Going Dutch: Dutch Ships on the BK Waterfront

Image from Waterfront Alliance

The 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson sailing from the Netherlands to what is now New York is bringing about a wide range of activities all over NYC in coming weeks, including a couple very interesting events in our neighborhood. Not only are these events a great change to learn about history and marine vessels, but they also offer a rare chance to visit the Piers that we live next to:

Open House Royal Netherlands Navy and NATO Ships

Location: Piers 7 and 8 (Columbia St. just below Atlantic Avenue)

Date and Time: 9/12 and 9/13, 10 - 3PM

Explore Royal Netherlands naval frigates and NATO ships - including the Dutch HNLMS Van Speijk and minesweeper Urk - with live music from the Royal Netherlands Navy Band during this 'Open Decks Open House'.

Note: The Royal Netherlands naval frigates will only be part of the Open House on Saturday Sep. 12, as they are part of the Harbor Day flotilla on Sunday, September 13.

Dutch Flat Bottom Fleet in Atlantic Basin

Location: Atlantic Basin (Southside of Pier 11, entrance at Pioneer St. by foot, Bowne St. by car)

Date and Time: 9/13 from 5-7 pm

Summary:
As part of the NY400 Celebration commemorating the Quadra-centennial of Henry Hudson’s voyage into New York Harbor, the Dutch government is sponsoring a visit by a flotilla of 20 historic Dutch “flat bottom” boats. These traditional Dutch sailing vessels are similar to the sloops that cruised New York’s waters throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The flat bottom boats will homeport while in New York at Atlantic Basin in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Many of the crew members -- about 120 or so -- will live on board the boats during a two week period providing them an opportunity to interact with local residents and enjoy local restaurants, stores, and sites.

Description:
The flat bottoms will return to Atlantic Basin after a day in the Harbor. The public will be able to watch these historic boats enter Atlantic Basin and tie-up and hoist their ceremonial colors. Crew members will disembark the boat and be greeted by NYCEDC President Seth Pinsky and invited guests, including Councilmember Sara Gonzalez , Rep. Nydia Velazquez, Borough President Marty Markowitz, along with other community leaders and groups. After welcoming remarks the public will be invited to mingle with the crew and enjoy a light repast from local Red Hook eateries.

More information about the boats can be found at www.spts.nl

PortSide NY is in the process of creating a guide to this event, which will go live on Wednesday at this link (placeholder document in place until then).

According to updates posted to A View From the Hook, the boats will be in the Atlantic Basin starting tomorrow (9/8) and people can feel free to wander in and talk to the crew and see the boats.