On-Hudson.com

America’s Cup racing returns to New York May 6th-8th 2016

https://www.americascup.com/en/news/2091_Americas-Cup-racing-returns-to-New-York-2016-calendar-released.html

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.sail-nyc.com/category/press/

America’s Cup and Classic Harbor Line in New York City: May 6, 7, & 8 2016

BUY TICKETS HERE (Adirondack is almost sold out!) 

BUY TICKETS HERE (viewing from yacht Kingston) 

The America’s Cup races return to New York City for the first time since 1920. This May 6, 7 & 8, New Yorkers will be able to see sailing matches right here in New York Harbor just off Battery Park City.

Warm ups happen on Friday May 6 and official points – counting matches occur Saturday and Sunday Afternoon May 7th and May 8th. This racing weekend counts for one of the six events scheduled in 2016 that counts for the 2017 Cup. Presently the US Team – Oracle holds the trophy – winners of the 2013 America’s Cup.

The history of the America’s Cup is very significant to New York City and to Classic Harbor Line.
It was the New York Yacht Club who sponsored the build of the very first Schooner AMERICA in 1851. The US was challenged by England, in conjunction with the first World’s Fair, to build the fastest sailing vessel. The New York Yacht Club responded with Schooner America and prevailed.

Today, Classic Harbor Line’s Schooner AMERICA 2.0 is a tribute to the original Schooner AMERICA. Designed for speed and elegance and sharing the same lines and scale, guests can sail aboard a true performance schooner aboard AMERICA 2.0. AMERICA 2.0 was designed and built by Scarano Boat building in 2011 – an affiliated company of Classic Harbor Line – as are all the boats in the Classic Harbor Line Fleet.

Classic Harbor Line will be on the water both days with tickets available for viewing the races.

Photo shows the US Team Racing Vessel ORACLE, and Schooner America, a 1995 design and build also by Scarano Boat Building.

www.classicharborline.com www.scaranoboat.com

PRESS CONTACT: WILL CANDIS [email protected]

**** For the Month of May 2016. Follow Classic Harbor Line on Twitter and Facebook to be alerted of HIGH WIND DAYS such that you can be able to participate in high-speed performance sailing aboard Schooner America 2.0 and Schooner Adirondack.  We will alert our followers anytime we have forecasts of 18 MPH winds or greater! 

Facebook

Twitter

New York Times – Spared Times: Archtober

‘Archtober’ (through Oct. 31) This monthlong celebration of architecture and design continues with lectures, tours and other events at locations around the city. Presented by the American Institute of Architects New York and the Center for Architecture — with the participation of 50 organizations — the series includes boat tours around Manhattan, an urban film series at the Guggenheim Museum and walking tours. A schedule is atarchtober.org/calendar. Brochures are also available at the Center for Architecture, 536 La Guardia Place, Greenwich Village, (212) 358-6121.

Click here to read more!

Sunday Brunching With Yacht Manhattan

Brunch is a weekly event all across NYC. Every weekend, hungry diners enter the growing plethora of eateries in search of good food and relaxing atmosphere. This weekend we ditched the usual places and enjoyed a grand brunch with the Classic Harbor line. We enjoyed our meal sailing on the Hudson, aboard one of their elegant yachts. We boarded the “Yacht Manhattan II”, one of two vessels inspired by the roaring 20’s. We met our vessel at Chelsea Piers along with an assortment of other guests and set sail on a gorgeous Sunday morning.  

The other brunch lovers on our voyage ranged in age from retirees to infants. Young couples, big families, and in our case lifelong friends filled the boat and took their assigned seats. After we all were seated and given a quick safety lesson, we took off on a leisurely cruise. Guests are treated to a complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa. Brunch is served buffet style and divided into four courses. The first course revved up our appetites with mini bagels smoked salmon, fresh waffles and assorted berries. The courses were spaced out enough for everyone to have a bite and take a short break in between to enjoy the scenery. The view is gorgeous from inside the ship. Large windows offer a picturesque view while dining. However, the best view for photo ops is on the outer deck. The outside features smooth bench seating and a protective safety rail. The cruise took us from lower Manhattan all the way up to the Bronx. Having ridden on several harbor cruises over the years, this was still an interesting experience, we saw parts of the city we had never seen before including the infamous little red lighthouse. The smaller boat made for a more up close experience and some amazing photos.

