This past Sunday, August 31, the Working Harbor Committee held the Sixteenth Annual Great North River Tugboat Race & Competition on the Hudson River. My friend Anne and I went to Pier 84 at 44th Street.
All of the tugboats line up at Pier 84 and parade up to the starting line at the 79th Street Boat Basin. Then they race as quickly as they can back down to the finish line at Pier 84.
Here are some photos of the tugs before the race.
The crane ship from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers marks the finish line.
The tugboats parade up to the 79th Street Boat Basin
More tugboats!
The NYFD was also on hand.
Lined up for the start of the race.
The race to the finish
After the race, the tugboats participate in other competitions, like a pushing competition. They go head to head, and the tug that is pushed backwards loses.
More tugs hanging out on the river….
The crews of the tugboats compete in a line throwing competition.
The Tug Pegasus was built in 1907 and is the oldest Tugboat in the New York City region.
After the race, the tugs dock on the pier, and you can get a very close look.
[Both of the panoramas are linked to larger versions. I have more images and high-resolution copies; contact me if you would like them.]
first!
Do you know someone who’s running a tugboat right now? I’m looking for a job on a tugboat right now, as a boat hand. I’m very strong, smart, and able. I’m from Boston, MA, but I can travel wherever need be to board. I’m really interested.
John