
The New York Tugboat Race is a beloved tradition that's been thrilling crowds for decades. It's a unique event that showcases the strength and agility of tugboats in a fun and competitive way.
The competition is held annually in New York Harbor, where tugboats from around the world gather to compete against each other. The event is a major draw for tourists and locals alike.
One of the most interesting aspects of the New York Tugboat Race is the variety of tugboats that participate. From traditional-style tugboats to modern, high-tech vessels, each boat brings its own unique style and abilities to the competition.
Race Information
The New York Tugboat Race is a thrilling event that takes place on the Hudson River. The race covers a distance of 21 nautical miles.
The course starts at the George Washington Bridge and ends at the Statue of Liberty. This iconic landmark serves as a striking backdrop for the competition.
The tugboats participating in the race are a mix of commercial vessels and historic boats. They're all equipped with skilled crews who have spent years honing their skills.
The fastest tugboat to complete the course wins the coveted title of champion. This title is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the crews.
Competition Details
The competition for this year's New York Tugboat Race was fierce.
Buchanan Marine LP's two tugs, Buchanan 1 and Mister T, were among the top competitors, each boasting 2,200 horsepower.
Donjon Marine's Emily Ann took the lead with its impressive 3,000 horsepower.
The Miller Launch's Susan Miller, a 1,500-hp tug, was also in the running.
Norfolk Tug Company's James William and Taft Beach were other notable competitors.
Wittich Bros. Marine's Sea Wolf, a 1,400-hp tug, rounded out the list of competitors.
Discover more: Howland Hook Marine Terminal
Event History
The New York Tugboat Race has a rich history that spans over a century. The first tugboat race took place in 1913 on the East River.

The event was initially organized by the New York Tugboat Association to showcase the skills and strength of tugboats. Over the years, the race has become a beloved tradition in New York City.
The course has remained largely the same since its inception, with tugboats racing from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Statue of Liberty.
24th Annual North River
The 24th Annual North River Tugboat Race was a rainy but successful event. The race took place on Sunday, October 9th, at Pier 84 in Manhattan, where eight tugboats met to compete.
It was a fundraising event for the Working Harbor Committee, a nonprofit group that educates the public about the New York and New Jersey maritime industry. This group is truly dedicated to sharing the importance of the maritime industry.
John McCluskey narrated the action for about 200 spectators on Sightseer VII, a 151’x23’x11’ Circle Line tour boat. This boat provided a unique perspective on the event, allowing spectators to see the tugboats up close.
The race included challenges such as classed by horsepower, timed line throwing to the pier, and bow-to-bow pushing contests.
Expand your knowledge: State University of New York Maritime College
25th Great North River

The 25th Great North River Tugboat Race is a beloved New York tradition that signals the end of summer and the start of a new school year.
It takes place on Sunday, September 3, and the fun begins at 10am with a parade of tugs up the Hudson River.
The parade starts at Pier 84, located at West 44th Street and Hudson River Park, and ends at the starting line at Pier I, located at West 70th Street.
At 10:30, the horn sounds and the tugs charge south in a roaring display of bravado, chased by spectator boats and cheered by hundreds on land.
Tickets for the event are available for $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $12 for kids ages 3–10, and can be purchased for a group rate by emailing [email protected].
Related reading: New York Waterway Ferry Map
Results
The New York Tugboat Race is a thrilling event that showcases the skills and strength of these maritime heroes. The race took place on October 7, 2022, and was won by the tugboat "Miss Katie".
The "Miss Katie" is a 78-foot tugboat built in 1983 and owned by the Moran Towing company. It's no surprise it took the top spot, given its impressive speed and maneuverability.
Winners by Horsepower Class

The winners of the tug race were determined by horsepower class.
In Class A, Emily Ann took the top spot with a time of 3 minutes 45 seconds. Mister T came in second with a time of 3 minutes 54 seconds, and James William finished third in 4 minutes.
Meagan Ann won Class B with a time of 3 minutes 47 seconds. Taft Beach came in second with a time of 4 minutes 14 seconds, and Buchanan 1 finished third in 4 minutes 41 seconds.
Sea Wolf won Class C with a time of 4 minutes 28 seconds. Susan Miller came in second with a time of 4 minutes 35 seconds.
Race Results
In the world of competition, race results are a crucial aspect of any event. The winner of the 2022 Formula 1 World Championship was Max Verstappen, who secured the title with a victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The fastest lap time in the history of the Indianapolis 500 was set by Arie Luyendyk in 1990, with a speed of 237.498 mph.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Tugboat_Race
- https://www.dsboffshore.com/news/new-york-city-24th-annual-tugboat-race/
- https://waterfrontalliance.org/2017/08/25/dont-miss-the-25th-great-north-river-tugboat-race/
- https://waterfrontalliance.org/2015/09/04/come-one-come-all-the-annual-running-of-the-tugboats-is-sunday-sept-6/
- https://www.theepochtimes.com/article/tugboat-tradition-revived-at-the-harbor-274257
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