Click here to read the rest! 

NYC Morimoto Sushi Sunset Sail

Photo Credit:  Julienne Schaer.  On a calm, warm summer night, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s Sushi and Sake Sunset Sail is the perfect way to enjoy the harbor. This light dinner sail features a refreshing assortment of four sake flights that are perfectly paired with two plates of sushi. Dinner is served on New York’s newest and most sophisticated schooner, America 2.0. While relaxing and enjoying the calming waves as they brush against the boat, you will observe the New York skyline, Battery Park, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Read more here. 

All Aboard- the Sunset Sushi Sail

Do you love sushi? Do you love sailing? Do you love sunsets? I’m going out on a limb here and guessing you’re a fan of all three (we’re not friends anymore if you said no, sorry.) Guess what, this isn’t just a culinary fantasy — from now until September 21 Classic Harbor Line and Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto will offer a light-dinner sail on deck of one of New York’s newest schooners. 

I partook in the sail this past Wednesday and it was truly dreamy. We sailed past iconic landmarks such as Battery Park, Ellis Island and The Statue of Liberty. It was a beautiful and breezy escape from the hot concrete of the city. 

But let’s talk about the star of the show — the sushi. The menu includes a sampling of nine sushi pieces and one roll served in two platings and paired with four sake flights. Everything is served super fresh, stored in special coolers just one hour before the sail. 

If you want to snack on some of the highest grade sushi in the city, sip sake all while sailing down the Hudson River, you can buy tickets here.

Chef Morimoto Hosts Sunset Yacht Cruise

New York City Water Trail A GREAT Resource

http://www.nycwatertrail.org/map.html

• Trail Map
• News
• Calendar
• Trip Planning
• Water Quality
• Harbor Safety
• Resources
• Join NYCWTA

• 

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6

Welcome to the New York City Water Trail Association

NYCWTA is a not-for-profit stewardship group comprising over 20 community-based non-motorized boating organizations in and around New York City.

Our mission is to promote the creation, improvement, and preservation of suitable launches, landings and boathouses for paddling and rowing in all five boroughs and the harbor at large in order to advance awareness of the public ownership of our waterways, and to foster maritime education, recreation and environmental stewardship.

Our website is evolving and continues to imporve, so check back soon.

NYCWTA is under the fiscal sponsorship of the Hudson River Watertrail Association, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit.

 

Sunday, Aug 2 2015 is" Outrigger Canoe Day" on the Hudson River from 10:AM-1:PM

http://www.nyacknewsandviews.com/2015/07/rra_outrigger/

Paddle the Hudson River This Sunday

Dave

Sunday, Aug 2 is Outrigger Canoe Day on the Hudson River from 10a-1p, hosted by the Nyack River Rowing Association. If the closest you ever get to the water is crossing the Tappan Zee Bridge or throwing bread to the ducks in Memorial Park, this is your chance to see what Nyack looks from a boat on the river.

Experienced paddlers from the River Rowing Association and New York Outrigger will present a one-hour Learn to Paddle session and introduction to the 6-person outrigger canoes at the Nyack Marina (next to The River Club at 11 Burd Street). Outrigger canoes are 6-person canoes with support floats attached to one or both sides of the hull. Outriggers are more stable in rough water, making them excellent watercraft for the Hudson River. Instructors will address proper paddling techniques, safety, teamwork, and the mechanics of launching a boat.

The event is open to anyone over 12 years of age who is able to swim. There’s a little fine print: children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent. The $20 fee includes paddles and life jackets. Participants should arrive in water-friendly attire, a towel, a hat, water shoes, and sun protection. Keep in mind that you might get a little wet, so, non-cotton clothing is strongly encouraged.

Reserve your place today at Meetup.com/Nyack-Outrigger-Paddling.

