River Day 2009

Commemorating Henry Hudson’s historic voyage up the river that bears his name, the New York State Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Office will launch a celebration featuring a flotilla of historic and modern vessels. Called “River Day 2009,” the celebration will actually be a series of river days at several Hudson Valley ports of call.

A “blessing of the fleet” on June 5 in New York Harbor will kick off the festivities. Then, leaving from the Statue of Liberty on June 6, the flotilla will sail north, stopping at river towns further upriver each day, and arriving in Albany on June 13. The voyage will be a rare opportunity for thousands of recreational boaters and history buffs to gather on the water during the eight-day journey up the Hudson.

The Fleet

The Onrust, a replica of the first ship built in New York in the 17th century, will mark its maiden voyage during River Day. (Photo: New Netherland Routes, Inc.)Historic boats and ships participating include:

The Half Moon, a replica of Hudson’s ship
The Onrust, a 17th century replica of the first ship built in New York. River Day marks the Onrust’s maiden voyage
Sloop Clearwater
Schooner Mystic Whaler
The Woody Guthrie, a wooden replica of an 18th-19th century Hudson River Ferry Sloop
The 1890s-style Pilot Schooner Adirondack
The Manhattan, an open boat originally built as a life boat to explore the canals of Amsterdam
The Shearwater, a classic Maine Schooner
Modern vessels and recreational boats will also escort the historic ships. Once the flotilla reaches Kingston, vintage biplanes from the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome will salute the fleet from the sky.

More Information
During the eight days the fleet travels north, host communities have scheduled special events and educational programs at each stop. The tentative schedule is available at the Explore NY 400 River Day web pages (see “Related Links” below), where you will also find a link for registering your boat if you want to join the fleet.

Related Links:
Explore NY 400 River Day

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