Our Floating Clubhouse
The "Honorable William Wall"
Make an
Admiral's Launch Reservations
Current Launch Reservations
Corporate & Private Events
Member Birthdays
Putting the clubhouse on station
The “Honorable William Wall” is the floating clubhouse of Manhattan Sailing Club.
From May through October, the clubhouse is anchored in New York Harbor just and north of Ellis Island. This location offers superb views of the sailboat races and skyline. The clubhouse serves as a spectator platform for members and guests to watch the races, an educational center for teaching sailing and as an events space for corporate and member parties.
From November through April, the clubhouse is docked at North Cove marina. The Champagne Bar on the main deck is the winter gathering spot for members. The club also runs a series of winter educational seminars onboard.
Schedule of Operation
During the summer season, the clubhouse is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings from 5:30 p.m. until close (usually around 10 p.m.) and on Saturdays from 3 to 10 p.m. The clubhouse can also be opened on Sunday & Mondays for private events.
During the winter season, the clubhouse is open on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m.
The Launch
During the summer when the clubhouse is anchored in the harbor, transportation 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. Members who show their membership card get to ride the launch for free. There is a $10 launch fee for guests (round trip).
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 vessel liquor license. During the summer, activity is based around the open-air bar on the upper deck. In winter, the Champagne Bar on the main deck is the center of activity. The clubhouse serves only premium brands. There are chips and finger food available. Dinner may also be ordered from one of the nearby restaurants and it is brought out to the clubhouse by launch. Members may also bring their own picnic lunch or dinner but beverages must be purchased onboard.
Full Moon Parties
The big event every month is the famous “Full Moon Party.” Visit the club website for upcoming dates and more details.
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) Please note, Member Birthdays events are offered at low-cost and subject to the clubhouse not being rented out for a larger event. The date is not guaranteed until the final 2 weeks.
History
of the Clubhouse
The clubhouse 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.
Who was 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.