Fall Foilage Boat Trips From New-York City Pier 11 - Cold Spring On-Hudson & Beyond

http://www.seastreakusa.com/hudsonriver.aspx

Sail with Seastreak on a Hudson River Fall Foliage Day Cruise with stops at Cold Spring and the Newburgh, NY waterfront! Fall is bursting out in brilliant color and the best way to take it all in is by cruising up the Hudson River aboard one of our state-of-the-art catamarans. Relax and enjoy an ever-changing view of the fiery red, glowing orange and golden yellow foliage that makes autumn in the eastern United States such a scenic time of year. During the cruise, you'll enjoy a narrated tour provided by our professional guide. You will also have the opportunity to disembark at one of two locations: Cold Spring, or Newburgh, NY.        Board at Highlands, NJ, or Pier 11 / Wall St. in New York in the morning, then grab a cup of coffee and take in the sights as you sit back and cruise up the Hudson.  We will follow the majestic river as she meanders under the George Washington Bridge, past the Cloisters and catch some breathtaking views of the Palisades.  Later we will cruise along the shores of Hastings-on-the-Hudson, Tarrytown, Ossining, Croton Point, Haverstraw, Stony Point, Bear Mountain, and West Point!     Heading up past West Point, we make our first stop at the village of Cold Spring, N.Y., a historic town filled with well-preserved 19th-century buildings. At the Cold Spring stop, you'll have time to grab lunch and get started on your holiday shopping on Main Street.  Check out a great interactive map of Cold Spring at http://www.philipstown.info/map/, and for more information about the town, click: http://www.coldspringliving.com/  or http://www.coldspringonhudson.com/.    Click here for SPECIAL OFFERS from Cold Spring AND Newburgh Merchants Next stop: the Newburgh, NY, waterfront, home to some great restaurants, all with top-notch food and fabulous views of the Hudson River. Don’t miss an opportunity to dine al fresco and enjoy this gorgeous part of the Hudson Valley. Click here to see a list of these great spots. After the stop in Newburgh, the boat heads back to Cold Spring to pick up passengers, and then returns to NYC and NJ with all aboard refreshed and relaxed.   Click here for a video of our Fall Foliage Cruise to Cold Spring, NY!   To see more about our boats, click here for our videos!   Please note that in order to explore the main part of the town of Cold Spring, there are a few options:  you may walk up Main St. and under the railroad tracks via the pedestrian tunnel which does require climbing some stairs, or to avoid stairs you can cross over the tracks via the overpass at Lunn Terrace or via the elevator and the walking bridge at the train station on Market St.  Please refer to the map at http://www.philipstown.info/map/ for more details.       If you are unable to complete your reservation online with us, please call 1-800-BOATRIDE (262-8743) and we will be happy to assist you. 2014 Fares Adults $65 Children (3-12) $40 *Infants (0-2)* Free *Infants ride free, but need a ticket. Please add them to your reservation if needed.* ALL Cold Spring events are NOT returnable or exchangeable.         2014 Schedule Saturday, September 20th Sunday, September 21st Saturday, September 27th Sunday, September 28th Saturday, October 4th Sunday, October 5th Saturday, October 11th Sunday, October 12th Saturday, October 18th Sunday, October 19th Saturday, October 25th Sunday, October 26th Saturday, November 1st Sunday, November 2nd Saturday, November 8th Sunday, November 9th Saturday, November 15th Sunday, November 16th Departure and Arrival times: Highlands NJ Departure Pier 11 Manhattan Departure Cold Spring NY Arrival Newburgh NY Arrival Newburgh NY Departure Cold Spring NY Departure Pier 11 Manhattan Arrival Highlands NJ Arrival 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 11:45 AM  12:15 PM  3:00 PM 3:30 PM 6:15 PM 7:15 PM

SANDY HOOK BEACH   NY YANKEES   NY METS   WEST POINT ARMY FOOTBALL   HUDSON RIVER FALL FOLIAGE CRUISE    OKTOBERFEST AT BEAR MOUNTAIN    FALL FEST AT A. CASOLA FARMS   NEW BEDFORD / MARTHA'S VINEYARD   NEW YORK SIGHTSEEING CRUISES   NEW BEDFORD CANAL CRUISES   NJ / NYC / MARTHA'S VINEYARD

