First offshore at night

[GrayGoose]

My first offshore at night is kinda modest: from NY harbor, Liberty Island, south out between Staten Island and Brooklyn, hang a left onto roughly 090, following the south shore of Long Island 125miles, past Montauk point and to Block Island's Great Salt Pond. I've read Coast Pilot's and gone over the course, prevailing winds are south westerly. Any sage advice from experienced cruisers? Thanks.
Jack:

[Jon D]

Beyond all the normal 'sage' advice, just prepare the boat, have the safety stuff done, pick a reasonable weather window and go sailing and enjoy

[Jentine]

If the weather is at all questionable, take the inside route through Long Island Sound. It may even be shorter if you are coming down the Hudson. There is no place to tuck in on the south shore should the weather turn until you get to Montauk. When you arrive in the Great Salt Pond at Block Island, get a slip or mooring. The holding is terrible. It is slick mud that will not be your friend in a blow.

[GrayGoose]

Jim, I tried to email you directly, but it was disallowed; don't know why. Thanks for your safe advice, but I've sailed out the north shore four times, anchoring all the way, and on to Block Island. I want a little more risk--just a little more---and it seemed a reasonable risk since two friends also made it their first overnight sail. I figure if I watch all safety equipment carefully, and choose my weather window carefully, the 30 hours should be okay. I need to increase the risk to increase my skills. I want offshore. Thanks again.
Jack

[Alan Wheeler]

All the Best Jack. Becarefull about wishing more risk when it is the Sea you are wishing it to.

[ssullivan]

Hi,

I have done this route as well as the LI Sound route several times in my 30' O'day. Here are some items to be aware of on your trip:

*Weather - The southern side of Long Island has relatively few harbors suitable for sailboats. Try for a good window.

*Fatigue - It's a long trip to singlehand, since you are close to shore and will encounter heavy traffic. Me and my wife together even were up against some fatigue doing this trip in a shot without stopping. Hopefully, you have some crew to make it less tiring.

*Traffic - The commercial vessels going into NY Harbor and Buzzards Bay / Long Island Sound are numerous. Frequenly, you will find tugs pulling barges with extremely long steel cables between the two. Be very aware of this setup at night and in when visibility is reduced. A fair number of boats (both private and commercial) have fallen victim to this tug/barge setup.

When do you leave? Soon? It will be a chilly one this time of year!

Take Care,

Sean