Sail On: The Story of Lettie G Howard

Here is a short video by the Harbor School, a public high school located on Governors Island in New York harbor.  The school’s mission is to “provide a college-preparatory education built upon New York City’s maritime experience that instills in students … Continue reading

Sixth Annual City of Water Day in New York Harbor – Saturday July 20th

This weekend, the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance City of Water Day will be sponsoring celebrations and activities all around the harbor.  Festivities will be held at Governor’s Island, New York and in Liberty State Park on the New Jersey side as well at 25 … Continue reading

M/Y Eclipse, the World’s Largest Yacht, in New York Harbor

In October 2009, we posted “Rich Men’s Toys – Battleships, Helipads & Submarines,” about several mega-yachts, including the world’s largest, Roman Abramovich’s 557 feet (170 meters) M/Y Eclipse.  The yacht arrived in New York harbor this week and is now tied up … Continue reading

Storm Surge Barriers for New York Harbor? Would They Do Enough?

Rotterdam, London, St. Petersburg, and Toyko all have storm surge barriers to protect low-lying areas from flooding.  In the United States, Stamford, Connecticut; Providence, Rhode Island; and New Bedford, Massachusetts all have storm barriers.  Should New York, which suffered significant flooding two years in a … Continue reading

The Oyster – Environmental Hero in New York and a Criminal in New Jersey

Recently a number of newspapers have run an Associated Press article  titled, “New York’s new environmental ‘hero’ – the oyster.”  The article describes how researchers are reseeding oysters in New York harbor   Each oyster can filter about 50 gallons of water a … Continue reading

Red Hook Maritime Art & Artifacts for Sale at PortSide NY Fundraiser, Thursday 8/23/12

If you are anywhere near New York harbor this Thursday, Redhook is the place to be. PortSide NY is vacating its pop-up office/gallery and is selling a fascinating range of art and artifacts. Paintings, photographs and illustrations by contemporary artists … Continue reading

The El Estero Fire – the Greatest Nautical Disaster that Didn’t Happen

Bowsprite was kind enough to pass along this forgotten moment in history, which fits in well with recent posts.  Like the case of the Liberty ship SS Richard Montgomery, it involves a ship loaded with high explosives and like the apparent “Blind Date” hoax, … Continue reading

Clipper Round the World Fleet Arrives in New York Harbor, Unofficially

The ten boat fleet of the Clipper Round the World Race will officially and formally arrive in New York harbor on Sunday, June 3rd to coincide with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.  As Sir Robin Knox-Johnston sails the Suhaili, the 32ft yacht on which he became … Continue reading