This past week we were honored to have Shaun Corcoran aboard the Schooner America 2.0.  Written up in the Florida Weekly Key West Edition and also an Audio Story brought to you by Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre.  Jump aboard the schooner America 2.0 and feel the wind in your hair and sun upon your face. 

Click here to read or listen along to the story of America 2.0 doing a sunset sail in Key West FL. 

See what dedication to providing the most perfect hospitality and sailing experience in Key West looks like. It is a breathtaking excursion aboard the most elegant vessels in the local Key West fleet: Schooner America 2.0.

For an elegant off-site location, charter a classic 1920s yacht in Boston; Newport, R.I.; New York, and other East Coast ports. Classic Harbor Line’s fleet of vintage vessels are perfect for team building and corporate outings; onboard wine tastings and history lectures can be arranged. Cost: $775 to $1,600 an hour, depending on size and capacity.

There is a perfect moment of sailing on every voyage. It happens just after the engine is shut off, after the sails snap at the wind on their way up the mast, after the boat falls off the wind’s nose searching for her heading.

It’s when she surges forward under her own power, slicing through the waves and sailors feel the wind rushing past their ears, hear the water rushing past her hull. It’s a physical experience that elicits an emotional response of recognition: Ahhhh, now we’re sailing; this is sailing.

Aboard the America 2.0 on a recent afternoon, the moment was marked by a collective “Ooooh” from the dozens of guests aboard the large schooner. Because make no mistake, this excursion is unlike what the other party boats in Key West have to offer. It’s not about the free beer (although there’s that, too), or about snorkeling or glib descriptions of Sunset Key. This trip is the chance to experience the primal sensation of sailing aboard a well-made craft in beautiful blue water. It’s about “burying the rail” — a sailing term that describes how the boat tips when the sails are loaded with power.

“What we do better than anybody else, hands down, is sail,” said Richard Scarano, vice president of Classic Harbor Line. “It’s fun to get out there. And for those that have never been out on a sailboat — or a big sailboat — it turns them on to something new.”

Classic Harbor Line has two boats in Key West. The America 2.0 is a brand new 100-foot-long recreation of the famous 19th century schooner that first won the America’s Cup in 1851. The Adirondack III is a 1890’s-style pilot schooner that is 80 feet long.

The America 2.0 boasts 3,500 square feet of sail area. With a light hull, carbon fiber free standing masts and a wing keel, she’s truly a nimble boat. Wide decks and outward-facing ergonomic seating around the cabin make her comfortable. The extremely able crew and captain make sailing look easy (although old salts would probably say that it is, given the exceptional design).

The Adirondack III is a little smaller, has a little less sail, but delivers just as much fun. This girl is made the old fashioned way, albeit with some modern materials, that old-time Keys wreckers would appreciate. Pilot schooners carried as many as 10 captains aboard, searching the areas near and far popular ports looking for boats that needed local knowledge of the water hazards they were approaching. Aboard the Adirondack III, which docks in Key West year round, guests arrange themselves on the cabin top for an intimate look at how sailing works.Capt. Andrew Neuhauser said he knows the Adirondack III backwards and forwards, and could probably sail her in his sleep. “The Adirondack III was my first command, so she’ll always have a special place in my heart,” he said. “She’s comfortable, but fast, and just a pleasure to sail.” Neuhauser now captains the America 2.0, aided by three mates.Captain Chris Martin and two mates are in charge of the Adirondack III. Both boats are well maintained, and both are crewed by knowledgeable and friendly locals. On a recent afternoon, Mark was cheerfully crewing, fetching icy brews and sharing his stories aboard the America 2.0. He caught the sailing bug during his final year of college acquiring an engineering degree.“This is the best job in the world,” he said, “I get to come out here and sail on this boat.” This love affair with the boats has spread to everyone connected to the operation.Sunny Andracchio, general manager of the Classic Harbor Line in Key West, readily admits that it almost killed him when the Scarano-built America 1.0 left Key West in 2005. “It broke my heart. It was like losing the best woman in the world,” Andracchio said. Andracchio makes a point of being on the dock to greet the guests disembarking from a trip. “I am there to thank them. I never ask them, ‘Did you have a good time?’” he said. “And yet they are always so happy, always say it was worth the price of the ticket and that it was the best thing they did in Key West.”

