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Sail4th NYC on Robert Gray - NY Harbor Stay

RVRG will be docked in the heart of the Sail250 celebration, giving you a historic home base to explore the nearby vessels.

A Tradition of Independence

To celebrate America's 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, the largest fleet of the world's most magnificent tall ships and gray hull ships will sail into New York Harbor, pass in Presidential review, and salute the Statue of Liberty.

In the tradition of the 1976 Bicentennial, the Statue of Liberty Centennial in 1986, the Columbus Quincentennial in 1992, the Millennium celebration in 2000, and the Bicentennial of The Star-Spangled Banner in 2012, international fleets will arrive in grand style and spend a week in the heart of the nation's first capitol.

Sailors will come together in the universal fellowship of freedom, hope, and opportunity that our country has always represented.

The Following cabins are available for booking. Unless otherwise noted, the Cabins aboard the Research Vessel Robert Gray have shared heads (bathroom and shower facilities) located outside the cabin.

Amundsen: Two-person private bunk cabin. - $3,200
Peary: Two-person private bunk cabin. - $3,200 BOOKED
Goodall: Two-person private full bed cabin. - $3,800
Cousteau: Two-person private bunk cabin. - $3,800
Earle: Two-person private full-bed cabin with private head. - $4,500 BOOKED

This event will be followed by a trip to Boston aboard the RVRG that can be booked here if you would like to continue on NYC to Boston with Sail 250 aboard the Robert Gray

Dates

July 3rd — 7th 2026

5 days, 4 nights

Location

New York Harbor
USA

Availability

0 Double Cabin

0 Single Cabin

Price

$4800 Double Cabin price per cabin

$3800 Double Cabin price per cabin

$3200 Double Cabin price per cabin

SAIL250 New York Harbor stay

July 3rd

Welcome aboard, drinks and appetizers in the Salon

Dinner on deck at Pier 25 under the skyline of Lower Manhattan near the mouth of the Hudson River.

Class B tall ships from around the world will sail down the East River from Hell Gate Bridge to Gravesend Bay, Brooklyn.

July 4th

We get underway early to lead the tall ship parade up the Hudson River on board the Robert Gray as the wedge vessel at the front of the parade. More than 30 tall ships from around the world will sail up the Hudson River from the Verrazzano Bridge to the George Washington Bridge.

Lunch and breakfast on board.

Navy Grey Hull Ships from around the world will dock along the Hudson River for a full International Naval Review showcasing maritime cooperation.

International Aerial Review

A massive formation of U.S. and international fixed and rotary wing aircraft will parade over the Verrazzano Bridge, above the Hudson River, flying in formations and over the International Parade of Sail. The Blue Angels will lead the review, and there will be a thrilling surprise not to be missed.

July 5th

Breakfast and lunch are available in the mess. The Robert Gray will be docked all day giving you the opportunity to tour nearby ships during their visiting hours.

Class A and Class B Tall Ships will be docked and open for public visitation along the NYC waterfront.

July 6th

Today we take Robert Gray out to observe the ships under sail and eat dinner at anchor under the shadow of the Statue of Liberty

Tall Ships will be out sailing the harbor and also docked along the NYC waterfront.

July 7th

Breakfast in the mess this morning with the RVRG crew.

Unless you are continuing on with the tall ships to Boston today is your day to disembark. Please be clear of your cabin by 9am so that our crew can make it up fresh for the next voyage.

Crew

S. Davis Alford

Captain

Captain S. Davis Alford is a seasoned mariner with over 20 years of experience and tens of thousands of nautical miles logged across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Mediterranean. Holding a USCG 200-Ton Master’s License with a Sailing Endorsement, he currently serves as the Master of the R/V ROBERT GRAY, a historic 125-foot military research vessel. Under his command, the storied 1936 vessel has been restored to active service, acting as a premier platform for marine research and a living piece of maritime history.

Beyond his technical command, Captain Davis serves as the Director of Operations for The Voyagers Club and President of VC Expeditions, where he bridges the gap between maritime tradition and modern exploration. As an ASA-credentialed instructor, he is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of sailors and sharing the transformative power of the ocean. He leads with a mission-driven vision that connects adventurers to the profound mysteries of life at sea.

Meals Included

Daily Lunch and Breakfast, and Two Dinners

In the mess: The “mess” on Robert Gray is the dining room where the crew dines together with guests adjacent to the galley for informal meals.

4 breakfasts
2 casual lunches

On Deck: More formal plated meals will be served on the heli-pad deck with an expansive view of New York Harbor

1 formal lunch
2 formal dinners

For not included meals, you will be docked in the heart of NYC’s Tribeca neighborhood with Access to nearby restaurants.

Cabin Accommodations

The Robert Gray is a historic ship originally built for military service. Unless otherwise noted, the cabins do not have en-suite bathrooms.

Private Cabins available are:

Amundsen: Two-person private bunk cabin FOREPEAK
Peary: Two-person private bunk cabin. FOREPEAK
Goodall: Two-person private full bed cabin. MIDSHIP
Cousteau: Two-person private bunk cabin. SALOON DECK STARBOARD
Earle: Two-person private full-bed cabin with private head SALOON DECK PORT

Please inquire if you are interested in a bunk in the communal crew bunk room. (not pictured)

FAQ

In Collaboration with the Voyagers Club, Sailing Collective curates this group-travel expedition aboard the Research Vessel Robert Gray.

This experience is limited to 12 travelers, accompanied by a Sailing Collective representative and chef.

Q. Where do I fly into?

New York has three major airports that will get you to the ship. Newark NJ is as close to pier 25 as Laguardia or JFK.

Q. When can I depart Boston if I join the NYC to Boston Passage?

Anytime after 11 am on July 12th you can be at Logan Airport or south station via taxi transfer from the ship.

Q. Will the ship leave the dock on the July 4th NY Harbor stay?

Yes! In addition to being the "wedge vessel" leading the parade of sail up the hudson river on july 4th, The Robert Gray is responsible for assisting in maritime operations for the festival and will be using it's crane to place and remove marker buoys on the days before and after the event. The Captain will also take you out to tour the harbor and to dine anchored by the statue of liberty.

Q. Will I be able to tour the other ships participating in the festival?

Yes, almost all of the ships will be open to the public for tours and some will offering sailing experiences that we can arrange for you.

Q. What are accommodations like aboard the Robert Gray?

The RVRG started it's career in 1936 as a navy vessel and the available guest cabins are the officer and "supercargo" cabins that were outfitted in a stately but utilitarian style for the high ranking members of the crew. With the exception of "Earl" all cabins have shared toilet and shower facilities located outside the cabin itself.

The Salon lounge area located on the aft deck is furnished with comfortable seating and a library of nautical tests and is open to guests at all hours.

The "mess" is a dining area located just forward of the galley and is where your morning coffee and less formal meals will be served.

Q. Is gratuity expected?

Gratuity is always appreciated by your crew.

Boats

Research Vessel Robert Gray

The R/V Robert Gray is a 90-year-old, 125-foot historic vessel built in 1936 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, now operating as a research and expedition vessel based in Charleston, SC. Restored by The Voyagers Club, it serves as a "living museum" for scientific research, maritime history, and, as of 2025, the North American Marine Microbe survey.