Sea-Tow On-Hudson

http://www.lohud.com/story/news/transit/2014/09/28/sea-tow-owner-meets-global-travelers-hudson-river/16212151/

Sea Tow owner meets global travelers on Hudson River

Theresa Juva-Brown, [email protected]

 

Buy Photo

(Photo: Peter Carr/The Journal News)

CONNECTTWEETLINKEDINCOMMENTEMAILMORE

Some enjoy the freedom of an open highway, but it's all about the vast Hudson River for Walter Garshagen.

The owner of Sea Tow Central Hudson, along with his four captains, work around the clock from April to November, helping stranded recreational boaters in a 46-mile area from the George Washington Bridge to Beacon.

For much of the year, the Cold Spring man lives in his 47-foot Chris Craft boat at Haverstraw Marina. The 48-year-old father of two recently spoke to The Journal News about why he loves his job, who he encounters on the river, and what he does during the winter.

On the go: Garshagen's business, which is a part of the Sea Tow operation along the East Coast, has about 1,200 members, though the crew helps anyone who asks. They respond to about 500 calls a year.

"That's everything from a really simple battery jump to hours-worth of work of towing someone back from New York City to Stony Point," he says.

Beginnings: Garshagen grew up in Holland, where he first became fascinated with boats.

"I was one of those kids who wanted his parents to have a boat, but we didn't have money for a boat," he says. "My first boat was a blow-up little rowboat, and it came with two oars. I remember exploring some of the canals with friends." He came to the U.S. as a teenager and competed in sailboat races on Lake Michigan when he was a college student at Northwestern. After working as a marine photographer, Garshagen took over the Sea Tow Central Hudson franchise in 2007.

"I love what I do," he says. "I used to take the Metro-North train and stare out the window, at the water, to go work in a studio and meet clients. Now I'm on the water looking back at the train."

Fall encounters: This time of year, Garshagen and his crew meet a lot of boaters headed for milder climates, especially after Thanksgiving when hurricane season has ended. "They are like snowbirds on the roads in RVs, but in this case it's people taking their boats down to Florida or the Bahamas," he says.

Global travelers: He frequently meets folks on the Hudson who have traveled by boat from all over the world. Sometimes they are on a several-year voyage when they run into trouble.

He recalled one Canadian family he helped five years ago after their boat was struck by lightening and lost power. They had just started their global trip.

"Even though they spoke French, and I didn't speak French, they were so thrilled and relaxed," he recalls.

He later found the family's blog and followed their adventure online. "Just this summer they circled back to the East Coast," he says. "It was pretty amazing to see their travels."

Winter break: During the warm weather months Garshagen rarely takes a day off, so the winter is a time for rest. Except for some jobs shuttling tugboat crews out to commercial barges on the Hudson, he takes it easy, goes to boat shows, fixes his boats and spends time with his family. "That's what I enjoy about the work — it goes with the seasons," he says.

New-York City Whale Watching Cruises

http://www.gothamwhale.com/

http://www.americanprincesscruises.com/dolphin_whale_watching.htm

Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventure Cruises June 18th - August 28th 2014!

NEW: Weekend Whale & Dolphin Watching starting in September!

ROCKAWAY HAS VISITORS

Captain's recommendation: Due to NYC traffic we advise that you plan to arrive at Riis Landing 1/2 hour to 3/4 hour before the departure time.

Yes, it's true... whales and dolphins have been spotted in the waters of Rockaway, New York!

If you're interested in setting sail in search of these beautiful mammals, hop aboard The American Princess for a Whale Watch / Dolphin Watch Adventure Cruise.

Join us from 12:00 PM Noon to approximately 4:00 PM every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday beginning June 18, 2014 - August 28, 2014 for a relaxing cruise and what promises to be an amazing site. Leaving from Riis Landing (Rockaway, Queens New York - see travel directions below).

