On such a sailboat, it’s essential to have your sea legs — and arms and hands. As soon as the crew maneuvers out of North Cove Marina at Brookfield Place and hoists the sail, the champagne begins to flow. Bubbles still rising, it’s a fun challenge when the servers reappear moments later with Petrossian caviar over warm blinis. As quickly as you can enjoy one bite with your remaining free hand, the next emerges. Some are easier to eat, like perfectly tangy oysters on the half-shell (you’re gliding over what was once among the largest oyster beds in the world, after all) and crispy salmon sushi bites, while others, like lobster rolls with cherry tomatoes, tarragon, and sriracha mayonnaise, require dexterous balancing.
The atmosphere on board mirrors the picture of Melville’s bygone waterfront revelers. Lifelong locals and curious visitors board The Mark Sailboat for an old New York experience that matches the new definition of luxury: an unrepeatable experience. Fine dining in Manhattan often has a polished, even staid veneer. It doesn’t usually include a strong breeze (and occasional seaspray). Even for someone who frequently spends time on the water, the unconventional yet sleek setting and good, casual conversation with strangers feel unexpected. On a hot summer day, watching the sun sink into the horizon, it’s a winning — and quite poetic — combination.