Our story · since 1958

Four generations on three rivers

It began with one boat, built to show Pittsburgh its rivers were clean again. Today we're one of the largest inland riverboat fleets in the country, and we're still family-owned and operated.

A Gateway Clipper boat on the river below downtown
The Captain's Log

Our history
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Christian Wirginis, Hannah Wirginis-Roth and Terry Wirginis
Christian Wirginis, VP · Hannah Wirginis-Roth, VP · Terry Wirginis, President
Our family

Why sail with a family business

Founder John E. Connelly helped lead the cleanup of Pittsburgh's rivers, then wanted everyday Pittsburghers out on the water to enjoy them. His nephew, Capt. Jack Goessling, found our first boat in Erie and sailed it more than 2,200 miles to get it home.

Today Connelly's grandson Terry Wirginis leads the company with Hannah Wirginis-Roth and Christian Wirginis. When you call us, you're talking to the family. When you come aboard, our family is welcoming yours.

A life ring hanging on the side of a riverboat, the river rushing past below
Flying our colors

G · C · F

Nautical signal flags for the letters G, C and F

In the International Code of Signals, every letter has its own flag. These three spell our initials: Gateway Clipper Fleet.

Our Core Values

The four values our whole crew sails by.

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