Albany Harbor

Marinas near Albany Harbor

Introduction:

The city of Albany is located 120 miles up the Hudson River from New York City. Albany is conveniently located just six miles downstream from the Troy Lock, and only nine miles south of the Erie Canal entrance at Waterford. Albany is the home of the New York State University system and is the seat of New York State’s government.

While one might think that Albany would be an excellent place to stop and stock up for the long Erie Canal trip, dockage is unfortunately limited here, with only one marina that only has a few slips available for visiting guests. Many boaters stop in Troy, about four miles north,as it has two excellent marinas with plenty of transient slips. You can base exploration trips to Albany from here, but If you do choose to stay over in the Albany (and can score a slip), you will be rewarded with a wide variety of activities, an active calendar of events and lots of shopping possibilities.

History:

Henry Hudson discovered Albany while seeking a shorter route to the far-east in 1609. Soon after, Dutch merchants settled here to bring furs from the north and ship them to Europe. The area grew in size as it became the gateway to the northeast passage. Later, Albany's industrial history was carved out of its location as the point where the navigable Hudson River ended and the Erie Canal began. Each passing traveler left a mark that can be enjoyed by those who visit the area today.

The history of Albany also remains retained in much of its robust 19th and early 20th century architecture. The most visible example is the State Capitol sitting atop one of the seven hills that fashioned the city's landscape. Begun in 1867, construction continued until 1897 when Governor Frank S. Black declared the building finished, ending one of the longest running public works projects in the state's history. The Capitol, with its grand staircases, legislative chambers and breathtaking exterior, is the historic centerpiece of New York State.

[i]Information Courtesy Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau[/i]

Navigating the Water:

Use NOAA Chart 14786.

The only obstacles to navigation in the Albany area are three bridges (two fixed, one swing) that cross the Hudson River within a two-mile stretch and currents from the river itself that can sometimes be challenging. The two fixed bridges both have 60-foot vertical clearances while the railroad swing bridge has a closed vertical clearance of 25 feet. The railroad bridge is generally left in the open position unless rail traffic is approaching.

Even though Albany is many miles form the ocean, it is still influenced by a tide that changes the river height three to four feet at each change. While this does not present a huge challenge to most boaters, it is something to be aware of and to keep in mind when transiting the area.

Before you reach Albany-proper, you must navigate your way through the Port of Albany, where large ships unload their varied cargos at all hours of the day and night. A series of flashing white and green lights mark two turning basins at the port, which starts at flashing green “219” near Glenmont and ends just south of Mill Creek at Cuyler Dike. Inside the city itself, navigation is straightforward; you need only keep yourself positioned in the middle of the channel to find the best water.

Local Notices to Mariners:

Local Notices to Mariners are available online from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Things To Do/Local Events:

With a population of around 96,000 people, Albany has plenty of activities to keep residents and visitors alike busy. There are a myriad of museums covering at least a dozen different topics in the downtown area, and there are many assorted shopping malls scattered around the area.

The Albany Tulip Festival has been held here for 50 years and helps to celebrate the area’s Dutch influence. In July of each year, the city presents an excellent Fourth of July fireworks display that is wonderful to watch, especially from the waterfront. If you want to take a break from piloting the boat, take the Aqua Duck tour that runs along the Albany waterfront and through the historic streets of the city (it is an amphibious vehicle).

For a detailed calendar of events, check out the “Helpful Links” section below.

Transportation:

Local public transportation is provided by the Central District Transportation Authority with bus schedules that run on regular schedules throughout the city. The Albany International Airport runs regularly scheduled jet service and is reachable via bus or airport-sponsored shuttle services. See the “Helpful Links” section below for information on contacting the airport and detailed bus schedules.

Helpful Links:

City of Albany

Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Albany County, NY

Albany Calendar of Events

Albany International Airport

Central District Transportation Authority