Street artist Swoon’s newest installation, Swimming Cities of Switchback Sea, a scrappy seven-vessel fleet that’s been traveling down the Hudson since August 15, will dock in the New York Harbor on Sunday 7. This happens roughly 500 days after artist-adventurer Reid Stowe left the same harbor in custom schooner Anne, for a voyage–art project he calls 1,000 Days at Sea: The Mars Ocean Odyssey. Here’s a look at what the mariners have in common—other than insanity—and how you can help ’em celebrate their salty journeys.

Swimming Cities of Switchback Sea

What the...?
This “sculptural floating city” delivers musical and theatrical performances at every stop. For the grand finale, Swoon will unveil new portraits at Deitch Studios (4–40 44th Dr at Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, Queens; 212-343-7300, deitch.com) after the jacks dock.

The boats
They’re built from scrap materials and some run on biodiesel-powered engines fed with walnut shells and coffee grounds.

The crews
Upwards of 50 people—including artists, poets, musicians, engineers and hangers-on—round out the junkyard flotilla.

All aboard!
Weather permitting, Deitch Studios will hold an opening reception on Sunday 7 from 6–9pm. The docked fleet will also stage its usual port performance—a play written by Lisa D’Amour—September 11–13 at 8pm.

1,000 Days at Sea

What the...?
Though Stowe will break records if he sticks out the 1,000 days, he’s more concerned with keeping a record of his at-sea experience—and of the limits of human endurance.

The boats
The Anne has a 140-horsepower diesel engine, an onboard greenhouse and an awning catchment that doubles as a washing machine.

The crews
Stowe’s original sailing partner left after nine months. (Seasickness.) Now he’s going it alone—and will miss the first 140 days of his new son’s life.

All aboard!
There’ll be a party at Pier 66 Maritime (W 26th St and Twelfth Ave at Hudson River Park, 1000days.net; $10) on Thursday 4 at 8pm. It marks the halfway point of Stowe’s trip with music, dancing and vodka. Sadly, Stowe won’t be there—he’s floating somewhere near the equator.