring transportation for OpSail 2012, will be offering an OpSail 2012 Preview Tour on May 22nd and special tour of the Parade of Ships, Tall Ships and Navy Ships to kick off Fleet Week on May 23rd. Operation Sail has partnered with the U.S. Navy to commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812, and the writing of The Star-Spangled Banner.

The Special OpSail 2012 Tall Ships Tour will be offered on Tuesday, May 22 only, departing from South Street Seaport's Pier 16 at 6pm, rain or shine. This tour previews the Tall Ships as they ready for the next day's Fleet Week Kick off Parade of Sail, hosted by the Working Harbor Committee. It also kicks off the 2012 season of Hidden Harbor Tours, taking passengers "behind the scenes" of the inner workings of 3rd busiest harbor in United States aboard the luxury yacht Zephyr.

In addition to getting a close-up preview of the Tall Ships from around the world anchored south of the Verrazano Bridge, passengers will also be treated to a rare opportunity to see the container ships, oil tankers, car carriers, tugs, barges, cruise ships, ferries and water taxis that ply New York waters. Views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline will round out the harbor experience on each trip.

Narrated by tall ship experts, New York harbor experts, boat captains and waterfront historians affiliated with the Working Harbor Committee, the tour will share the history and details of the Tall Ships, and provide insight into New York's working harbor. Tickets are $60 for adults, and $45 for children (ages 3-12) and $50 seniors (ages 65+). A portion of the ticket supports the programs of the Working Harbor Committee.

The OpSail VIP Parade of Sail Tour will be offered on Wednesday, May 23 only, departing from South Street Seaport's Pier 16 at 11am, rain or shine. This three-hour cruise, aboard New York Water Taxi's luxury yacht Zephyr, will provide front-row seats to view the parade of Tall Ships and Naval Vessels participating in the combined OpSail and Fleet Week 2012.

This year's parade will include a 27-ship armada of Tall Ships and U.S. Navy and foreign warships from Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, France, Colombia, Ecuador, Spain, Finland and more. Maritime historian Norman Brower, former curator of ships at South Street Seaport Museum and a renowned Tall Ship expert, will provide narration that tells the story of each of the participating ships. Tickets are $75 for adults, $55 for children (ages 3-12) and $65 for seniors (ages 65+), and includes continental breakfast. Cash bar available.

In addition to these special sailings, the best way to see the Tall Ships and all of the Fleet Week activity is via New York Water Taxi's Hop-On/Hop-Off service , which offers ongoing service throughout the day from five boarding points across the city. Tickets are available at $26 for adults, and $16 for children (ages 3-12). Cash bar available.

Operation Sail, Inc., a non-profit organization established in 1961 with the endorsement of President John F. Kennedy, is backed by a Joint Congressional Resolution. Its mission is to advance sail training and promote goodwill among nations. OpSail has produced five international sailing events in 1964, 1976, 1986, 1992, and 2000, each tied to a patriotic or historical event.

New York Water Taxi (NYWT), an affiliate company of The Durst Organization, Inc., has been a New York fixture since 2002. Beginning with a spunky fleet of five distinctive black and yellow-checkered vessels, today the iconic 12-vessel fleet also includes the vessels of NYWT's sister organization Circle Line Downtown, the speedboat thrill ride Shark, and the luxury yacht Zephyr. Sought after for weddings, special events and corporate occasions, the newly refurbished Zephyr boasts three decks, two full bars, plush climate controlled interior, an expansive dance floor and spectacular views.

NYWT's mission is to provide entertaining, stimulating, and enlightening ways to see New York City's dazzling skyline, celebrated bridges, lush waterfront parks and enjoy the City, while maintaining a community-conscious fleet that honors our cherished waterways.

The Working Harbor Committee is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to spreading the word about the rich history, current vitality and future potential of the New York/New Jersey Harbor. The organization also runs an extensive youth education program, and additional educational tours.

For more information or to purchase tickets for these OpSail tours, New York Water Taxi's Hop-on/Hop-Off service or other upcoming Hidden Harbor Tours aboard the luxury yacht Zephyr, please visit www.nywt.com or call 212-742-1969.

For more information, visit www.opsail.org

Full information is available at www.workingharbor.org

For more information, please visit www.nywatertaxi.com

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