New York State Canal System to Open May 16 for 2025 Navigation Season with Updated Schedule and Extended Hours at Select Locations

The New York State Canal Corporation has announced the scheduled opening of the entire New York State Canal System on Friday, May 16, 2025, marking the beginning of the 2025 navigation season. This historic network of waterways will remain open until November 3, 2025, offering recreational boaters toll-free access for the duration of the season.

Standard Operating Hours

Most locks and lift bridges along the Canal system will operate daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. These hours are in effect for the entire navigation season, from opening day through the scheduled close on November 3.

Extended Hours at Select Structures

To support peak seasonal traffic, the following locks and lift bridges will operate with extended hours—8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.—from May 16 through September 10, 2025:

• Erie Canal:

• • Lock E-8 (Rotterdam)

  • Lock E-23 (Brewerton)

  • Lock E-24 (Baldwinsville)

  • Lock E-32 (Pittsford)

  • Lock E-33 (Henrietta)

  • Lock E-34/35 (Lockport)

  • Main Street Lift Bridge (Fairport)

  • Spencerport Lift Bridge

  • Adams Basin Lift Bridge

  • Park Avenue Lift Bridge (Brockport)

  • Main Street Lift Bridge (Brockport)

  • Holley Lift Bridge

  • Hulberton Lift Bridge

  • Ingersoll Street Lift Bridge (Albion)

  • Main Street Lift Bridge (Albion)

  • Eagle Harbor Lift Bridge

  • Knowlesville Lift Bridge

  • Medina Lift Bridge

  • Middleport Lift Bridge

  • Gasport Lift Bridge

  • Exchange Street Lift Bridge (Lockport)

• Oswego Canal:

• • Lock O-1 (Phoenix)

  • Lock O-2 (Fulton)

  • Lock O-3 (Fulton)

  • Lock O-8 (Oswego)

• Cayuga-Seneca Canal:

  • Lock CS-1 (Cayuga)

  • Lock CS-2/3 (Seneca Falls)

  • Lock CS-4 (Waterloo)

Lockage Policies Near Closing Times

To ensure smooth passage, the Canal Corporation has established the following guidance for mariners approaching lock structures near closing time:

• Seneca Falls (CS-2/3) and Lockport (E-34/35): Vessels arriving prior to the scheduled 9:00 p.m. closing time will be passed through both chambers if needed.

• Lock E-21 (New London) and Lock E-22 (Verona): Vessels arriving westbound at E-21 or eastbound at E-22 before closing will be locked through both.

• Locks C-3 and C-4 on the Champlain Canal (Mechanicville and Stillwater): Vessels arriving northbound or southbound before closing will be allowed full passage.

• Waterford Flight: All vessels must arrive by 5:00 p.m. daily to be admitted through the full sequence of locks.

Additional Notes and Staffing Updates

Due to ongoing recruitment for seasonal lock and bridge operators, hours of operation may differ from previous years at some locations. The Canal Corporation continues to seek qualified staff and will adjust hours as needed. Mariners are strongly encouraged to consult the Notice to Mariners notification program for real-time updates.

As an example, extended hours at Waterford Flight and Lock E-7 (Niskayuna) are contingent upon sufficient staffing and may be announced later in the season.

Stay Informed

Boaters should monitor updates and plan accordingly. For real-time alerts and additional information, visit the official New York State Canal Corporation website: www.canals.ny.gov.

This season promises another exciting opportunity to experience one of New York's most scenic and historic waterways—make sure you’re ready to navigate!

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced a temporary adjustment to the operating schedule for the Troy Lock during the 2025 navigation season. The lock will be open from May 1 through November 30, 2025, with revised daily hours from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, effective May 1. While these reduced hours are temporary, they are expected to remain in place for most of the season. Boaters are advised to plan accordingly. The Corps appreciates the public’s understanding as they work through unforeseen circumstances.

This Earth Day, the BoatUS Foundation is calling on boaters nationwide to do their part in protecting our waterways with three simple, impactful actions. First and foremost: have a trash plan. The most effective way to help the environment is to keep litter out of the water. Secure a trash container on board with a tight-fitting lid to keep snack wrappers, bottles, and fishing line from flying overboard. Add a clearly marked sign for guests to ensure proper use. For anglers, a separate container for used fishing line makes recycling ashore even easier and more effective.

Next, avoid fuel spills by adopting safe refueling habits. Know your tank capacity, turn off all electronics, and listen closely to the sound of the fuel entering the tank to avoid overfilling. Use absorbent pads or donuts to catch drips, and dispose of them properly. Marinas can also play a role by having staff complete the free BoatUS Foundation course, Spill Prevention for Marina Staff. Lastly, as the boating season kicks off, inquire about shrink wrap recycling in your area. While not all regions offer it, increasing demand can lead to new programs that turn this bulky waste into useful products like composite decking. By speaking up and taking action, boaters can make a big difference for Mother Earth—on April 22 and every day on the water.

Beginning in 2025, New York State will require all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, to possess a valid boating safety certificate. A certificate issued by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is recognized as meeting this requirement.

In response, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary of Albany, NY, will be offering a certified Boating Safety Course at the Albany Yacht Club later this month.

