The 90-year old research vessel R/V Robert Gray is visiting New York City and tied up at North River Pier 25 for the winter. The 125-foot Gray began life in 1936 as an Army Corps of Engineers survey ship, served as an Army tug in the Aleutians in World War II and later was transferred to the USGS in 1970 before entering private ownership. She maintains many of her historical fittings. The Gray was acquired in 2024 by The Voyagers Club and is available for charter by research groups.

The crew is running hourly tours this month and will show all parts of the ship and give a detailed overview of the ships technical specifications and history. Information on signing up is on the Hudson River Park’s website. Pier 25 is the only spot on the North RIver and one of the few places in New York Harbor where historical ships can dock and be accessible to the public. Further in on Pier 25 and visible in the photo above is retired Coast Guard buoy tender Lilac, a permanent resident.