Sep 032008
 

Tugboats on the Hudson River
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.
Tugboats on the Hudson River Tugboats on the Hudson River Tugboats on the Hudson River Tugboats on the Hudson River Tugboats on the Hudson River Tugboats on the Hudson River Tugboats on the Hudson RiverTugboats on the Hudson River

The crane ship from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers marks the finish line.
Tugboats on the Hudson River

The tugboats parade up to the 79th Street Boat Basin
Tugboats on the Hudson River

More tugboats!
Tugboats on the Hudson River Tugboats on the Hudson River

The NYFD was also on hand.
NYFD Fireboat on the Hudson River NYFD Fireboat on the Hudson River

Lined up for the start of the race.
Tugboats on the Hudson River

The race to the finish
Tugboats on the Hudson River

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.
Tugboat pushing contest on the Hudson River Tugboat pushing contest on the Hudson River

More tugs hanging out on the river….
Tugboats on the Hudson River

The crews of the tugboats compete in a line throwing competition.
Tugboat line throwing competition Tugboat line throwing competition

The Tug Pegasus was built in 1907 and is the oldest Tugboat in the New York City region.
Tug Pegasus on the Hudson River Tug Pegasus on the Hudson River

After the race, the tugs dock on the pier, and you can get a very close look.
Tugboats on the Hudson River
Tugboats on the Hudson River

[Both of the panoramas are linked to larger versions. I have more images and high-resolution copies; contact me if you would like them.]

 Posted by at 11:18 am

  2 Responses to “Tugboat Races”

  1. first!

  2. 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

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