Got the need for speed? The fastest trip on the Hudson River is on Shadows One, the colorfully painted, 33-foot-long, dual-hulled high-speed water taxi with twin 350-horsepower engines that transports passengers between the Shadows Marina in Poughkeepsie and the Newburgh waterfront in just 20 minutes, at speeds up to 60 miles per hour.
This is the third summer of its operation, says Isaac Hasbrouck, the associate general manager of Bonura Hospitality Group, owner of the Shadows on the Hudson restaurant in Poughkeepsie, from whose marina the water taxi originates, and Billy Joe’s Ribworks on the Newburgh waterfront, where the Shadows One docks on the other side. (The water taxi no longer ties up at Torches on the Hudson in Newburgh, as in previous years.)
The Bonura Hospitality Group came up with the idea of a high-speed water taxi as a way to provide people with an easier way to go from one waterfront to another, says Hasbrouck. “With all the building they’re planning for the Poughkeepsie waterfront [more restaurants, office space and green areas for concerts], it’ll be a full destination,” he says.
Passengers are welcome to take the Shadows One as transportation, disembarking at the opposite waterfront and enjoying the activities there, or stay put and just enjoy the ride as a high-speed adventure, taking the round trip directly back to the point of origin. Hasbrouck says that the boat usually goes out full, especially on weekend evenings when the weather is good.
Boats depart on the hour, but the schedule is subject to change, based on weather and water conditions. The Shadows One seats 14 passengers comfortably, but the ride is not recommended for pregnant women or those with back or neck injuries. Passengers must be at least 3 years old, and children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Tickets cost $15 one-way or $30 round-trip, with a $5-off coupon available at www.shadowsmarina.com. Private charters are also available for $200 per hour. For more information, call (845) 486-9500.
The Shadows One high-speed water taxi takes up to 14 passengers between the Shadows Marina in Poughkeepsie and the waterfront at Newburgh in 20 minutes each way. It departs from Poughkeepsie on Fridays and Saturdays at 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 p.m. and on Sundays at 3, 5 and 7 p.m. From Newburgh, departure times on Fridays and Saturdays are 4, 6, 8 and 10 p.m. as well as 12 midnight, and on Sundays at 4, 6 and 8 p.m. Tickets cost $15 one-way or $30 round-trip. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Passengers must be at least 3 years old, and children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information and a $5-off coupon, visit www.shadowsmarina.com or call (845) 486-9500.
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