Hi Libelula, welcome aboard... It's a fun trip you are taking. As with any family
cruise, I think picking your
weather windows are critical. It's better to sit at the
dock safe and sound than battle the elements if you don't have to, after all, you're on vacation!! Timing the tides and the currents are just as important.
I agree with Yagao, Delaware bay is not to be taken lightly, I have been beaten up there by weather and eaten alive by greenhead flys. ( flyswatters are essential! )
It's a long trip down the delaware.. If it's a hot day I stop the boat and jump in the water to cool off....or tow along on a line.
You can lay over in Chesapeake City if needed to time the current. I've also layed over at south jersey marina in Cape May, a little pricey but great showers and they can get you a table at the Lobster house next door . The run up the outside can be terrific. It's about a 24 hour run, plus or minus to Sandy hook. You can lay over at the Highlands, Horseshoe cover or one of the
marinas ( Liberty Harbor, Newport) on the Jersey side of the
Hudson, to time the current at Hell Gate. The cruising guide recommends hitting the
battery 2 hours after low tide. I believe this timing also gets you a favorable current when you hit the sound. ( the currents run opposite) I've left after that and held a favorable current through the gate. Plan this carefully. You can duck behind Governors island and enter the east river to avoid the Staten island ferries. Keep to the
Brooklyn side
There's big ship ancorages on either side keep a good watch for tugs etc.
If you have to duck in on the Jersey Coast, Atlantic City is easy. Little egg is a gorgeous natural inlet but, poorly marked and can break. Barnegat can be dicey follow the locals. I prefer Manasaquan but the currents in the river need to be respected. Brielle has a few tie ups, and nearby restaurants. If the weather is good I'd stay outside. Listen to the forecasts...don't wait for the weather to turn bad to run an inlet. I like to
cruise along 2 to 3 miles off, ( 60 foot of water ) The big ships are usually further out. You'd want to enter
New York harbor in the daylight. There are few supplies on the Hudson so get what you need before you get there.
You might want to carry extra
fuel ( diesel) I carry an extra supply in my
anchor locker ( secured) I have found that when cruising you're usually on some kind of schedule, or have the
wind on your nose!. I think I end up
motor sailing at least 50 % of the time. Not my preference, just reality.
I have the Northern Crusing guide and a few other cruising
books that give you good information about the waters as well as
phone numbers for
marinas, berths,
fuel docks etc. City island has no
diesel if you need fuel Manahasett bay ( the
capri marina is a quick in and out. ) I liked the
Long Island side of the LI sound.
There are some nice stops and good
anchorages. I found Port Jefferson to be a good Layover they have lots of moorings and launch
service. Watch the ferries.
Port Jeff is a good Run from Block Island or the islands, you might cross over to Old Saybrook on the Connecticut river ( 40 miles I think) to set you up for your trip through the
race. it's an easy in easy out layover. ( again, timing is key) Or you can
head to the Fishtail.
SSullivan is correct Buzzards bay is also to be respected, and there's a lot out there to read about the woods hole
passage timing is critical.
If you've never sailed these waters, you might want to play with
google earth!! you can take a virtual tour of every port of call it's fun. You can zoom in, and lay the image down to get a ships eye view. I love
google earth!....and it's free.
I hope you have a great! fun! safe trip. I'll be up there in July!!...
Tempest..
There are plenty of posts on here about Hell Gate. Take a search.
Linear Mode
Recent Discussions