Our Clubhouse
Member Birthdays
Private Events
Putting the clubhouse on station
The “Honorable William Wall” is Manhattan Sailing Club’s floating clubhouse. During the sailing season, the clubhouse is anchored in New York Harbor south of Morris Canal and north of Ellis Island. This location offers superb views of the skyline as well as club boats while they sail in the harbor.
The clubhouse is an unbelievable venue! It was originally designed by Sparkman & Stephens and construction began in 2002. Seventy-six members subscribed to “Clubhouse Bonds” which raised money for the initial structure. The clubhouse has been improved every year since. The clubhouse bonds have been repaid and the original “Clubhouse Members" have the privilege of carrying gold membership cards.
The clubhouse has an outdoor bar upstairs which offers unmatched views of the races. This is a very popular meeting place for members on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.
Schedule of Operation
The clubhouse is open to members Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings from 5:30 p.m. until close (usually around 10 p.m.).
Starting in 2010, the clubhouse will also be open on Saturdays from 1 to 9 p.m. To have enough volume for Saturdays only, local Battery Park City residents will also be invited out to visit the clubhouse. This is part of the club’s effort to give back to the community and build more interest in sailing.
Member Birthdays
Members can hold their birthday parties on the clubhouse. Here is a package of information which explains how you can do this in a cost-effective way. Member Birthdays on the Clubhouse (PDF) Occasionally, the clubhouse is also booked for private events.
The Launch
Transportation to and from the clubhouse is provided by Admiral’s Launch, a USCG certified launch. The launch departs from North Cove Dock F every 1/2 hour. The departure times are: 5:30 p.m., 6:00, 6:30. 7:00, 7:30, etc.
There is a $10 round-trip launch fee for guests and non-members. Members who show their membership card get to ride for free.
Capacity & Member First Policy
The US Coast Guard capacity for the clubhouse is 149 people. Whenever the limit is approached, the launch operates on a “Member First” policy. Club members get to go to the front of the launch line. This will be announced by the launch captain.
Drinks and Food
The clubhouse has a summer vessel liquor license and a bar on the upper level which serves premium brands. Upstairs is the outdoor bar. Downstairs is the Champagne Bar. During normal nights, the upstairs bar is open. On special nights, both bars are open.
The bar serves chips and other finger food. For more extensive dining, members are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch or dinner.
Full Moon Parties
The big event every month is the famous “Full Moon Party.” Visit the club website for upcoming dates and more details. In late October 2010, the clubhouse will move to North Cove and stay open throughout the winter. This will be the first time our club has a year-round gathering spot for members.
Who is the Honorable William Wall?
The clubhouse is named after William Wall who moved to New York City in 1821 after serving as a rope apprentice in Philadelphia. He set up shop in Williamsburg and built a successful rope business. Later, he served as Superintendent of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Mayor of Williamsburg, founder of the Williamsburg Savings Bank and Congressman for New York City during the Civil War (hence the title “Honorable”). Five generations later, Michael Fortenbaugh moved to New York City after graduating from Princeton University. Inspired by his ancestor, the Commodore also set up shop in a boating-related field.