Seven sailboats currently competing in the international Volvo Ocean Race will dock at Battery Park City’s North Cove from May 9th through May 11th.
Michael Fortenbaugh, Commodore of North Cove Marina Management Inc, excitedly presented the upcoming event during Community Board 1’s Battery Park City Committee meeting on Jan. 3.
The 70-foot sailboats began their race around the world on November 12, 2005 in Vigo, Spain. They’ll be arriving in Battery Park City from Baltimore and will depart for Portsmouth, England. Corporate sponsor exhibits are scheduled for the World Financial Center during their stay and a ceremony will be held as the boats depart from North Cove.
C.B. 1 members asked Fortenbaugh, a Gateway Plaza resident, about noise from the event and he assured his neighbors that the activities will not be loud and will be on the cove’s north side, further away from Gateway, where apartments overlook the marina.
Started in 1973, this is the first time the race has been to New York City. “It’s great for the future of recreation in the harbor,” said Mr. Fortenbaugh.
-Tonya Garcia
WWW Downtown Express
