NEWS FROM CORN HILL NAVIGATION FOUNDATION

WHAT

This morning, three Erie Canal tour boats—Colonial Belle, Riverie and Sam Patch—will make a rare journey together in a special flotilla, departing from Fairport and traveling eastward to Macedon. This unique event marks the end of the 2024 passenger cruising season on the canal. The next time these boats will return to the water will be to celebrate the Erie Canal’s highly anticipated bicentennial.

Residents, photographers and canal enthusiasts are invited to see these popular passenger boats together on the water, as they make their way along one of New York’s most scenic and historic routes. This joint journey highlights the enduring legacy of the Erie Canal and anticipates the excitement surrounding the Canal’s upcoming 200-year anniversary in 2025.

WHO

Tour boat operators of Colonial Belle, Riverie and Sam Patch

WHEN

Wednesday, October 30, 2024, approximately 10 a.m.

WHERE

Journey starts in the Village of Fairport at 400 Packett’s Landing, heading east to the marina in Macedon.

About Sam Patch
The Sam Patch replica 1800’s packet boat offers historical, educational, and entertaining cruises from Schoen Place in the Port of Pittsford. Launched in 1991, the boat’s mission is to increase awareness for Rochester’s waterways through guided tours along the Erie Canal, educating students, and hosting events that contribute to the region’s cultural landscape and tourism. Onboard amenities include drinks, snacks and restroom. Cruises depart daily from Schoen Place in Pittsford. Annually, over 11,000 people from all 50 states and more than 30 countries cruise on the Erie Canal on the Sam Patch, honoring the 19th-century mill worker who gained fame as America’s first daredevil by leaping off waterfalls, including Rochester’s High Falls.

About Riverie
Launched in May 2023, Riverie is a key component of Rochester’s ROC the Riverway initiative and the only passenger cruise boat on Rochester’s Genesee River. The 33-passenger Riverie, incorporating River and Erie (Canal), offers a wide array of cruises and on-the-water STEM-based experiential learning for thousands of students annually. It is available for private charters and themed cruises. Learn more at cornhillnav.org/riverie.

About Corn Hill Waterfront and Navigation Foundation
Founded in 1991, Corn Hill Navigation operates two tour vessels, Riverie at Corn Hill Landing in Rochester on the Genesee River and Sam Patch on the Erie Canal at Schoen Place in the Town of Pittsford. Its cruises along the Erie Canal and the Genesee River provide unique insight into the region’s history, culture and distinctive biodiversity. Its mission is to engage people of all ages and backgrounds in on-the-water experiential learning and foster the preservation and improvement of the Erie Canal and Genesee River for future generations. Hundreds of thousands of people have come from all 50 states and more than 50 countries, including tens of thousands of students from schools across the Rochester and Finger Lakes Region, to experience the Erie Canal and Genesee River aboard a Corn Hill Navigation vessel. Ridership has grown 40 percent over the past ten years.

About The Colonial Belle
Established in 1989, the Colonial Belle is a family owned and operated business. Her crew is experienced and friendly. Location in the Village of Fairport, The Colonial Belle is the largest tour boat operating on the historic Erie Canal. The vessel is U.S. Coast Guard certified to carry 149 passengers with a fully accessible enclosed lower deck and an upper open-air deck. The enclosed first deck offers comfortable seating, a full-service bar and two restrooms. The upper deck provides seating, scenic viewing and the experience of “ducking down” for low bridges.

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RELATED MEDIA COVERAGE

Erie Canal tour boats conclude season with special flotilla (13WHAM-ABC TV)

Flotilla closes passenger season on the Erie Canal (WROC-TV)