OUR STORY

How It All Began

Back in 1995, I rode a dolphin watch speedboat at the Jersey Shore. The experience was exhilarating, and I immediately knew something like it could work in New York City. I brought brochures back to Circle Line and suggested we create a similar attraction.

Two years later, in 1997, Circle Line’s President, Paul Picardi, asked me what I thought of Ocean Rocket speedboats. I shared my experience and proposed the idea of a New York thrill ride featuring high-energy rock music and heart-pounding speed maneuvers—like a roller coaster on water. Circle Line decided to move forward with the project, and I was put in charge of making it a reality.

Building The BEAST

At first, I wasn’t sure about taking on the job—spending the summer in the sun didn’t sound ideal! But I knew that being involved in the construction was critical so I could understand every inch of the boat. I traveled monthly to Tuckahoe, NJ, where it was being built, ensuring I could troubleshoot any issues once it was operational.

During this time, we brainstormed names and graphics, cycling through options like Wild Thing, Hudson Rocket, Wall Street Wailer, and Fireball before landing on The BEAST—a name that was simple, bold, and unforgettable.

Once operations began, I took charge of not only piloting but also crafting the music mixes, maintaining the boat, and handling everything from paint touch-ups to fiberglass repairs. During the off-season, I worked in the shipyard, ensuring The BEAST was in top shape for another summer of high-speed thrills.

The Evolution of The BEAST

1998: The First BEAST

The original BEAST launched in spring 1998 from the South Street Seaport. With its striking yellow paint job, orange tiger stripes, and a fierce set of teeth and an eyeball inspired by WWII fighter jets, it was an instant icon.

1999: The Second BEAST

A year later, we introduced a second BEAST—this time painted red. The new BEAST took over at the Seaport, while the original yellow BEAST moved to 42nd Street.

2007: A New Chapter

The original yellow BEAST was retired, and the red BEAST continued operating at 42nd Street. It later received a unique half-red, half-yellow paint job, creating the illusion of two different BEAST speedboats.

2011: The Third BEAST

The current BEAST launched in 2011, sporting a bold green color scheme. Unlike the original fiberglass Ocean Rockets with prop drives and 12-cylinder Caterpillar diesel engines, the new BEAST was built from aluminum, featuring jet drives and twin 16-cylinder MTU diesel engines—making it faster and more powerful than ever before.

The Launch & Legacy

There was no formal christening for the first BEAST, but I was there the day it hit the water for the first time. I also took part in the official sea trials with the Coast Guard on the Tuckahoe River.

Since its debut, The BEAST has become a New York icon, offering adrenaline-pumping excitement and one-of-a-kind views of the Statue of Liberty, Lower Manhattan, and beyond. Today, it continues to deliver unforgettable, high-speed fun on the Hudson River every summer.

So, if you’re ready for the ultimate NYC thrill ride, climb aboard The BEAST and experience the wildest speedboat adventure in the city!