Tribute to renewed spirit in America

Commodore Michael Fortenbaugh said, “Through a volunteer effort we created the greatest gathering of sailboats in New York Harbor history.” Events began at 9 a.m. on September 15th when a fireboat started from North Cove sending plumes of water into the air.  This signal started boats in the harbor to begin raising their sails. Three grand parades of boats converged in the harbor from every approach.  Flotillas came from the East River, the George Washington Bridge and the Verrazano Narrows.  The 3 parades joined other boats in the harbor. Forming a great gathering of boats off Battery Park City.

At noon with full assembly present the international event ‘Around Alone’ started out of New York Harbor as a symbol of thanks to the world for their support. Sailors of New York City had reached out to Sir Robin Knox-Johnston to bring the start of ‘Around Alone’ to New York Harbor. “We had no money to offer.  The harbor still has very few marine facilities. Moving the start to New York would upset the great sailing community of Newport (where it was scheduled to start).  There was every reason not to do this.  And there was only one small reason to do it - to help lift spirits in New York City.

We appealed to Sir Robin on an emotional level and asked him to bring the race here so that the start would be the final act of ‘Sail for America’ and the week of remembrance. The unselfish way this came about, the sponsorship that Sir Robin had to walk away from in Newport plus the risk he undertook in trusting the untested sailing community in New York, was huge.  In this country, we have not seen an act of such sportsmanship since the days of Sir Thomas Lipton.” Michael explained in an editorial.

There were 1000 boats registered to be in the 3 parades, the USCG estimated 1200 sailed. On the 1200 boats in the gathering plus the tall ships and rescue boats, 3,048 personalized memorial flags were flown during Sail for America.  Each flag bore a name of a person lost in 9/11 attacks.  The memorial flags were sponsored by individuals and corporations from across the nation. After the event the flags are being given to family members of those lost. The New York Mercantile Exchange opened its 10th floor executive dining room and conference facility to those families to watch the event without press.

“Many people were thrilled to see the Parade of Rescue Boats come from up the river to pass by Ground Zero and pay their respects. Police boats, Coast Guard Vessels, the retired Fire Boat John J Harvey, Ferries, and privately owned boats had all rushed to help when they learned of the attacks. In this unique event they were celebrated as heroes for their brave and selfless efforts,” said Mark DeMuro.