Captain Chris Martin and two mates are in charge of the Adirondack III. Both boats are well maintained, and both are crewed by knowledgeable and friendly locals. On a recent afternoon, Mark was cheerfully crewing, fetching icy brews and sharing his stories aboard the America 2.0. He caught the sailing bug during his final year of college acquiring an engineering degree.“This is the best job in the world,” he said, “I get to come out here and sail on this boat.” This love affair with the boats has spread to everyone connected to the operation.Sunny Andracchio, general manager of the Classic Harbor Line in Key West, readily admits that it almost killed him when the Scarano-built America 1.0 left Key West in 2005. “It broke my heart. It was like losing the best woman in the world,” Andracchio said. Andracchio makes a point of being on the dock to greet the guests disembarking from a trip. “I am there to thank them. I never ask them, ‘Did you have a good time?’” he said. “And yet they are always so happy, always say it was worth the price of the ticket and that it was the best thing they did in Key West.”

Sunny Andracchio, general manager of the Classic Harbor Line in Key West, readily admits that it almost killed him when the Scarano-built America 1.0 left Key West in 2005. “It broke my heart. It was like losing the best woman in the world,” Andracchio said. Andracchio makes a point of being on the dock to greet the guests disembarking from a trip. “I am there to thank them. I never ask them, ‘Did you have a good time?’” he said. “And yet they are always so happy, always say it was worth the price of the ticket and that it was the best thing they did in Key West.”

Capt. Andrew Neuhauser said he knows the Adirondack III backwards and forwards, and could probably sail her in his sleep. “The Adirondack III was my first command, so she’ll always have a special place in my heart,” he said. “She’s comfortable, but fast, and just a pleasure to sail.” Neuhauser now captains the America 2.0, aided by three mates. Captain Chris Martin and two mates are in charge of the Adirondack III. Both boats are well maintained, and both are crewed by knowledgeable and friendly locals. On a recent afternoon, Mark was cheerfully crewing, fetching icy brews and sharing his stories aboard the America 2.0. He caught the sailing bug during his final year of college acquiring an engineering degree.“This is the best job in the world,” he said, “I get to come out here and sail on this boat.” This love affair with the boats has spread to everyone connected to the operation. Sunny Andracchio, general manager of the Classic Harbor Line in Key West, readily admits that it almost killed him when the Scarano-built America 1.0 left Key West in 2005. “It broke my heart. It was like losing the best woman in the world,” Andracchio said. Andracchio makes a point of being on the dock to greet the guests disembarking from a trip. “I am there to thank them. I never ask them, ‘Did you have a good time?’” he said. “And yet they are always so happy, always say it was worth the price of the ticket and that it was the best thing they did in Key West.”

“This is the best job in the world,” he said, “I get to come out here and sail on this boat.” This love affair with the boats has spread to everyone connected to the operation. Sunny Andracchio, general manager of the Classic Harbor Line in Key West, readily admits that it almost killed him when the Scarano-built America 1.0 left Key West in 2005. “It broke my heart. It was like losing the best woman in the world,” Andracchio said. Andracchio makes a point of being on the dock to greet the guests disembarking from a trip. “I am there to thank them. I never ask them, ‘Did you have a good time?’” he said. “And yet they are always so happy, always say it was worth the price of the ticket and that it was the best thing they did in Key West.”

The boats are owned by the Scarano Boat Building company headquartered in the port of Albany, N.Y. It’s unusual for excursion boats to be owned by the builder, but the Scarano firm has made a successful foray into this branch of tourism. The Classic Harbor Line commands five ships in New York City, two boats in Key West and another in Newport, Rhode Island. The America 2.0, the flagship of the enterprise, winters in Key West and summers in New York City. She will be leaving sometime in May to head north, while the Adirondack III stays in Key West year round. All the boats have a bit of history.

“We specialize in building excursion and attraction boats that are, for the most part, period boats. Of course, the designs have been modified to achieve Coast Guard certification for passenger use,” Scarano said. The Classic Harbor Line meets every safety standard from easily accessible life jackets to a very experienced crew. About the only thing that it can’t guarantee is the wind.

“On days with a light wind, it’s a very relaxing tour of the harbor,” said Capt. Neuhauser. “But when the wind’s blowing it’s really exciting to be out there. Both novices and old sailors will have a great time.” Our advice: Pick a windy day and hang on.

To all of the Key West brides out there, whether local or planning a destination wedding, have we got a treat for you! We are so excited to introduce you to one of the most unique Florida Keys wedding venuesaround: Classic Harbor Line‘s Schooner America 2.0 in Key West. The gorgeous vessel is a venue ON the water! While we are completely head-over-heels in love with all of the beach wedding venues in Key West, we love the romance of having your wedding on an iconic vessel like the Schooner America 2.0.

