A few months back, the Nantucket Lightship arrived in New York Harbor, and more recently this historic vessel became available for private events. Originally built in 1950, the lightship was essentially a floating lighthouse that sat off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts. Now decommissioned, the 128-foot-long vessel is in the hands of private owners Bill and Kristen Golden. The ship, which received an extensive renovation in 2000 that refitted the interior with birch, oak, mahogany, and cherry wood, will be docked in the North Cove Marina until April; the owners hope to extend its contract to stay in New York permanently.
Refurbished as a residence for the Goldens, the Nantucket Lightship offers a dining room, an open kitchen, lounge areas, and a game room for events and meetings. In addition to this, the ship is also available for overnight accommodations with five guest suites and five private bathrooms.
For seated dinners, the salon and dining area on the main deck normally seats 15 but can seat 25 with additional tables and chairs brought in. For cocktails, the entire ship holds 60 during the winter and as many as 144 during the warmer months when the outdoor deck is open. The deck, a 2,000-square-foot space furnished with teak chairs and tables, umbrellas, and lounge furniture, can be tented for events.
No open flames are permitted on the ship—all the cooking appliances are electric—outside caterers are allowed, and planners are free to bring in their own audiovisual and conferencing equipment. The lightship is also available for chartered cruises, depending on tidal conditions.
