FV Harbor Moon

Welcome aboard!

I'm Captain Josh Clauss, and my passion for the water runs deep. Growing up on the North Fork, I spent countless summers exploring the Peconic Bays aboard my family's boat, learning the ropes and dreaming of a life at sea. My love for sailing began early at the Old Cove Yacht Club, where I honed my skills and gained confidence at the helm.

At 17, I became a sailing instructor at Orient Yacht Club, taking the rigorous US Sailing Association instructors course. This first job solidified my love for the maritime world. While attending college in South Florida, I ran a yacht maintenance company and gained invaluable experience on a commercial swordfish boat. My journey led me back to New York, where I worked on the Peconic Bay Scallop Restoration project with Cornell Cooperative Extension for over seven years, balancing shellfish research and offshore fisheries management.

Summers were spent coaching sailing and running charters with SailMontauk, and in 2010, I ventured into the culinary world by running a raw bar at Jamesport Vineyards. This experience inspired me to start my own oyster farm, Harvest Moon Shellfish Co., in 2011. After years of dedication, I sold the farm in 2024 to focus on offering unique charter experiences aboard my boat.

The story of the FV Harvest Moon began on a blue moon night in July 2015, when I discovered a derelict boat in Orient. Recognizing its potential, I embarked on a five-year rebuild, transforming it into a beautifully restored vessel. Today, the FV Harvest Moon is ready to take you on unforgettable journeys across the water.

Join me for an adventure and experience the magic of the Peconic Bays with a captain who knows them like the back of his hand. Welcome to your next great escape on the water.