Thank the Dutch!
The Netherlands government did Brooklyn proud when it sponsored a visit by a flotilla of 20 historic Dutch “flat bottom” boats to celebrate the quadracentennial of Henry Hudson’s voyage into New York Harbor.
Manned by a crew of more than 100 mariners, and similar to sloops that cruised New York’s waters throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the traditional sailing vessels arrived on this side of the pond to cheers from a throng of spectators, temporarily berthing in Atlantic Basin at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Red Hook, courtesy of the New York City Economic Development Corporation and PortSide New York, which co-sponsored the visit.
Many of the crew members will live on board during a two-week period providing them an opportunity to meet with locals and enjoy area stores, restaurants and sites.
To sax-boosted funk tunes by the “Hungry March Band,” the procession of ships entered the protected harbor with hoisted colors and in single file via the Buttermilk Channel, a narrow passage between Red Hook and Governor’s Island, as spectators cheered, waved and took photos from the south side of Pier 11.
After disembarking, the crew met with a crowd of visitors and local dignitaries, and enjoyed a light repast provided by Red Hook eateries.
For more information, visit www.portsidenewyork.org/PortSideRedHook FlatBottomFleetGuide.pdf.
