Launch Day!

 

Today was the day.

A month ago she was coming out of a truck - a broken boat

needing major surgery.

 

A group of dedicated gondoliers spent countless hours giving her the attention she deserved, and at 2:13pm this afternoon, her hull was kissed by saltwater for the first time since 2009.

 

She arrived at the launch ramp, looking good and ready for her spotlight.

 

 

 
Of all those stickers, I chose to leave a few in order to remind us all of the great story this boat has to tell - of a tribute voyage around Staten Island, by four Venetians, rowing in honor of those who gave their lives on 9-11-01.

 

Gondolier Simon was there to help with the launch.

 

In appreciation of his assistance in restoring this gondola,

I gave Simon the first row.  He handled her like a pro,

providing the camera with some great images.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Later we rowed tandem back to the dock and tucked her in next to her sister-ships - all of them ready and waiting for a great Valentine's Day weekend.