Classic Boat Rides, the locally owned fleet of watercraft, will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony and Open House aboard the Mariner docked at the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Harbor on Sunday, May 26, between noon and 3 p.m. The public is invited to attend and no reservations are necessary. Light refreshments will be served.
Mayor Lori Hohenleitner will be part of the ceremony cutting the ribbon for the Mariner, the second of the Classic Boat Rides fleet docked at the Harbor, at noon. Following the ceremony, the public is invited to board the craft, the addition to the fleet of Capt. Dan and Vicky Schade’s fleet, to tour the boat, enjoy refreshments and see the offerings for reservations or arrangements for private parties for groups up to 50 persons.
The Mariner, the mid-size vessel in the Classic Boat Rides fleet, has been docked at “Headboat Row,” adjacent to Sissy’s Restaurant, and the fleet of fishing charter boats, since the beginning of the year. The boat is available for rental for private parties for weddings, parties, anniversaries, rehearsals, office outings and other private activities as well as Burial at Sea services for families seeking that solace following the death of a loved one.
The boat was built in 1991 in Florida and is formerly the Eco lab for the University of Connecticut. In reconditioning the former classrooms for a pleasure craft, the Schades preserved the blackboards that were on the boat as well as the stories of the importance of the craft as a research vessel.
The New Mariner is equipped with a full-service bar for adult beverages and soft drinks, as well as an open air second deck. The boat offers a soft and stable ride and a comfortable cruising platform for private events or celebrations. It has a clean restroom and a generator for shore power underway, along with a booming stereo with IPOD capability.
Capt. Dan’s other craft at the Harbor, the Navesink Queen, offers an open-air top deck with a full canopy roof and heated cabin main deck. With both decks open, she can carry 150 persons.
For further information on Classic Boat Rides, visit classicboatrides.com or call 732-337-9292.
