July 2026 Palisade Boat Club Newsletter
CELEBRATING THE U.S.A.’S SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL
The Palisade Boat Club held an Independence Day fundraising BBQ at the club on July 4th. A big thank you goes to the hosts, Chris Grieco and Tracy Broome. Here is a link to more photos (including a spectacular video of NYC’s fireworks) from the celebration: https://photos.app.goo.gl/cjWoQNqgTrHPwWSK9
For additional photos from our June Opening Day party, check out these amazing pictures from member and professional photographer Adrian Nina: https://adriannina.pixieset.com/palisadeboatclub160thyear/
39 MILLION GALLONS LATER: Advocates Demand Accountability for the Hudson River Infrastructure Breakdown
A July 3 power failure at the Yonkers Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant resulted in 39 million gallons of raw and partially treated sewage entering the Hudson River. Local advocates, including Riverkeeper's Dan Shapley and Yonkers Paddling and Rowing Club’s Lee Wordsman, are demanding transparency regarding the three-hour delay in switching to emergency power during a predictable heatwave. Following an "unsatisfactory" rating from state officials, Yonkers Councilman Anthony Merante is calling for an independent investigation into the infrastructure failure that caused the massive discharge. For deeper analysis and investigative findings, see the full report from Lohud.
NEXT GEN MARITIME EXCELLENCE
SUNY Maritime College has officially entered a new era with the Empire State VII, a state-of-the-art, $330 million teaching vessel. Dedicated on July 7, 2023, this National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) is the first purpose-built training ship in U.S. history, replacing the retrofitted military ships of the past.
The ship serves a vital dual-purpose mission: it functions as a floating, high-tech campus for over 700 people and stands ready to deploy for federal disaster relief. Engineered specifically for education, it features a replica training bridge for student navigation, traditional classrooms, engineering labs, an onboard hospital, and a helicopter pad.
On July 7, 2026—exactly three years after its dedication—the ship made a historic transit up the Hudson River following its Summer Sea Term. Passing under the George Washington Bridge and cruising past West Point, the vessel anchored overnight at Hyde Park before docking at the Port of Albany for public tours, showcasing the future of American merchant mariner training to the Capital Region. [Big thanks to member Alan Portanova for the tip about this story.]
A Rare Naval Double Header
The Hudson Valley was treated to a spectacular double feature this month, as the active-duty warship USS Marinette also cruised up the Hudson River just days prior on July 3, 2026. Traveling north as part of the nationwide America 250 and REV250 celebrations, the USS Marinette made history of its own: its arrival marked the first time a major active-duty U.S. Navy warship has docked at the Port of Albany in over 30 years.
Escorted by regional sheriff marine units, the Freedom-class littoral combat ship is a fast, agile surface combatant powered by engines resembling jet turbines, capable of speeds exceeding 40 knots. The heavily armed vessel, which is designed for near-shore coastal operations, welcomed hundreds of local spectators along the riverbanks and hosted sold-out public tours at the port through July 7th before heading back out to sea.
Photo by Sean Hastings
CLUB BEAUTIFICATION
The club is undertaking a major beautification and repair effort with the north and west deck resurfacing project that will be completed in sections over the coming weeks to minimize disruption to boating activities. The first step was getting the lumber down to the club, all 550 pieces.
The work crew on Friday July 17th included: Mayo Wu, Lana Stoikovic, Randy Gunnell, Dejan Stoikovic, Nick Reitter, Tom Minozzi, Taylor Pierce, Justin Fornal, James Sexton, and Robert Bos.
Then on Saturday July 18th the work crew included: Roel Kunst, Tony DeSpirito, Jay Moran, Mike Matsoukas, Steve Berger, Sean Hastings, Ryan Pogy, Matt Cohen, Matt O'Keefe and son Soren, Mitch Borrero, Brian Allen, and Lucas Thorpe.
On July 25th, more members joined the brigade, and brought up the old ice machine and broken fridge as well: Justin Fornal, Tom Minozzi, Rob Bos, Matt Cohen, Joe Schmidt, Rob Serbin, Ryan Pogy, Anton Luma, Matt O'Keefe, Burton Williams, Brian Allen, James Sexton, Tim Sansverie, and Taylor Pierce.
SIGN UP NOW FOR OUR 2026 FUNDRAISERS
We have a great lineup of fundraisers this year. As the dates near, we will send out additional details over email. If you'd like to get involved please contact Tracy Broome.
Refreshments will be served at all events and drinks will be available for sale. We will also have a 50/50 raffle and prize giveaways, so come and join us for some fun!
MEMBERS ON THE MOVE!
Member Justin Fornal was working in Greenland earlier this month as resident-explorer and lecturer for Road Scholar onboard the MS Fridtjof Nansen. The ship went from Nuuk up the west coast of Greenland to Uummannaq. During downtime he got to do some kayaking and swimming among the icebergs in honor of his PBC brethren. On the way home Justin got to meet up with his family in Iceland.
IMPORTANT MEMBER INFO
SUMMER BILL REMINDER: Summer bills for members were sent out in July.
ABOUT NON-MOTORIZED BOATS AND EQUIPMENT: Please ensure you contact the Lieutenant, Chris Grieco grec0719@optonline.net, before bringing any non motorized boats, motors and related equipment down to the club.
ABOUT MOTORIZED BOATS: For motorized boats, please contact the Captain, Randy Gunnell rbgunnell@gmail.com, before bringing any boats to the club.
LOCKERS: If you'd like a locker assigned, please follow up with Chris Grieco, grec0719@optonline.nt.
REMEMBER: Always hang the no trespassing sign when coming and leaving the club.
WE HAVE A NEW ICE MACHINE! But please do not put anything on top of the new ice machine. Enjoy the ice as summer heats up!
RECYCLING REMINDER: The recycling bins at the club are only for deposit cans that will be returned for the deposit to benefit the club. All other recycling must be carried out by the members bringing it in, similar to ordinary garbage.
REMINDER: Work hours for 2026 can be entered here, the link is also on our website.
GET YOUR FREE COAST GUARD WATERPROOF WATERCRAFT DECAL: Not only are these good to have in case of a lost boat, but they help us ID boats in the house. Get your free decals here.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To contribute photos and stories to the newsletter, please email: PBC-newsletter@jamesmumm.org.
Visit the Palisade Boat Club website: https:/thepalisadeboatclub.com/