Course Details:

Dates:

Tuesday, April 22nd, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Thursday, April 24th, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Location: Albany Yacht Club, 75 Broadway, Rensselaer, NY

Cost: $25 (includes an ID card issued upon successful completion)

This course provides a convenient opportunity for local boaters to meet the new state requirements and enhance their knowledge of boating safety. Early registration is recommended as space may be limited.

As the chill of winter fades and the air grows warmer, the arrival of spring brings with it the familiar rituals of renewal and preparation. Spring flowers bloom in vibrant colors, their petals swaying gently in the breeze, heralding the changing season. Along the riverbanks, another tradition unfolds—a rite of spring marked by the clatter of tools and the scent of fresh wood. Dock repairs are underway, a timeless dance of sanding, hammering, and sealing as we ready our docks to be placed back on the river. It’s a season of restoration and anticipation, where nature and human effort intertwine, both striving to make things whole again.

As winter loosens its grip on the Hudson Valley, boaters and anglers alike have something to look forward to—less than a month remains before the docks at the Albany Yacht Club make their way back onto the river. This annual milestone signals the official start of the boating season, bringing new energy to the waterfront.

For fishermen, this also means one thing: striper season is right around the corner. The striped bass migration up the Hudson River is a highly anticipated event, drawing anglers eager to land one of these prized fish. As the water temperatures rise, the stripers will follow their instincts, moving upriver from the Atlantic to spawn.

Whether you're a seasoned boater preparing to launch or an angler dusting off your gear, now is the time to get ready. The next few weeks will be filled with anticipation as the river comes to life once again.

Tight lines and smooth sailing—spring is almost here!

Regular members in good standing are welcome to submit their dockage application. We are going to use the AYC website to streamline the application process this year.

The new process is as follows:

Log on to the AYC website and go to – MEMBERS – DOCK APPLICATION or click HERE

Fill out the online Dock Application form and hit submit to send your request.

If you have any problems logging into your website account, please get in touch with the AYC webmaster at radek.cfi@gmail.com

Once your application is reviewed, you will receive, via email, an invoice for the amount due. You may remit payment by Mail or bring the Invoice along with your payment and insurance information to the Club. Place your dockage info and payment in the mail slot at the office door.

Mailing address: Albany Yacht Club,PO Box 293, Rensselaer, NY 12144

Important points to remember.

• 2025 dues must be paid, and members must be in good standing prior to the dockage application being processed.
• Payment and insurance documents naming the as AYC “Additional Insured” in the amount of $100,000 are due by February 28th to avoid late fees.
• If you indicate that you are bringing your boat in during Striper season (April to the week prior to Memorial Day, May 24,2025) and are a No-Show you will be charged $100.00 per week that the No-Show occurs.
• Striper dockage is an important revenue source for the club and we are taking No-Shows seriously.
• Striper season dockage officially ends May 24th this year.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact:

Commodore Mike at ml-bfs@hotmail.com

The Ladies' room renovation is officially underway! We had a fantastic demolition team at the club today (2/1). The space is now cleared and ready for the next phase. While progress is being made, this won't be a quick project. We discovered significant water damage from a leaking shower, and with the reconfiguration needed to meet ADA standards, there will be quite a bit of work ahead. Additionally, we have other commitments, so the timeline will be a bit longer than expected. But don’t worry—we’re on it and we’ll get it done!

In the meantime, the former Men’s room is now a unisex restroom. Please be mindful of the Occupied/Unoccupied deadbolt on the door to avoid any surprises. A big thank you to Shannon McGovern, Bob Helwig, Jim Combs, and Tony Chromczak for their help today. Excellent teamwork all around!

The January 2025 edition of the Albany Yacht Club Newsletter is now available online! Be sure to check it out for the latest updates, upcoming events, and important club news. You can access the full newsletter on our website or through the member portal. Stay informed and engaged with all that’s happening at the club this month!

On the evening of December 31, Albany Yacht Club came alive with the joyful spirit of celebration as members and friends gathered at the bar from 6 to 9 pm for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve kickoff. The event, a staple for many in the local boating community, offered a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all to enjoy.

As the sun set over the waters of the Hudson River, the cozy, festive setting inside the club provided the perfect backdrop for camaraderie and reflection on the past year. With drinks in hand and laughter filling the air, members shared stories, toasted to memories made, and eagerly anticipated the year ahead. The bar, always a social hub at the Yacht Club, was buzzing with energy as guests reconnected with old friends and made new ones in a relaxed yet festive setting.

The evening featured a selection of delicious appetizers and drinks, carefully curated to enhance the celebration. Whether it was the classic champagne toast or a signature cocktail, the bar offered something for every taste. Members shared not just the joy of ringing in the New Year, but also the unique bond that comes from being part of the Albany Yacht Club community.

As the clock ticked closer to midnight, the energy in the room grew even more electric. It was a moment of anticipation for all to reflect on the successes and challenges of the year gone by, and to look forward to the adventures that awaited in the year ahead.

For the members and friends of Albany Yacht Club, this New Year’s Eve celebration was not just about marking a moment on the calendar—it was a cherished tradition of friendship, community, and shared experiences. And as the evening came to a close, the promise of new memories and adventures in 2025 lingered in the air, leaving everyone eagerly awaiting next year’s celebration.