Accessible Boating at the River’s Best Location
“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than those you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor.”
A sunset swim off Croton Point, a five-minute ride from the Croton Yacht Club. Photo by Roger Cunha.
Thank you for a great River Day!
I want to take this opportunity to thank the membership and all of the exhibitors who participated in our 16th annual Hudson River Day event on Saturday, Sept. 12. The weather was gorgeous and the event was another resounding success.
The model of providing a full educational and interactive experience centering around the history and ecology of the river coupled with our partnership with the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association (HRFA) and Ferry Sloops has evolved into the most unique and successful event of its kind on the river.
Thanks to the HRFA, the youth fishing contest was again a home run. Thirty-five children registered and participated in the event throughout the day with a variety of fish caught.
First place was awarded to Cyrus Kitchen with his first fish ever, a 12 ½” catfish; second place went to Matthew Orengo and third place went Justin Gomes. The contest winning prizes were donated by the Croton Yacht Club. The happiness and excitement of those receiving awards were dwarfed by those children who caught the first fish of their lifetime.
The food was outstanding, the snow cones refreshing and the chowder pot was drained to the last drop. Special thanks to the Croton Police Department who provided rides on the Police Boat, Ferry Sloops who provided sails aboard their 22 foot sloop-rigged catboat the Whimbrel, Brigidd Faranda, US Coast Guard Auxiliary, Federated Conservationists of Westchester, the Croton Historical Society, Little Bear Environmental, Croton Point Nature Center, Croton Pack 28 Cub Scouts and again the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association for everyone’s participation and for their engaging and educational exhibits.
Chris Letts, renowned naturalist, assisted by young protege Matteo Dinis, once again captivated the audience at the “touching table” where the children could see, touch and smell some of the river’s two hundred thirty-nine different Hudson River fish species. Our viewing tanks provided a unique look into the underwater world of the river.
We were visited by recently retired Riverkeeper Captain John Lipscomb and his sidekick dog Batu who patrolled the river for 24 years, protecting the river by searching out and deterringpolluters. In an emotional reunion, John reconnected with long-time friend Chris Letts after many years.
As Croton Yacht Club members, we take pride in providing this experience to the community. As parents and grandparents, we take comfort in knowing our children and grandchildren are being afforded an opportunity to make a life changing connection to the river we all love.
Sincerely,
Dennis Kooney
The Yacht Club
