By Liza Horan

Official Day One of the U.S. Open started in a spectacularly relaxing way: Aboard the Powerade Zero-sponsored New York Water Taxi. As we pushed off the East 35th Street dock, we had a clear view of the Empire State Building, free bottles of "The zero calorie sports drink," and a free ride to the U.S. Open.

The fully-charged voice of Greg T from Z100 welcomed us on board: "Instead of dealing with the subway, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride and a Powerade Zero." It was no recording—the DJ was on board to experience the trip first-hand so he can talk about it during paid promos on the air. Like the other passengers, Greg T hit the top deck to enjoy the cool, windy ride to Flushing.

Venus Williams' image, emblazoned on the side of the vessel, sped up the East River past the United Nations on the left, the Roosevelt Island Racquet Club on the right, and turned just before the bridge formerly known as Triboro and now as RFK. Before LaGuardia Airport came into view, the planes were heard and seen—and felt, as the exhaust from one descending Delta flight warmed the wind on the top deck as it zoomed above just before touching down on the landing strip. Exhilarating.

The DIRECTV blimp, Citifield and Arthur Ashe Stadium came into view. The World's Fair Marina lies on the west side of Citifield, about a five-minute free bus ride to the U.S. Open.

The 45-minute commute, without traffic, was like a mini staycation. The Manhattan-U.S. Open trip is a special route that the New York Water Taxi is running through Sept. 6 as part of Powerade Zero's Venus Williams campaign, which is in its second year. Free round-trip tickets are available on www.NYWaterTaxi.com.

Photos by Liza Horan