“Mind the Light , Kate” — Remembering New York’s Robbins Reef Lighthouse Keeper Kate Walker

An updated repost in honor of Women’s History Month. In 1886, lighthouse keeper John Walker’s last words to his wife Kate as he died from pneumonia, were “Mind the light, Kate.” Kate, then 38 with two teenage children, took his … Continue reading

“Mind the Light , Kate” — New York’s Robbins Reef Lighthouse Keeper Kate Walker

In 1886, lighthouse keeper John Walker’s last words to his wife Kate as he died died from pneumonia, were “Mind the light, Kate.” Kate, then 38 with two teenage children, took his final wish to heart. She minded the light … Continue reading

Jet Pack Demonstration in New York Harbor From Royal Navy Flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth

During her recent visit to New York to host a two-day Anglo-American defense conference, the Royal Navy flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth was used in a training demonstration in the harbor using jet packs. The BBC reports that the Sussex-based jet … Continue reading

Repost: Sailing on the Schooner A.J. Meerwald in New York Harbor

We recently posted about the A.J. Meerwald, a Delaware Bay oyster schooner launched in 1928, completing an extensive 10-month restoration and refurbishment in Maine. The Meerwald is also the “Official Tall Ship” of the State of New Jersey and was … Continue reading

Fleet Week Returns to New York Harbor After 2 Year COVID Break

Fleet Week has returned to New York harbor after a two-year pandemic pause, bringing 3,000 sailors, marines, and coastguardsmen to the city. The week-long celebration will include public ship visitations, a variety of military demonstrations, and a mix of new … Continue reading

Sunday Repost : A Sail on the Draken Harald Hårfagre in New York Harbor

What could be more gloriously incongruous than sailing on a replica 9th-century Viking longship and sipping whisky on a blustery Autumn day in New York harbor? Here is an updated repost:  In late October 2018, I was fortunate enough to … Continue reading

Water’s Soul — A Serene, New Face on New York Harbor

On Thursday, Water’s Soul, an 80-foot tall sculpture by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa was dedicated on the Hudson River in Jersey City. Located directly across the river from Lower Manhattan, Water’s Soul depicts the serene face of a young woman … Continue reading

Update: Larry Page’s Kitty Hawk Seeks to Test Flying Cars in New York Harbor

Two years ago, we posted about an all-electric “flying car” which was actually more of a single passenger seaplane, as it took off and landed on the water. The startup named Kitty Hawk has major funding from Larry Page, the … Continue reading

Empress of China — the Chinese Trade That Began in 1784

Given all the economic damage being done by needless trade wars, it seems worthwhile to recall the ship that opened the trade with the United States’ first trading partner, China. The new nation had won the Revolutionary War but had … Continue reading

A Sail on the Draken Harald Hårfagre in New York Harbor

On Monday, I was fortunate enough to have been invited by the good folks at Highland Park Whisky to sail for an afternoon on the Draken Harald Hårfagre in New York harbor. At 115′ feet from stem to stern, Draken Harald Hårfagre is the … Continue reading

Bouchard at 100 — Remembering Captain Fred and the Attack on Black Tom

This year the East Coast tug and barge operator, Bouchard Transportation Company, turned 100 years old. The company’s origin, however, dates back to 1916, and to Captain Frederick Bouchard’s heroism during the worst attack on New York harbor prior to … Continue reading

Canal to Coast: Reuniting the Waters — Harbor Tour, NY Harbor and the Erie Canal, Aug 2

As part of the continuing Erie Canal Bicentennial celebration, the Waterfront Alliance is sponsoring a harbor tour on August 2. During the tour, I will be providing commentary and narration on the enormous impact that the Erie Canal has had on … Continue reading

Seal Saturday — Seals in York and New York Harbor

Two short accounts of seals showing up in somewhat unexpected places.  Recently, a large seal was spotted in York, in the UK, basking in the sun on the Yorkshire Dales.  Apparently, the wayward seal swam 50 miles through Britain’s river network from the North … Continue reading