Harriman Street Regatta

Tim of Message in a Bottle is one of the main organizers at the Downtown Boathouse (now in Midtown) has been spreading the word on our various kayak lists about the Harrison Street Regatta. I'm working a full day (and when I say "full day" that is not a joke, that means 11:30 a.m. through 10:45 p.m.) on the Adirondack the next day, so I don't know if I'm going to go play, but I have done this race & it makes for a fun day. Here's the announcement Tim's been sending around:

The gala event of the year at the Boathouse is this Saturday 8/12 the Annual Harrison Street Regatta. This is our annual fun-race and BBQ that is held every year at the Boathouse. It is the highlight of the paddling season.

Because of various construction and permit issues we have changed the course. This year the race goes from our Pier 96 location at 56th St. to the Boathouse dock at 72nd St in Riverside Park.

The winner is the 2nd boat to cross the finish line. The race is open to all human-powered craft. Our fleet of public kayaks is available for use, or bring your own boat. Come at 1:00PM to register, the Race Starts at 2:00PM. A BBQ is held after the race. Everything including the food and soft drinks is 100% free.

The winner receives a trophy that must be made by hand by the previous year's winner. For the last 5 or 6 years the trophy has been captured by a Downtown Boathouse Volunteer, and displayed prominently in the Boathouse trophy case. We plan a spirited defense again this year. Last year I won, and I have been planning the trophy since the end of last season. Final construction will be completed this week, and hopefully the paint will be dry by Saturday.

We encourage everyone to participate in the race. For most people it is just a fun paddle. We try to get all our boats out on the water at once. Last year we probably had 50 or more kayaks out in the river at once.

We have plenty of kayaks available for use, mostly sit on tops, and we will make them all available to the public on a first come, first served basis. If you want to car-top your boat in, please read the car drop-off directions on our website carefully:

If you come by water please try to be at Pier 96 by 13:30.

If you can't paddle, please stop by anyway for some food and to visit.

Also, while I'm doing a superquick post, have to put in a quick plug for a friend - looking for a great New York City tour guide? Check out New York By Jack!