Hurry aboard New York's eco-friendly Classic Harbor Line river cruises

Climbing aboard the opulent Classic Harbor Line's new Manhattan II battery-powered lightweight wooden schooner out of Chelsea Piers felt cinematic. I had been having a rough month, and the buoyant jazz cruise was just what I needed.

Classic Harbor Line is a national company boasting turn-of-the-century style schooners and motor yachts that sputter out of New York City, as well as Boston, Newport, Rhode Island, and Key West. Its PR person tells us that the line offers the ideal alternative to "typical sightseeing boat tours" in part because of its eco, wind-powered sailing feature. He also claims this is the only eco schooner in the world!

Beyond the green features including beautifully polished hardwood flooring, the divine jazz by Sound Waves, and the yummy cheese perfectly paired with Sauvignon Blanc, was the fine time out on the bow of the boat. Sure, the scardy cats - okay, a little mean of me - might not have welcomed the ups and downs on the bobbing blue Hudson as we neared the Statue of Liberty, but I did! Awesome!

And on the 21st, that Statue rose up magnificently against a violet sky, a sad but beautiful homage to Prince, who had died that morning. You will think as you look out of your great-grandparents and other ancestors who fought hard to come to America. What more could you want in a lifetime than a schooner ride around this beautiful island called Manhattan?

In its home port at Chelsea Piers, Classic Harbor Line offers a variety of special cruises like the AIANY Around Manhattan Architecture Tour, Morimoto Sushi & Sake Sail, and full day trips to Bear Mountain. Its parent company and builder of all the yachts is Scarano Boat Building in Albany, New York, where all boats are made using only American-made materials. (Perfect for the presidential campaign season!)

But back to the ride: as you will see from the picture, it's mesmerizing. It was hard to decide what was more exciting - whirring by the Statue or coming up to the Brooklyn Bridge, iconic symbol of so many movies it's dizzying to think of. Speaking of dizzy - you'll be able to drink your first glass of vino free, then pay for the rest. Tip: I suggest keeping it under two tops, just in case your balance isn't quite as skilled as this reporter's (wink).

Visit the Line's website for pricing and other information. In case you want to come to New York May 6 - 8, you'll be in town for the America's Cup - which is here for the first time since 1920! You can buy tickets for that as well on the website.

This article was first published on Examiner.com, Apr. 26, 2016; Photo: The author on the Classic Harbor Cruise around the East River, near the Brooklyn Bridge Photo used with permission: Jason Sagebiel, Sage Music