Notice to Mariners
Erie Canal – Waterford Harbor Draft Restriction
August 3, 2022
Mariners are advised that Dragon Boat Races will be held on Saturday, August 6th, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Use of Waterford Harbor floating docks will be restricted to participating vessels. During this time and an hour before and after the event, alternative docking for commercial and pleasure craft will be available between Locks E-3 and E-4 in the Waterford Flight, as directed by the Lock Operator who can be reached at (518) 237-0810. No services are available in this area. The area will remain open to through-traffic, but commercial traffic requiring clearance through the event must call (518) 461-0942, at least 24 hours in advance. Docking space on the terminal wall, which offers no services, will not be available on Friday, August 5th. Mariners are also advised that practice sessions held on Thursday and Friday, also Saturday during the races could cause minor delays to vessels passing through the event area. There will be breaks in between heats during which traffic may pass through as directed. Safety fire department boats and sheriff’s patrol boat will be present to monitor traffic.
Mariners are also advised that any vessels with more than 6 feet of draft must contact Jeff Cleary, Waterford Harbor Master, on VHF Channel 13, before entering the event area.
Boaters should plan itineraries accordingly.
Additionally, mariners are advised that the Waterford floating docks will be closed from Thursday, August 4th at noon through Saturday, August 6th until 5:00 pm.
Details about the event can be found at
Dragon Boat Festival 2022 - Town of Waterford, NY
A chart covering the affected area can be found at
http://www.canals.ny.gov/navinfo/charts/14786e40.png.
Features along the eastern portion of the Erie Canal are listed by mileage http://www.canals.ny.gov/wwwapps/navinfo/navinfo.aspx?waterway=erieeastern
For updates and information, please visit Canals.NY.gov or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.