If you’re new to the blog, I’ve done lots of blog posts on a NYS Canals tug called Urger.
For the past 5+ years, I’ve freelanced for a great publication called ProfessionalMariner, and this month have my first cover story. I didn’t know my photo was on the cover until it came out!! You can read my Urger article here.
Another piece of Urger news I have not reported elsewhere is below. At the 2018 Waterford Tugboat Roundup, the 1901 built tug was voted “People’s Choice Favorite Tugboat,” winner of a dark horse write in campaign! Below is the trophy. Too bad the trophy has no boat to display it in for the public to see.
Now for big news on the political though primarily ceremonial end of things, Assembly member John McDonald III, District 108, has sponsored a bill to designate Urger as “official tugboat of the State of New York. Read it here.
You can leave a note of thanks and support for Assembly member McDonald here. If you vote in NYS and want to leave a note for your own rep to encourage him or her to join with McDonald in supporting this bill, you can start the connection here.
You can also write the Preservation League of New York and encourage them to continue their efforts to save this boat as a moving, floating ambassador from our state’s history. Click here for more on their efforts.
And here’s yet another idea . . . a 1/12 expired Urger fundraiser calendar.
And finally, consider attending the Canal Society of New York Winter Symposium in Rochester NY on March 2. I’ll be there. Urger will surely come up.
And SCOW (State Council on Waterways) . . . too bad you’ve dissolved! There’s a reference of their Urger role at the end of this post.
tugster: a waterblog 
5 comments
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February 7, 2019 at 12:40 pm
Lee Rust
What are the Urger safety issues that concern the Power Authority?
February 7, 2019 at 1:16 pm
tugster
My understanding is lack of watertight doors, hull-integrated fuel tanks, other thinning hull issues needed attention . . . I’ve been told. Maybe someone can add to the list . . . now with subchapter M regulations.
February 7, 2019 at 1:54 pm
Lee Rust
As ever, 19th century design vs 21st century standards.
February 8, 2019 at 7:46 am
Robin Denny. Windsor, UK.
Congratulations. Achieving a full cover picture is the dream of many advertising managers.
A fine looking ship, worth preserving.
Saving an historic vessel is only the first part. Then keeping her in good condition afterwards is the difficult part.
Container and cargo ships will need tugs for many years to come but cruise ships will not.
I was on board Cunarder Queen May 2 departing from Cherbourg, France when she completed a 180 degree rotation in her own length using bow thrusters and steerable main props.. Impressive.
February 11, 2019 at 11:51 am
Harry T Scholer
Congratulations Will on your First cover story. When I was an active mariner every vessel had a copy of Professional Mariner aboard so you’ll get plenty of reads. Also as an old tug boat guy I am in full support for keeping the Urger as Urger. I actually thought for a while she was your tug when you made that trip a few years back:) and I thought “damn what a lucky guy” Well you still are, living in the world I used to inhabit since I was a kid, roaming the banks of the Hudson River and exploring derelict barges.