Join us, the original New York City Whale/Dolphin Watchers, as we head out into the Atlantic Ocean and seek out these beautiful mammals. We suggest you bring a regular camera, video camera and/or binoculars if possible. Children will be encouraged to participate in helping our crew take the official whale & dolphin count. Your photos and videos can be posted on our Facebook page.

The American Princess adheres to NOAA Northeast whale watching guidelines and is an active participant to the whale sense program. Visit the whale sense web site to learn about responsible whale watching and the whale sense program.

 

Captain's recommendation: Due to NYC traffic we advise that you plan to arrive at Riis Landing 1/2 hour to 3/4 hour before the departure time. Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventure Cruise June 18th - August 28th 2014 Every Wednesday, Thursday & Friday Boarding @ 11:15 AM Departs Riis Landing (Rockaway, Queens)@ 12:00 PM Returns @ approximately 4:00 PM NEW: Weekend Whale & Dolphin Watching starting in September! Fares   Adults $45 Seniors (62 & over) $35 Children (5 - 12 yrs)  $25 Children under 5 yrs FREE -- Important Notes -- Purchase tickets and/or make a reservation using the calendar below If you have purchased a voucher you will be given the opportunity to enter the code(s) Vouchers/coupons apply only to Adult tickets *Travelzoo purchases - If you have purchased the 2-ticket deal, please select two adults and enter the voucher code twice To make certain you receive email confirmation of your purchase/reservation, please add [email protected] to your contacts/address book/safe senders list Cash bar available on board Coolers are not permitted on board There is a 24-hour cancellation policy All trips are subject to availability and American Princess Cruises reserves the right to cancel any trip at any time Captain's recommendation: Due to NYC traffic we advise that you plan to arrive at Riis Landing 1/2 hour to 3/4 hour before the departure time < August 2014 > Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday         1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31                 Events   No events   Fully booked   Today

Frequently Asked Questions:

Food/Beverages:
Snack concession and a full beverage bar on board; sandwiches are permitted to be brought on board, however beverages and coolers are not.

Reservations:
Reservations are recommended, however you can also purchase tickets on the day of the trip while boarding the boat. Our policy is first-come, first-served. Trips are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or at the discretion of the captain.

Reservations may be made through our online reservation system

Handicap Accessibility:
Yes, the American Princess is handicap accessible

Strollers:
Yes, children's strollers are permitted onboard

Extras:
Facebook Photo contest: win a Prize!

Directions:
Please follow the public transportation options as well as the driving directions listed below.

Address to Whale & Dolphin Adventure Cruise - Riis Landing:
The closest cross streets to the departure location are, Beach 169th Street and Heinzelman Road. The zip code is 11697. Since it is a National Park docking facility there is no building number, so please refer to the local directions below.

Directions to Riis Landing
Former U.S. Coast Guard Station
Intersection of State Rd. and Heinzelman Rd.
Breezy Point (Rockaway, Queens) NY 11697
West Side of Marine Pkwy Bridge
Reference Point: Fort Tilden is located across the street from Riis Landing
Google Map

For a printable version click here

BY CAR

Take the Belt Parkway to Exit 11S (Flatbush Avenue South). Continue on Flatbush Avenue South to the Marine Parkway Bridge (also known as the Gil Hodges Bridge). Drive in the right lane over the bridge, and take the Breezy Point exit located at the foot of the bridge. Proceed to the second traffic light and make a right directly into the parking lot of Riis Landing. Tickets may be purchased and redeemed aboard the boat.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - Subway & Bus

From NYC & BROOKLYN:
Take the #2 train (also the #5 at rush hour) to Flatbush Avenue. Transfer to the Q35 Bus over the Marine Park Bridge to the Fort Tilden bus stop in Breezy Point, Rockaway. Once you are off the bus, walk back to the corner of the main road (where the bus turned) and with the bridge on your right side, walk left to the traffic light. Cross the street at the traffic light and continue walking directly into the parking lot of Riis Landing (the building facing you) and then onto the boat. Tickets may be purchased and redeemed aboard the boat.

