This Weekend on the River

On May 16 and 17, the New York Rivers 2015 Boating Festival is happening right here in Hudson at Henry Hudson Riverfront Park.

The free event, presented by the Mohawk Hudson Council of Yacht Clubs, promises to be "a one of a kind event for all in the region with the focus on rediscovering boating and recreation on the Hudson River." The Hudson Sloop Club will be at the festival both on Saturday and on Sunday, offering rides on one of their sailboats, fishing on the shore, and working on finishing a wooden boat they built. The Hudson River Historic Boat Restoration & Sailing Society will be there on Saturday, providing demonstrations and information about the ongoing restoration of the historic Hudson River sloop Eleanor. Hudson Cruises will be offering sightseeing cruises, leaving from the city dock at 1 p.m. each day, and special ferry service across the river to Athens from noon to 6 p.m. 

Representatives of the twenty yacht clubs, from Schenectady to Poughkeepsie, that make up the Mohawk Hudson Council will be on hand to "introduce the public to the opportunities and benefits of joining a boat club." If you don't have the basic prerequisite for membership--a boat--boat dealers will be there with new boats for sale, along with council members' pre-owned boats. Even if you don't have a boat and don't want to buy a boat, the festival promises many interesting demonstrations and activities. Check them out at the festival website. 

The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17.
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