(The following letter was sent to Mayor Suozzi and is printed here per request.)

I am writing to thank you for the massive and successful undertaking of 'The Tall Ships'. My family and I were in the Hempstead Harbor three times, to enjoy the experience.

First, for my husband, it was a special day. He has been sailing for over 40 years and his father and grandfather had a ship-rigging business in New York City in the early 1900's. Seeing these boats brought back many memories and allowed him to share those memories with our sons.

Second, both of the boys enjoyed the unusual architecture of the boats, especially the lines coming out of the lion heads. They actually sailed around the boats themselves, first with their father at the helm and later on their own small sailboats.

Most of our acquaintances at the Hempstead Harbor Club were filled with admiration for the undertaking: the sense that people could better appreciate the city and the beautiful harbor and the fact that you obtained 100 percent corporate sponsorship.

I hope that you and your staff have heard from everyone who enjoyed the spectacle. I'm sure they put in hundreds of hours of extra work. Truly, this was an experience not likely to be repeated in decades.

I and my family wish to thank you for a tremendous job!

Doreen Banks