From NYC, QUEENS & LONG ISLAND:
Take the A train to Beach 116th St. exit in Rockaway (which includes a connecting shuttle train in Howard Beach to Beach 116th St.). Transfer to the Q35 or Q22 bus to the Fort Tilden bus stop in Breezy Point, Rockaway. Once you are off the bus, walk back to the corner of the main road (where the bus turned) and with the bridge on your right side, walk left to the traffic light. Cross the street at the traffic light and continue walking directly into the parking lot of Riis Landing (the building facing you) and then onto the boat. Tickets may be purchased and redeemed aboard the boat.

Note: Trips subject to fuel surcharge

home | about us | vessel specs | more vessels | photos | directions | contact us

 

 

Visit our sister sites: NewYorkBeachFerry.com and RockawayFerry.com

Coast Guard Retrieve 1,264 Navigational Aids For Winter

http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/index.php/2010/11/operation-fall-retrieve/

Operation Fall Retrieve

LTJG Stephanie Young

Approximately 1,264 navigational aids, such as the one above, are taken out of service during the winter months due to decreased vessel traffic and to minimize damage from ice and severe weather. Photo by PA3 William B. Mitchell.

As the winter season descends upon the Great Lakes region, units at the Ninth Coast Guard District are undertaking a massive effort to remove 1,264 navigational aids protecting 6,700 miles of coastline. Known as Operation Fall Retrieve, this removal of buoys is the largest domestic aids to navigation (ATON) recovery operation in the United States.

Spanning the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway System, the operation incorporates six Coast Guard cutters, five Aids to Navigation Teams (ANTs) and small boat five stations. District’s units also coordinate with Canadian Coast Guard partners and the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation.

Operation Fall Retrieve incorporates six Coast Guard cutters, five Aids to Navigation Teams (ANTs) and small boat five stations. Here, members of Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay conduct service on an aid. Photo by PA3 George Degener.

The buoys are taken out of service during the winter months due to decreased vessel traffic and to minimize damage from ice and severe weather. If left in place they could sustain damage from the sheets of ice that move in every winter. In some cases, the ice could pull the buoy under, which causes damage to both the buoy hull and the light.

“One of the biggest problems with the buoy hull becoming damaged is that it may sink and never be recovered, said Boatswain’s MateJerad Calobreves, the executive petty officer at ANT Duluth, one of the units involved in Operation Fall Retrieve.

As part of Operation Fall Retrieve, ANT Duluth will maintain a total of 83 “seasonal” buoys that includes river and lighted buoys. The ANT will be working long days well into December to complete the job, but at the end of each day there is a constant reminder of how important their work is to the maritime community.

“ATON is very rewarding!” said Calobreves. “Every time you work ATON you can look back and see what you accomplished for the day. Everyone at the unit plays a key role ensuring that all ATON is operating and maintained properly.”

As part of the maintenance for the buoys, they will be taken to the unit and inspected. The ones that are in good condition will stay in the buoy yard for the winter, but some of the buoys that are more worn will be sent out for rehabilitation. This rehabilitation includes sandblasting, patching and repainting the aid. If the aid has lights, its batteries will be recharged and stored through the winter.

Two crewmembers bring aboard a buoy as part of Operation Fall Retrieve. Once brought aboard the buoys will be taken to the buoy yard where they will be inspected. Photo by PA3 George Degener.

Another unit participating in the operations is Station Saginaw River, which is a unique station in that it is responsible for both search and rescue and aids to navigation, giving it the abbreviation of “STANT.” The ATON department at STANT Saginaw River maintains over 100 aids to navigation including floating aids, lighthouses, fixed lights and ranges.

“The time that these buoys are taken out of service is an opportune time to do maintenance on the buoys,” said Seaman Francis Armstrong, a member of STANT Saginaw River’s ATON department. “We inspect the lighted portions of the buoy to make sure they have the correct flash characteristics, that all of the component parts are in working order, that the power source is in working order, and that the light flashes with the correct intensity.”

As a seaman at the unit, Armstrong is responsible for doing a lot of the hands on work that keeps the station running. When asked what work at the station is like day to day, he replied, “In a word: exhausting.”

