Re Pier 15:   I recall Pier 15 as a hive of activity. The  Monomoy lifeboats, which where standard WWII design, were used by men's and women’s rowing teams in a network that existed on both Atlantic and Pacific coasts. I’m proud to say that the women’s team, in their first entry to the International Lifeboat Racing Competition, won second place.  The New Haven Sharpie schooner had a fanatical group of devotees who sailed the heart out of her, winning places in the annual schooner race for the Mayor’s Cup, (now defunct, a whole ‘nother saga) and once capsizing — being rescued by the  Vernie S.  It is hard to imagine today the ...

This brief is part of the WHY WE FIGHT FOR THE SOUTH STREET SEAPORT series, to inform the public about the struggle to keep the Seaport historic in the face of commercial pressure.  Pier 15 Pier 15 is the two-story structure on the East River between John and Fletcher Streets where Hornblower Cruises docks its sight-seeing and party vessels. It is also home to a bar and outdoor parties. Pier 15 had been one of the South Street Seaport Museum’s piers until the City of New York took it back, in 2008, as part of a settlement for back rent owed the city. Deferred maintenance had also seriously compromised its safe use. Pier 15 was a ...