The Beat

An Unprecedented Celebration of the City’s Maritime History

A fleet of 12 historic and majestic tall ships from harbors across the United States, Canada, Spain, and the South Pacific will grace Canalside, Riverwalk and Erie Basin Marina for Buffalo’s inauguration as a host port of the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® Great Lakes 2019 race from Toronto to Buffalo on July 4-7, 2019. In conjunction with the arrival of the tall ships, Basil Port of Call: Buffalo, a four-day, family-friendly celebration of the city’s maritime heritage, will take place along the downtown waterfront. Offering a unique opportunity for adults and children to view, board and explore the vessels, the festivities will feature family activities, live entertainment, historic exhibits, artisan food and beverages, and a Parade of Sail of the tall ship fleet.

Dates for Navigation Season Through 2021 are Also Released

White Plains, N.Y. —The New York State Canal Corporation Board of Directors today approved a continued waiver of tolls for recreational vessels through 2021, following two years of toll-free travel that saw increases in canal traffic.

The tolls, $25 to $100 depending on the size of the boat, had been waived in 2017 and 2018 to celebrate the Erie Canal bicentennial and the 100-year anniversary of the New York State Barge Canal, now known as the New York State Canal System.

Syracuse, N.Y. – The Great New York State Fair visitor who submits the best name for the dory built at the Fair last year will win it. 

Those who submit Name-That-Boat entries at the new "Path Through Maritime History: NY Lighthouses and Lifesaving" exhibit will also have the opportunity to win a daily prize of a family pass to the H. Lee White Maritime Museum at Oswego, NY.

The Fair runs from August 22 through Labor Day September 3, 2018.

Also: Boat Building Demonstrations, Name That Boat Contest, Boat Launch

Syracuse, N.Y. – More than 70 lighthouses across New York State still exist as working beacons, museums of America's maritime history, a hostel or overnight stay. All the lights will be featured in a new exhibit at the August 22-September 3 Great New York State Fair in Syracuse, NY.

Skaneateles, N.Y. – Rare boats from the Antique Boat Museum and the Finger Lakes Boating Museum will be among those featured at the 40th annual Antique and Classic Boat Show July 27-29. Hours are 3 p.m. to dusk Friday, 9 a.m. to dusk Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday in Clift Park. Admission is free. More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the show, one of the most popular in the Northeast.

Skaneateles, N.Y. – The Skaneateles Antique and Classic Boat Show—an event 40 years in the making—returns July 27-29, featuring mesmerizing boats from the early 1900s to the present, along with family entertainment. Hours are 3 p.m. to dusk Friday, 9 a.m. to dusk Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday in Clift Park. Admission is free.

Oswego, N.Y. – Interested in getting out on the water this summer, but not ready to buy a boat of your own?
 
New York Sea Grant and the Boating Industries Association of Upstate New York offer safety tips and suggest the right questions to ask before renting a boat. You can begin your search for rental opportunities through the Boating Industries Association of Upstate New York: http://cnybia.com, Chambers of Commerce, and local tourism agencies.

Inflatable Watercraft, Boat that Folds Must Follow NY Boating Laws
A 12-foot boat that folds. A…

Syracuse, N.Y. – Ever seen a boat that folds flat to carry on your cartop? Stop by the Exhibit Center of the 2018 Central New York Boat Show now on at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse through Sunday, February 18. New York Sea Grant has its Inflate-A-Fleet exhibit on display with assorted inflatable and folding vessels, including a boat, kayak, and backpack paddleboard.

Syracuse, N.Y. (August 30, 2017) - The Great New York State Fair, New York Sea Grant and the H. Lee White Maritime Museum of Oswego will celebrate the first boat launch into the Fair Pond on Thursday, August 31 at 11:30 am at the west end of State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, NY.

Immediately after the launch on Thursday, New York Sea Grant and US Coast Guard Auxiliary personnel will present an on-water education demonstration aboard a stand-up paddleboard and in a kayak on how to identify and use approved life jackets.