“The job can be quite exhausting when you are hauling out buoys for eight to ten hours a day during the spring and fall buoy runs,” said Armstrong. “If I am not dirty by the end of the day then I clearly have not been working hard enough.”

 

 

Hudson River FoodWay Corridor Old Time Innovation Providing Modern Solutions

http://www.timesunion.com/business/article/From-farm-to-market-without-using-roads-814693.php

From farm to market without using roads

 ERIC ANDERSON 

ALBANY -- Upstate farmers could have an easier time getting their produce from field to market if a plan involving hybrid refrigerated trucks and barges on the Hudson River comes together.

It's called the Hudson River Foodway Corridor, and it's in the earliest stages of planning.

The market in this case is the New York metropolitan area, which is a difficult journey if you're hauling produce by truck.

"It shouldn't be easier for us to ship our products to other states or overseas than to New York City," said New York Farm Bureau spokesmanPeter Gregg. "But that's they way it is right now."

Blame high tolls over the bridges and through the tunnels, weight restrictions and outdated infrastructure that contributes to congestion and delays.

Hunts Point, the cooperative market that handles the bulk of produce and other agricultural items heading into New York City, gets 14,600 truck deliveries each day.

Trucks bring in 97 percent of the market's produce, while just 3 percent arrives by rail, according to Joseph Heller, resource conservation and development coordinator for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Highland.

With replacement or rehabilitation of the Tappan Zee Bridge, a main link across the Hudson, being planned, getting trucks to New York City could be even more difficult.

"What would happen if the Tappan Zee Bridge wasn't functional?" Heller said.

While Hunts Point is on the waterfront, nothing arrives by barge.

Under the proposal being developed by USDA and a number of other agencies, hybrid refrigerated trailers that can operate either with a diesel engine or by being plugged in would be filled by farmers in their fields, then driven to the Port of Albany, where the trailers would be loaded onto barges, about 25 to a barge.

Jim Harvilla, senior consultant with Customized Energy Solutions in Endicott, is working on a plan to use heavy-duty batteries produced by Reno, Nev.-based Altair Nanotechnologies to power the trailers while they're on the 17-hour barge trip down the Hudson.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority provided Customized Energy Solutions with an $85,000 award to study the feasibility of the project and develop the barge battery system.

Harvilla says after the trailers are delivered to New York City, they could be hauled by hybrid or even electric trucks to make deliveries, taking some of the burden off Hunts Point.

Harvilla said that trailers might even be dropped off in some other part of the city, such as Queens or Brooklyn, instead of the crowded Hunts Point market in the Bronx.

One challenge would be to find items to "back-haul" to the Port of Albany, something that would produce additional revenue to cover the operation's costs.

Suggestions include fresh seafood and imported items.

The goal is to reduce truck traffic and diesel pollution, while providing small farmers an easier way to get to market.

Harvilla said the feasibility study should be completed within a year. The next step would be a pilot program to see how it works in practice.

Heller has already talked to everyone from the Navy to the federal Department of Transportation.

"Maybe with all these partnerships," he said, "it can be done on a shoestring budget."

Reach Eric Anderson at 454-5323 or [email protected].

SeaWay Navigation And Tours

http://www.seawaynavigationandtours.com/cruises/webcal.html

 

New-York Yacht Club Hudson River Cruise-In-Company October 8th - 13th 2010

http://www.nyyc.org/hudsonrivercruise/

Hudson River Cruise-in-Company   October 8-13, 2010                   Preliminary Itinerary   FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8 Manhasset Bay Yacht Club   1600-1800               Registration 1800-1830               Captains’ Meeting 1830-2000               Opening night dinner            SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9 Liberty Landing Marina, Jersey City, NJ   1600-1700               Cocktails 1700-1900               Early dinner    SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10 Haverstraw Marina, West Haverstraw NY     MONDAY, OCTOBER 11 Shadows Marina    TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12 Kingston, NY   Dockage:           Kingston City Marina   Rondout Bay Restaurant & Marina      WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13 Cruise disbands in Kingston