Whale in New York Harbor

There's a humpback whale cruising around New York Harbor, and photojournalist Bjoern Kils of New York Media Boat tracked and photographed it. Reuters has picked up our photos and story and you can order your prints here: www.nymediaboat.photoshelter.com

The whale was playful, slapping its fluke swimming past the Statue of Liberty, as Capt. Bjoern snapped away -- while keeping a safe and respectful distance.

This is not the same whale that we photographed in the Hudson River in 2016. Each whale has unique markings/scars on their fluke, back and dorsal fin. A comparison of images has concluded that these are two different animals.

It was a nice moment in an otherwise tough year. The New York Media Boat team has high hopes for summer 2021, and we hope you’ll come aboard for a tour!

Checkmate, Duffy & Tayana

Matt O’Hara throttled his boat with authority, blasting past the New York City skyline. Calm winds and a long ocean swell made for good conditions to grab some action shots of our friend’s 28-foot Checkmate Powerboat catching air. The 1994 Checkmate Convincor is powered by twin Mercruiser engines delivering 770HP.

The plan was to take aerial photos of the dredging operation in Sandy Hook Channel, but we postponed the shoot when clouds moved in.

Instead we launched a DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone and took some photos of our Duffy 35 cruising past Roamer Shoal Lighthouse. From this angle you can nicely see the waves breaking over the shallows just past the light!

On the return, we met up with Captain Eric Puleio of Narwhal Yacht Charters sailing on his Tayana 37. The ‘Genesis’ looked great under her three maroon sails and beautiful brightwork! If you haven’t booked a charter with them we can highly recommend it.

Greta Thunberg in New York

After two weeks at sea, Greta Thunberg arrived in America. Boris Herrmann and Team Malizia sailed Greta across the North Atlantic - from Plymouth to New York. Thunberg is determined to tell U.S. policy makers a thing or two about climate change at the United Nations in Manhattan.

Greta Thunberg in New York at the Statue of Liberty aboard Malizia II

Thunberg sailed aboard Malizia II, an IMOCA class racing yacht, in order to minimize her own carbon footprint and not taking a plane.

Greta Thunberg at the Statue of Liberty in New York

Boris Herrmann and Team Malizia offered Thunberg the ride after hearing her speak to a group of school children and expressing interest in delivering her message to North and South America.

Greta Thunberg at the Statue of Liberty sailing towards her destination: Manhattan.

Greta Thunberg at the bow of Malizia II

‘Unite Behind The Science’ is a message Team Malizia is promoting. They outfitted the sailboat with CO2 sensors and are collecting ocean data on all their voyages.

‘Unite Behind The Science’ and ‘A Race We Must Win’ are clear messages in Malizia’s sails

The United Nations arranged a sailboat flotilla to welcome Greta with colorful sails.

Approaching Manhattan Thunberg waves to passengers aboard the Staten Island Ferry.

Greta Thunberg greets passengers aboard the Staten Island Ferry as she approaches Manhattan.

Greta Thunberg - Destination: Manhattan

Greta Thunberg’s father Svante accompanied her on the trip. Skipper Boris Herrmann in the background.

Boris Herrmann and Greta Thunberg were welcomed by thousands of fans and journalist from all over the world at North Cove Marina in downtown Manhattan.

Boris Herrmann and Greta Thunberg exit the press conference

Happy Birthday America!

For the 4th of July we took the American Flag as our VIP passenger for a tour through the harbor and past the Statue of Liberty and Freedom Tower. Happy Independence Day everyone!