Christeen, Museum ship and National Historic Landmark in Oyster Bay, United States
Christeen is a 60-foot wooden sloop with traditional gaff rigging and approximately 960 square feet of sail area. The vessel accommodates around 24 passengers and operates for educational sails and private charters on Long Island Sound.
Built in 1883 in Glenwood Landing for Captain William Smith, the sloop transported oysters between Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbor during the late 1800s. Its long working life preserved it as a living connection to the region's maritime past.
Today it serves as a floating classroom where students learn about marine biology, coastal ecology, and traditional oyster harvesting. The vessel connects visitors directly to the working relationship that existed between the local community and the waters of Long Island Sound.
Visits require advance booking, as the sloop only operates scheduled sails and private charters, so planning ahead is important. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and bring sturdy shoes, as the deck can be slippery in wet conditions.
It remains the oldest surviving oyster sloop in the entire United States and has weathered 16 major hurricanes throughout its existence. This resilience demonstrates the durability of 19th century wooden shipbuilding methods.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
