River Day's ships sailed off this weekend! The great historic flagships; the Clearwater, the Half Moon (a replica of Henry Hudson’s 1609 vessel), the Onrust (a replica of a 17th Century Dutch yacht), the sloop Woody Guthrie, the Mystic Whaler, the Governor Cleveland (tugboat) and the John J. Harvey (fire boat) are re-tracing Henry Hudson's historic voyage up the Hudson to Albany over the course of the next few days.
On Friday June 6th, the kick off with the ‘blessing of the fleet’ was attended by Governor Paterson, Dutch Consul General Gajus Scheltema, NY400 Ambassador Eric Niehe, and Joan Davidson, among others.
Governor Paterson said: 'The 1609 voyage of Henry Hudson opened a route that became America’s lifeblood and brought about a flood of art, culture and commerce that changed the world. This 400th anniversary is a proud moment in New York State’s history. The River Day Flotilla celebrates this anniversary and serves as a floating museum during the journey, providing historical and educational programs at many stops along the way.'
Consul General of the Netherlands Hugo Gajus Scheltema spoke about the importance of this celebration: 'For the Dutch, River Day is a wonderful moment in this year’s celebrations, with the participation of the recently rebuilt 17th century yacht ‘Onrust’ as well as the ‘Half Moon’ replica, which will retrace Henry Hudson’s voyage to Albany together with many other sailing ships. We are appreciative of what New York City and State are contributing to this year in which we celebrate, through the anniversary of Henry Hudson’s historic voyage, 400 years of friendship between the Netherlands and the United States.'
The 'Blessing of the Fleet' by Reverend Canon Thomas P. Miller, Michael Pace (Xingweleno), Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, and Donna Henes, urban Shaman and "Unofficial Commissioner of Public Spirit of New York City."
Early Saturday morning, the voyage set sail from the southern tip of Manhattan. The flotilla circled the Statue of Liberty, after which the ships headed up the Hudson River.
Along the way, they were joined by a U.S. Coast Guard escort, an antique airplane escort and numerous modern day boats.
Each town the ships passed welcomed them with cannon salutes and fireworks.
The River Day voyage ends June 13 in Albany. Click here for Gothamists' report of the flotilla.
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