N.Y. Nav. Law § 34
The commissioner may authorize the holding of regattas or boat races on any navigable waters of the state within his jurisdiction. He shall adopt and may, from time to time, amend regulations concerning the safety of vessels and the passengers and other persons thereon, either observers or participants. Whenever a regatta or boat race is proposed to be held on such waters, the person in charge thereof, shall, at least fifteen days prior thereto, file an application with the commissioner in his office at Albany for permission to hold such regatta or boat race. The application shall set forth the date and location where it is proposed to hold such regatta or boat races and it shall not be conducted without authorization of the commissioner in writing. A copy of the regulations adopted pursuant to this section, and of any amendments thereto, shall be filed in the office of the commissioner and in the office of the department of state. A copy of such regulations shall be furnished by the commissioner to any person making due application therefor. Any person who shall violate any regulation adopted pursuant to this section shall for every such violation forfeit to the people of the state the sum of not to exceed two hundred and fifty dollars to be recovered in a civil action.
N.Y. Nav. Law § 34