R Tucker Thompson Tall Ship Sailing Trips – Sundowner Sail

Tall Ship Evening Sailing Trips from Russell

The R Tucker Thompson Sundowner Sail offers the same traditional tall ship experience as the day sail, but condensed into a shorter 1 hour 45 minute evening trip. This is the option for people who want to sail on a historic vessel but don’t have time for the full 5.5-hour day sail, or who prefer a late afternoon experience as the sun starts to set over the bay.

Like the day sail, this is operated by the R Tucker Thompson Trust (a not-for-profit charity), with income supporting the ship’s maintenance and youth sail training programs in Northland.

What You Get

The Sundowner Sail departs Russell at 4pm and runs for 1 hour 45 minutes. Free ferry transfers from Paihia to Russell are included in the booking, so if you’re staying in Paihia, factor in ferry timing to be in Russell by 4pm.

You sail across the bay on the same traditional gaff-rigged schooner as the day sail, experiencing wind-powered sailing with the option to help with the sails or just relax and watch. The shorter duration means less time for active participation compared to the day sail, but you still get the feel of sailing on a historic vessel.

A shared antipasto platter is included, and there’s a licensed cash bar onboard serving local wines and beers. The combination of food, drinks, and evening sailing makes this more of a social experience than a hands-on sailing lesson, though you can still get involved with the crew if you want.

The timing means you’re on the water as the sun starts to set, which adds to the atmosphere. Bay of Islands sunsets can be impressive, and being on a tall ship under sail during that time is a different experience from watching from shore.

Who Is It Good For?

The Sundowner Sail suits people who like the idea of the R Tucker Thompson but don’t want to commit to 5.5 hours. At under 2 hours, it’s manageable even if you’re not a huge boat enthusiast.

Couples looking for a relaxed evening activity find this appealing. The antipasto platter and cash bar setup gives it more of a social, date-night feel than a daytime adventure.

People staying in Paihia who’ve done other activities during the day and want something different for late afternoon can fit this in without it dominating their schedule.

If you’re interested in the ship itself and traditional sailing but don’t need the full immersive experience, the Sundowner covers the essentials in a shorter timeframe.

The Seasonal Schedule

Like the day sail, the Sundowner only operates from December through April (summer months). It’s not available the rest of the year. If you’re visiting in winter or early spring, this option doesn’t exist.

The 4pm departure from Russell means you need to plan your day around getting there in time. If you’re doing other activities earlier, make sure they finish with enough buffer to catch the ferry and board by 4pm.

Who Might Want to Skip It

If you’re prone to seasickness, the same considerations apply as the day sail. Sailing vessels move differently from motor boats, and even 1 hour 45 minutes can be uncomfortable if you don’t handle boat motion well.

If you want hands-on sailing and active participation, the day sail gives you more time and opportunity for that. The Sundowner is shorter and more focused on the experience of being on the water with food and drinks.

If you’re not interested in boats or sailing, this is still two hours on a vessel. The sunset and atmosphere help, but you need to actually enjoy being on the water.

The timing (4pm departure, back around 5:45pm) might not suit everyone’s schedule, especially if you have dinner plans or other evening commitments.

Comparison with Day Sail

The day sail (5.5 hours, includes BBQ lunch and island swimming stop) is more comprehensive and gives you proper time to experience tall ship sailing. The Sundowner (1 hour 45 minutes, antipasto platter and cash bar) is an abbreviated version focused on a relaxed evening sail. Both use the same ship and support the same charity, so it’s mainly about time commitment and what kind of experience you want.

About this Activity

• Free cancellation – No penalty for changes or cancellations up to 24 hours before departure.
• Reserve now & pay later – Keep your travel plans flexible.
• Duration – 1 hour 45 minutes.
• Departure – Seasonal: December through April only. Departs Russell at 4:00pm.
• Suitable for – All ages. Shorter duration makes it more manageable for those less interested in extended sailing.
• Ferry transfers included – Free transfers from Paihia to Russell on any scheduled ferry.

What’s Included

• 1 hour 45 minute evening sailing experience on traditional gaff-rigged schooner R Tucker Thompson
• Sailing during sunset hours
• Shared antipasto platter included
• Licensed cash bar onboard with local wines and beers (purchases not included)
• Professional crew managing the sailing
• Commentary about the ship and sailing
• Option to help with sails or just relax (less hands-on time than day sail)
• Free ferry transfers from Paihia to Russell (all scheduled ferry times)
• Support for not-for-profit trust funding youth sail training programs
• Children under 5 travel free

Practical Information

Season: December through April only. Does not operate May through November. This is a summer-only sailing experience.

Getting there: Departs Russell at 4:00pm. Free ferry transfers from Paihia to Russell are included, so check ferry schedules and allow time to be in Russell by 4pm. If staying in Russell, walk to the departure point.

What to bring: Light jacket or windbreaker (evenings can be cooler on the water), camera for sunset photos, flat-soled shoes with good grip. Consider seasickness medication if you’re prone to motion sickness.

Cash bar: Local wines and beers available for purchase onboard. The antipasto platter is included, but drinks are extra. Bring cash or card for bar purchases.

Timing and sunset: The 4pm departure means you’re on the water as the sun starts to set (timing varies by season, but summer sunsets in the Bay of Islands are typically later evening). The atmosphere during this time is part of the appeal.

Active participation: The shorter duration means less time for hands-on sailing compared to the day sail. You can still help with sails or take the helm if the crew has time and conditions allow, but it’s more of a relaxed evening sail than a comprehensive sailing lesson.

Motion and seasickness: Same considerations as the day sail. Sailing vessels heel and move differently from motor boats. The sail is in sheltered bay waters and shorter in duration, which helps, but be aware if you’re sensitive to boat motion.

The ship: Same vessel as the day sail. Built 1970-1985, based on North West American halibut schooner designs. Oregon spars, Kwila decks, brasswork details. Authentic working-ship style.

Who operates it: The R Tucker Thompson Trust, a registered charity and not-for-profit organization. All tourism income supports ship maintenance and youth sail training voyages for Northland youth. More information at tucker.co.nz.

Social atmosphere: The combination of antipasto platter, cash bar, and evening timing gives the Sundowner more of a social, relaxed vibe compared to the daytime adventure focus of the longer sail. Popular with couples and groups looking for a different kind of evening activity.

Ferry logistics from Paihia: Free ferry transfers are included, but you need to catch a ferry that gets you to Russell before 4pm. Check the Paihia-Russell ferry schedule. After the sail (around 5:45pm), you’ll need to catch a ferry back to Paihia if that’s where you’re staying.

Duration consideration: At 1 hour 45 minutes, this is manageable for most people. Much less commitment than the 5.5-hour day sail. Good option if you want the tall ship experience but don’t want it to dominate your day.

Comparing the two R Tucker Thompson options: Day Sail (5.5 hours, BBQ lunch, island swimming, more hands-on) vs Sundowner Sail (1 hour 45 minutes, antipasto and bar, sunset atmosphere, more social). Both on the same ship, both support the charity. Choose based on time available and preferred experience.

Nearby: Russell has restaurants and bars if you want dinner after the sail. The timing works well for an early evening activity followed by dinner in Russell, or catching the ferry back to Paihia for dinner there.