Tug Boat Race Held in New York Harbor
NEW YORK, September 2, 2012 – The first Sunday in September is reserved for the Annual Great North River Tugboat Race and Competition in the Hudson River organized by the Working Harbor Committee. This was their 20th Anniversary and bigger than ever with 22 tugs from New York and New Jersey, and hundreds of enthusiastic spectators at the west end of Pier 84, as well as on board the Circle Line spectator boat MANHATTAN.
The line-up began at 9:30 in the morning as the tugs headed one nautical mile north to 79nd Street for a 10:30 start. Four US Coast Guard Auxiliary safety patrol vessels, including AMIGO IV from Division 12, OBSESSION, SEA SMOKE and RENEGADE, were on station early due to the expected heavy river traffic for Labor Day weekend and to enforce the 200 yard security zone around the Intrepid Air and Space Museum on Pier 86.
Linda Sturgis, USCG Commander/Chief of Prevention from Sector New York, addressed the crowd and participated in the awards ceremony. Commander Sturgis was also a judge in the best tattoo competition which is open to tug boat captains and crew. According to the NYC Economic Development Corporation, the tug boat industry provides over 170,000 vital jobs in the Port of NY/NJ and brings in billions of dollars in revenue.
The race was divided into four divisions: Division A (3,000 hp and up) was won by the largest tug in the harbor, the LINCOLN SEA, at 118 feet and 8,000 hp. Division B (1500-2999 hp) was won by the MEAGAN ANN, 81 feet with twin 2,250 hp diesels, whose crew last year dressed in pirate outfits. Division C (500-1499 hp) was won by LITTLE TOOT who entered the race for the first time this year. Class D was won by the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point on GROWLER whose crew also received an award for best dressed crew. The line-throwing competition this year was won by BUCHANAN 12 and MEAGAN ANN. Each tug gets three shots to heave the 2" diameter hawser over a bollard.
Trophies were awarded to the winners of the Popeye spinach eating contest and certificates from Popeye's Navy went to each contestant. The best mascot award went to a black lab named Duke from the tug PEGASUS. Best vintage tug award went to THE BRONX, which is the smallest tug at only 25 feet in length and 200 hp.
The Race was narrated by Captain Jerry Robert and Captain John Doswell. The event is sponsored by the Working Harbor Committee, Hudson River Park Trust, Circle Line, the NYC Economic Development Corporation and P.D. O'Hurley's who supplied the BBQ. Further information: www.workingharbor.com
Submitted by Hope Wright, USCG Auxiliary Division Staff Officer, Public Affairs
The AMIGO IV, USCG Auxiliary facility from Division 12 on safety patrol, pauses to admire the FDNY's state-of-the-art fireboat getting ready for her water display marking the finish line. The 343 is named after the 343 firefighters whose lives were lost on 9/11.
THE BRONX, smallest tug in the fleet at 25 feet and 200 hp, chugs happily along toward the finish. She was awarded the best vintage tug.
The MAURANIA III and QUANTICO CREEK go bow-to-bow for the tug-of-war push competition as the THORNTON watches from above.
All photos by Hope Wright