Yorktown Sightseeing Day Sails

The ship was lovely and the staff could not have been nicer or more friendly. The sail went down the James river but not as far as Chesapeake Bay which we had been under the impression we would be sailing. The views down the river were not that scenic. The sail was great and it was fun watcing the crew set the sails and joining in if you wanted. They sold beer, wine and cold drinks but no hot drinks at all which would have been nice if the sail is calm - I could understand if it was windy that hot drinks could be a problem. A fun sail but not that great a view either side and hot drinks would be nice.

My husband and I sailed on the Alliance on May 14th on the first sail of the day. It was a beautiful ride. It was definitely the highlight of our trip to Yorktown, and a must on your list of things to do. We experienced a two hour sail down the York river, which included time to be by ourselves and enjoy the view, time to talk with Captain Greg (very informative historian of the area), and we also had opportunity to participate in raising the sails on the ship. They do serve food and beverages on the ship, and you can go beneath deck to see what that is like as well. All in all, a wonderful experience, but bring a sweater, it is quite cool once you get out on the water. We thought the price ($30/person) was very fair for the experience, however make sure that you bring cash, because they do expect tip (about $10/couple).

The sailboat ride was really nice, the crew was great and the boat was cool. Loved seeing the crew in action, they also invited the passengers to take part in hoisting the sails and that was nice. The weather was perfect so that worked out well. The seating could have been a little better but never having been on a sailboat, this could be normal!! The only thing I would say negative is that we purchased our tickets online in advance because we were led to believe that you needed to do that, however, all put 4 couples (8 of the 30+ people on board) were walk-ups. These people bought their tickets at the time they boarded. Other than we walked up the plank first and paid more money, there was no difference. So, next time, I will take my chances and buy my tickets at the ship!

Would love to be able to board on a Friday late afternoon and sail until Sunday afternoon. Any chance?

The sightseeing sail was costly for what we received. We've been on other such sails in Newport, Rhode Island and Norfolk VA which were well worth the cost and the time. On this sail, the crew did not introduce themselves until some of the paying passengers asked questions. We boarded and were not told what to do, where to sit, what to expect. The crew was nice enough but not friendly. The sightseeing was us as passengers watching the water and land as we passed by. No real guided tour or anything. This was a let down. The website is inaccurate on what to expect from the sail. The sail boat was clean and appreared to be well maintained and the crew did seem to know what they were doing. Very much a let down from what was anticipated. Would not recommend this particular sail to others. Spend your money elsewhere.

Thoroughly enjoyed this experience. Very relaxing. Crew were friendly and informative.

My wife and I headed to Yorktown after two days in williamsburg. This was the perfect way to finish our weekend getaway. I would highly recommend this to anyone!

My wife and I have always wanted to tour the York River from a schooner, and we had a fabulous experience aboard the "Alliance".The husband and wife crew were knowledgable, and answered my questions fully. We took part in "getting under way' with the hauling up the sails. The first mate was courteous and full of information regarding the vessel and its run to the Danish West Indies during the winter months. My wife and I had a great luncheon aboard ship prepared by a Yorktown restaurant. All in all, I would highly recommend this little voyage to young and old alike. Families with children, and senior citizens(ourselves) would certainly enjoy this little hop on the "Seven Seas!" I would give the experience FIVE STARS:+)..Erik and Elisa:+):+)

First time on a Schooner. Enjoyable 2 hour sail, very friendly crew allows you to help hoist a sail. Nice first-time experience. Mother-nature helped out with a beautiful day and steady breeze to move us along.

It was an amazing venture ... the crew was very hospitable & guests were friendly. Even though it had rained most of the week, that morning is was beautiful *and windy - which made sailing even that much, more fun! I went alone as a time reflect on experiences past, and to celebrate my future with the years I trust God will give me. I plan to bring my husband & son mid-summer -for an evening sail. Thank you Alliance, Cathy W.