Sailing on Historic Schooner Yacht in Salem, MA

Sail aboard a century-old race-winning schooner and feel history come alive

Sail aboard the Malabar X, a historic North Shore schooner yacht in Salem, Massachusetts, on a 2-hour harbor cruise where you navigate Salem Sound and the islands under canvas as sailors did in the early 1900s. You can help trim the sails or relax while the crew handles them. Soft drinks and bottled water are included, and a craft beverage bar with cocktails, beer, wine and cider is available for purchase. Morning, afternoon and sunset departures run daily, and children from age 3 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Historic schooner sailing in Salem

• Board the schooner at 10 Blaney St
• Set sail on Salem Sound
• Navigate and explore Salem Sound
• Sail around Marblehead and view historic homes
• Sail around islands including Children's and Misery Island
• Enjoy craft cocktails, beer, and wine onboard

The experience

The Malabar X is John G. Alden's personal schooner yacht, a two-time winner of the Newport to Bermuda race in 1930 and 1932, now restored and sailing out of Salem for the first time in her history. Boarding happens at 10 Blaney Street next to the Salem ferry building, 15 minutes before departure. Arrive early on busy summer days to claim a parking spot on the pier. The vessel operates in all weather, so dress for the conditions. The gangway can have steep inclines depending on the tide, so take care when heading down to the ship.

Once the sails are set, the day opens up. You can lend a hand with the rigging if you want to, or sit back and watch the harbor unfold. The route takes you across Salem Sound, around the islands (Children's Island and Misery Island Reservation among them), and past Marblehead's historic homes built on the neck. The crew can tell you the story of the islands if you ask. Soft drinks and bottled water come with your ticket. The craft bar stays open until 30 minutes before docking and takes cash and credit cards.

The three departure times (morning, afternoon and sunset) let you choose the light and the pace that suits your day. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller and must sit on an adult's lap. Children from age 3 onward are welcome, though they need to be accompanied by an adult. Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated if someone is there to help with boarding and disembarking.

What’s included

• Soft drinks and bottled water.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• the choice to help sail or relax while the crew handles the canvas.
• a craft bar with cocktails, beer, wine and cider available for purchase.

Options for this experience

2 options

Afternoon Day SailGuide in English · 11:00, 11:15, 13:30 and 13:45Two-hour day sail aboard a historic schooner, with a full bar onboard

Morning Day SailGuide in English · 11:00, 11:15, 13:30 and 13:45Day sail aboard a historic schooner with a full bar onboard

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 11:00, 11:15, 13:30 and 13:45

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 to 75 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 28

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sunset Sail Key West

Is this one for you?Pick the morning or afternoon sail if you want to explore the islands and Marblehead's shoreline in full daylight. Choose the sunset departure if you want to watch the light change over Salem Sound and the harbor as the day closes.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I actually help sail the boat, or do I just watch?

You can lend a hand with the sails if you want to. The crew will show you what to do. If you'd rather sit back and relax while the Malabar X moves under canvas, that's fine too. Both are part of the experience.

What's included in the ticket price?

Soft drinks and bottled water are included with your 2-hour sail. A craft beverage bar with cocktails, beer, wine and cider is available for purchase onboard, open until 30 minutes before the boat returns to the dock.

What makes the Malabar X special?

The Malabar X won the Newport to Bermuda race in both 1930 and 1932 under John G. Alden's ownership. She's been beautifully restored and is sailing in Salem for the first time in her history, letting you experience a classic yacht from the early 1900s that actually raced and won.

Do I need sailing experience to go on this tour?

No experience is needed. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and all ages from 3 onward. You can participate as much or as little as you want once the sails are set.

What should I wear and bring?

Dress for the weather and water conditions, since the boat operates in all weather. The gangway can have steep inclines depending on the tide, so wear shoes with good grip and be prepared for the slope when boarding and leaving the vessel.

Are there different times of day to sail?

Yes, morning, afternoon and sunset sails are all available. Choose the departure time that fits your schedule and the light you want to see Salem Sound in.