History Launched in Our Harbor at Derecktor Shipyard

By Marina Kiriakou -

We’ve all driven past it—on the way to town or winding down Boston Post Road—catching a glimpse of that large white building at the edge of Mamaroneck Harbor.  That building is Derecktor Shipyard, a quiet powerhouse of marine innovation.  For many in the village, its purpose has remained a mystery.  That changed on May 6, when something remarkable and deeply symbolic emerged from within its walls: a vessel named Hazel N. Dukes was christened, marking the start of a mission both literal and visionary.

A Historic Launch

The atmosphere that day was electric—a gathering of minds and hearts excited to see a long-held dream come to life.  The mission: to bring maritime education and opportunity to Harlem youth while re-establishing a public access point to the spirit and history of the Harlem Renaissance.  It was a celebration of hope, honor, and possibility - a historic moment marking Harlem’s return to its waterfront after six decades.

This event at Derecktor Shipyard was more than a launch.  It was a tribute, a call to action, and the beginning of a new chapter.  The newly christened Hazel N. Dukes is the first in what is envisioned to be a fleet called the Harlem Rocket—New York’s first African American-owned maritime tour operation—ambitiously aimed at reconnecting Harlem with its historic shoreline.  Once complete, this 90-passenger sightseeing vessel will embark on eight daily 40-minute tours from the West Harlem Piers at West 125th Street on the Hudson River, traveling north to Spuyten Duyvil Creek and back.  These Cultural Rides and Sunset Tours will offer visitors and locals alike sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and landmarks while spotlighting Harlem’s rich but often overlooked maritime past, including the contributions of Crispus Attucks and Arctic explorer Matthew Henson.

Reviving A Legacy

Harlem’s waterfront once played a vital role in the city's economy.  “Harlem was the site where most of the construction material came across the river to the city. Lumber, cement, stone—up till about 1960,” noted one speaker at the ceremony.  Now, the Hazel N. Dukes returns Harlem to that riverbank legacy.  In doing so, it offers a new kind of legacy.  As speaker Michael Preston remarked, "A kid can't be what a kid can't see," underscoring the project’s core mission: to expose Harlem youth to maritime careers and the wider world of the marine industry.  “This is not just a boat—it’s a bridge to the future,” he continued.

The vessel itself has undergone a major reimagining and reconstruction.  Originally built in New Jersey, it spent many years in Panama City, Florida before being identified for its new role.  In 2019, the boat was transported 1,600 miles by land to Derecktor Shipyard for its refit as a day-cruise vessel.

A Vision Built Here

The selection of Derecktor Shipyard was no coincidence.  One of the most respected shipbuilders on the East Coast, Derecktor has a long legacy of technical excellence and visionary design.  Founded by Bob Derecktor in 1947, the Mamaroneck location remains the company’s headquarters and new construction base.  From America’s Cup winners to mega-yachts and rugged Coast Guard cutters, vessels built here have traveled far - and the Hazel N. Dukes continues that proud lineage.

That tradition of innovation was evident in this project, led by naval architect Micah Tucker - himself a former employee of Derecktor and now president of Tucker Marine.  When Tucker first reviewed the project’s scope, he admitted he initially underestimated its ambition.  As he shared during the ceremony, “True vision goes beyond what can be seen.  Someone with true vision sees what others can't… what could be.”

A Namesake That Inspires

That kind of vision was embodied by civil rights icon Hazel N. Dukes, for whom the vessel is named.  Dukes passed away in March 2025 at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy that profoundly shaped New York and the nation.  A passionate advocate for education reform, civic engagement, and racial justice, she served as national president of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) and later as the president of the New York State Conference until her death.

Throughout her life, Dukes was a force for change.  She believed in the potential of youth, the power of organizing, and the importance of dignity for all.  Her imprint on American civil rights history is indelible—and now, her name will travel the waters between Harlem and beyond, carrying her legacy forward.

Her son, Ronald Dukes, welcomed guests at the christening with warmth and pride.  “She believed in the power of possibility,” he said.  “And this vessel, carrying her name, is a testament to that.”

Community at the Helm

The Harlem Rocket project is led by Paradise Express Ferry, co-founded by Garry Johnson and Michael Preston.  Their vision: to rejuvenate Harlem’s long-neglected waterfront with accessible water transit, new economic pathways, and maritime career pipelines for Harlem’s youth.  As Johnson noted during the event, “It’s not just about a boat - it’s about economic development, education, and connection.”  Johnson, who also serves as economic development chair of New York’s NAACP state conference, emphasized the broader dream of a “second Renaissance” in Harlem—this time centered on opportunity, culture, and ownership.

The ship was blessed by Reverend Jacques DeGraff in an intimate and moving on-board ceremony.  A deeply respected leader in the Black community and longtime advocate for economic and social justice, Reverend DeGraff’s presence added spiritual weight and historical depth to the event.  Surrounded by family, engineers, friends, and community leaders, the christening became a moment of deep resonance.  A symbol of what’s possible when mission meets craftsmanship, and when civil rights values are honored not only in words, but in steel, water, and forward motion.

Why Mamaroneck Matters

For the residents of our village, witnessing this moment in our harbor was both historic and meaningful.  It’s not every day that Mamaroneck becomes the setting for a civil rights milestone and the genesis of a potentially transformative urban project.  But this event also reminded us of the quiet excellence that resides here and too often goes unnoticed.

Derecktor’s proximity to New York City made it a strategic choice, but its long-standing reputation made it the ideal partner.  The Hazel N. Dukes brings that excellence to light, lifting the curtain on a legacy built right here—and launching it into a new future.

What Launches Here Travels Far

Later this month, the Hazel N. Dukes will leave Mamaroneck for her permanent home at the West Harlem Piers.  Just in time for summer, she will become a dynamic new attraction in New York City.  A portion of every ticket sold will help fund student scholarships at SUNY Maritime.  For more information and to book a cruise, visit harlemrocket.com.