September 2nd, 2008 ·
As we reported last week, this past weekend was the 16th Annual Great North River Tugboat Race & Competition organized by the Working Harbor Committee, and once again it failed to disappoint. The competition went on without a hitch with a total of 29 participating. Looks like it was a beautiful summer day on the Hudson seems like a good time was had all around.
Unofficial results announced Sunday state that Ross Sea won the race but we are still waiting on official results to be released which might not be until later this week. Bernard Ente of the Working Harbor Committee tells us:
Results will take a few days to tabulate. Every boat runs against the clock as well as a handicap for size/weight/power. Some captains are playfully objecting to the unofficial results announced yesterday. Bragging rights in the harbor are important! So we have to wait for the official papers.
Bernard is also the photographer for the Working Harbor Committee and provided us with these great photos and video below. Enjoy!

Tugs Catherine C Miller and Susan Miller proudly wave the red, white and blue on the Hudson.

Tug Dorothy Elizabeth powers through the water. Even the New York Fire Department showed up to put on a show for onlookers.

Tugs race down the harbor for bragging rights for the year ahead.

Dorothy Elizabeth and Pegasus square up for the bow to bow push, a crowd favorite. [Continue Reading →]
Tags: · Events, hudson river, nyc, race, tugboat, tugboat race
August 22nd, 2008 ·

Image courtesy of NYCharities.org
On Sunday, August 31 is the 16th Annual Great North River Tugboat Race & Competition held at Pier 84 on the Hudson River. I know last year this event was a big hit and we look forward to it again this year. Below is a description of the event from nyc.gov.
Tugboats from all of the tug and towing companies in New York Harbor, as well as historic tugboats, will motor into Pier 84 for the Great North River Tugboat Race and Challenge. The event kicks off with a parade of tugboats from Pier 84 to the race start line near the 79th Street Basin.
The tugboats will then race one nautical mile back to Pier 84. Awards will be presented to each class of boats, broken down by total horsepower. Following the race there will be a bow to bow pushing contest and a line throwing contest, in which deck hands will attempt to lasso a bollard and tie off in the fastest time possible. There will also be a contest to determine the best decorated tug.
Spectators can purchase tickets to view all the festivities from fireboat John J. Harvey, which will depart from Pier 83 and will offer the closest viewing of the action. Free viewing is also available at Pier 84.
For more information on this and other fun events, visit the Working Harbor Committee website HERE.
Although originally from the NYC area, gCaptain works out of California so we are sorry to say we won’t be able to make it, but if any readers out there do attend, we would love to from you. Email us at tips@gCaptain.com
Also see our coverage from last year’s race HERE.
Tags: · competition, hudson river, new york, nyc, race, tug, tugboat