A new charter cruise ship arrived in Bay Shore in the summer of 2021. Now in its third year in operation, “Running Wild,” the flagship vessel of the Shoreline Trading Company, cruises the Great South Bay several times a week, often with capacity crowds.
A collaboration between Brendan Mooney of Fire Island Ferries and Anthony Tartaglia, proprietor of Coastal Kitchen and Daiquiri Bar in Bay Shore, Shoreline Trading offers riders a unique experience on the bay. “Running Wild,” a 52-foot replica 1920’s commuter yacht built by Scarano Boat Works of Albany in 2002, comfortably accommodates up to 46 guests. Prior to arriving on Long Island, the vessel offered tours in Boston, New York, and Philadelphia. Up to four public cruises are scheduled weekly throughout the summer months, with additional private excursions available for booking. Most public trips leave and return to the dock at Bay Shore Marina, and many feature live music.
Fire Island News was treated to a recent tour on “Running Wild.” The trip was fully booked and many guests were celebrating birthdays and other special events. Local band Saratonin, featuring vocalist Sarah Glen and guitarist and vocalist Antonio Bottero, was the entertainment for the evening, playing from the stern of the ship. Guests enjoyed a spacious windowed cabin with seating along both sides and a spread of light food items down the middle. Charcuterie boards, assorted vegetables with dip, and chips with guacamole were among the food items offered.
All food and drinks are included in the ticket price, which is typically $60 on Thursdays and Fridays. On Sunday mornings, a one-way cruise to Flynn’s in Ocean Bay Park is available for $40 per guest. Special Wednesday cruises feature local craft beer, fresh oysters, and wines from Long Island vineyards for $75 per guest.
On our cruise, captain Andy Parsons navigated south from Bay Shore and sailed along Fire Island in the vicinity of the lighthouse, Kismet, Saltaire, and Fair Harbor, before returning west toward the Robert Moses Causeway en route back to Bay Shore. The views of the lighthouse and its environs were stunning. Parsons said the route varies somewhat by the day based on water and wind conditions.
Robby was behind the bar mixing cocktails and serving an assortment of beers to the enjoyment of riders. The band interacted with the crowd, taking requests and helping to facilitate singalongs. Many riders favored the outdoor deck on the ship’s stern, where photos could be taken with beautiful scenery as a background.
Guests mingled and networked throughout the 2.5-hour excursion. There was plenty of room, but the spaces on the boat were still intimate, encouraging interaction with other guests and members of the crew. An assistant captain was on board, allowing the personable Captain Parsons to chat with riders and help the bar in serving drinks.
We were pleasantly surprised with “Running Wild’s” smooth ride on a relatively windy day, and with the friendly, cordial staff, the quality of the live music, and the spread of food and drinks available. We hope to return for non-business purposes as soon as possible.
