To the Editor:
cc: Commodore Michael Fortenbaugh
We are writing in support of the North Cove Marina Management of the North Cove. We are a new family to Battery Park City. One of the primary reasons we moved to the area was the beautiful, accessible and family-friendly North Cove waterfront and the Manhattan Yacht Club’s community-friendly management of the North Cove.
We spend hours watching the movement of the beautiful boats, international races, sailing lessons and more at the cove. When we were first considering moving here, friends and colleagues told us about the North Cove and how easy and fun it is to take sailing lessons or just go down to see the boats. We were surprised to discover such an open and friendly demeanor at the docks, while at the same time we perceived a clear commitment to safety and good maintenance. The North Cove Marina Management team has revived the waterfront in a way that no other company could have. We have watched world-class sailing races, met sailors from all over the world and felt as though we have a front-row seat on a piece of Manhattan history coming back to life. During the World Cup soccer tournament, we met some sailors from Germany and had a great time talking to them about how they managed to watch the Cup while sailing across the Atlantic. It was a captivating conversation for our elementary-school-aged child. Our child took sailing lessons this summer and had an unforgettable week of outdoor exercise and fun, right here in downtown Manhattan! The photo (above) shows her excitedly running to her sailing camp. Our friends who work in the local companies love the North Cove too, hosting parties there and taking sailing lessons.
So much work has been done to restore the health and beauty of the Hudson River and Lower Manhattan. The North Cove, under the management of North Cove Marina Management and Commodore Michael Fortenbaugh, has become a uniquely attractive and family-friendly resource for New Yorkers and visitors alike. We hope that the committee will keep this successful team in place for many years to come.
Margaret Gifford and John Whitehead