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.

Date: September 13, 2009
Location: Atlantic Basin, Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, south side of Pier 11 (see map on downloadable flyer).
Access: Enter by foot on Pioneer Street or by car via Bowne Street
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00PM

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 (in Dutch) at www.spts.nl.