BY DONATHAN SALKALN | The Hudson River Sloop Clearwater’s majestic presence on the Hudson River and NYC’s lower harbor is a visual treat to those visiting our shorelines — and for those living in towers with river views. To them, the sloop must appear like a slow-moving 1800s oil painting as it sails on by, framed by their windows.
Built as a replica of the Dutch cargo vessels that transported goods up and down the Hudson River during the 18th and 19th centuries, the Clearwater shares the cultural, historical and educational core values that form the foundation of the Hudson River Park Trust (HRPT). That is why groups such as HRPT, the Hudson River Foundation and the Chelsea Waterside Park Association have organized and funded trips from Chelsea Piers, in support of the sloop. The excursion offers participants a fleeting glimpse of life as a crew member in past times, as the Clearwater lumbers past modern-day ferries, water taxis, tourists boats, tugs, barges, cruise ships, tankers, and the maritime patrols of the Coast Guard and NYPD.
Dave Conover, Interim Executive Director of the Clearwater and Education Director of their center in Beacon, NY, says, “Finding dock space in the city has become very challenging.” Besides Chelsea Piers, the Clearwater found temporary berths at the South Street Seaport and the Brooklyn Bridge Park, but is mostly docked in the friendly and accommodating waters of NYC Park’s 79th St. Boat Basin. Conover added that Clearwater and the HRPT are currently discussing a potential dock at Pier 26 (at W. Moore St).
Launched in 1969, the Clearwater is undergoing the final stage of an historic restoration. Since 2009, work during the winter months has been done to replace structural framing in both the bow and stern. This past winter, woodworkers turned their attention to the mid-ship.
“Because the Clearwater is a wooden boat, and spends a lot of time in fresh water up river, that makes the wood vulnerable to decay,” Conover explains of the need to replace so much wood. “Most fungus that rots wood can’t thrive in salt water.”
This winter’s Clearwater restoration project — supervised by carpenters skilled in ship repair (aka shipwrights) — included work on the centerboard trunk, hull reframing and replanking, and the temporary relocation of the engine and fuel tank (for access to the wood).
Conover says, “Although much work will need to be done, our goal is to be back in the water by the end of May, followed by sessions of training the crew. It will be ready for public sails by mid-to-late June.” Conover also notes that their sister ship, the Mystic Whaler, will be available for cruises by mid-April.
In restoring the sloop for another 50 years of sailing, the Clearwater has set a fundraising goal of $850,000. A benefit concert, “All Hands on Deck” (a tribute to Pete Seeger), will feature performances from folk, country, bluegrass, and Gospels bands. It takes place on Fri., Apr. 29 at 6:30 p.m., at the New York Society for Ethical Culture (2 W. 64th St., at Central Park West). Visit clearwater.org.
The Chelsea Waterside Park Association will have a short presentation of Clearwater’s progress at their annual meeting on Wed., Apr. 20. Open to the public, the free event takes place at St. Paul’s German Evangelical Lutheran Church (315 W. 22nd St., btw. Eighth & Ninth Aves.). Doors open at 6 p.m. to a spectacular spread of fruit, cheeses, beverages, presentations, and fun dialogue. Visit waterfrontalliance.org/alliance-partners/chelsea-waterside-park-association.