If it’s been a childhood dream, or simply a recent fantasy, to have your wedding on the ocean with the wind in your hair, then this iconic vessel is perfect for you! They love hosting intimate weddings for up to 70 guests, and even provide champagne for a sunset toast. (Swoon). We asked Sunny, the General Manager, all about Classic Harbor Line, and he filled us in on what is truly unique about this Key West wedding venue.

Sunny Andracchio is the General Manager of the iconic Schooner America 2.0, and he loves nothing more than sailing around Key West – and of course hosting amazing Key West weddings on it. If you’re throwing around the idea of having an intimate Key West wedding on the ocean, then you must read further! Sunny absolutely loves what he does, and his passion shines through as he gushes about his gorgeous vessel.

How long has Classic Harbor Line been hosting beautiful Key West weddings?

“I have been with Classic Harbor Line for 6 seasons. Classic Harbor Line started up operation in Key West in 2008. We have actually operated multiple classic vessels in this location. Our first season was Schooner Adirondack II, an 80-foot sailing vessel. Then we had Schooner Adirondack III, also an 80-foot schooner. Now we operate the classic Schooner America 2.0. It is a replica of the original Schooner America that won the America’s cup race back in 1851. This particular vessel is a special one, stretching to 105 feet long with over 3600 square feet of sail. She effortlessly glides through the water. Our season is November through May with America 2.0.”

What do you love about your unique Key West wedding venue?

“We love to sail. Being on the water is a way of life. Once you step aboard this vessel it is like you are transported into a magical experience that you will never forget. When everything is working together – the wind and water and the vessel – it is almost as if you can feel yourself dancing with the universe. “

What is the ideal size of a wedding on Schooner America 2.0?

“The Coast Guard rated capacity for the Schooner America is 75. We generally like to keep the capacity at 70, but it would be comfortable for a private charter for just 2 persons, or for a Key West wedding up to that number (70). As you can see, she’s a very larger schooner: 105 feet long and built for speed and comfort. There is plenty of seating space and the heads are exceptionally clean.”What are the most special aspects of planning a Key West wedding on Classic Harbor Line‘s America 2.0?

“You won’t be disappointed. Our Captain and Crew are very hospitable and service oriented. They will be sailing the vessel and taking care of you with such ease making you feel as if it were your own. They put their heart and soul into maintaining the vessel, which is something you will immediately see when you board the vessel. Of course safety is a very important aspect to our sails as they are well trained. Couples can book with confidence that when the 3600 square feet of sails are unfurled, the only thoughts they need have is ‘WOW’ and ‘Magnificent!'”

Why do brides choose Classic Harbor Line as their Key West wedding venue?

“For many it’s a childhood dream (to have a wedding on the ocean). Last December that was the case for the ceremony of Michael and Rasa. She wanted to be married on the water since she was a little girl. There is also a sense of adventure. The lure and and magic of the ocean is very seductive and romantic. It’s also the very best way to experience the sunset. There are no obstructions and you don’t have to struggle to get a view! There is a serenity on the water that can’t be matched on land. There is just something very unique and special about being on the water on this vessel.”

What would you give to the bride who is searching for her dram wedding venue in Key West?

“If you are looking for a unique, elegant way to entertain your guests, you will be absolutely in awe of the Schooner America 2.0. You really get a sailing experience and you just cant go wrong. We are also very reasonable when it comes to the price of our Charters. Just $3,000 for a 2-hour day sail or $4,400 for a 2-hour sunset sail. (Please add 7.5% Florida tax and 15% crew gratuity to the contract.) Beer, wine, champagne, and soft drinks are included.”

Any last thoughts for the excited Key West bride and groom?

“Marriage is a unique adventure, why not begin yours on the high seas aboard a world class sailing vessel like Schooner America 2.0?”

Here is a comment from a couple who was recently married on Schooner America 2.0 on March 13, 2014, and they really sum up why getting married on the water is magical and memorable.

“I can’t describe how perfect our ceremony turned out. Everyone is still talking about and will for years to come. It was not only a great memory for Amanda and I but our guests as well. [The] staff took such great care of us. It truly was perfect. – Dominic.”

We loved getting to know the team out at Classic Harbor Line, and we hope you loved reading about this unique wedding venue in Key West. This beautiful slice of paradise is full of romantic and intimate wedding venues, but we think that Classic Harbor Line couldn’t be more ideal for the bride & groom looking for something a little different, and an experience they – and their guests! – will forever cherish.

Happy planning!