Ray Fusco

Ray Fusco created and directs one of America's premier paddlesport events: The Mayor's Cup New York Kayak Championships.

The Mayor's Cup is New York City’s marathon by water! The 28 mile marathon paddling race, around Manhattan Island, is made up of elite paddlers as well as enthusiast paddlers. All talented paddlers are welcome to participate. The Mayor’s Cup race draws some of the worlds and the regions most accomplished paddlers traveling from 22 countries and 25 states for this epic experience. This New York City paddling tradition started in 1927 and its early roots date back to the 1880’s.

The course is a full circumnavigation of Manhattan Island starting on the Hudson River. The combination of 28 miles in distance, very unpredictable sea states and extremely busy commercial traffic lends itself to one of the toughest courses in North America.

Interview with New York Mayor's Cup Race Director Ray Fusco