Hell Gate - The myths and the reality...
When I was a boy (not really that long ago) and I had my first Catalina 22 with a 5hp Johnson outboard I read in the Waterway Guide (1984 Edition) about the wild turbulent water of Hells Gate. As I was a boy in Queens, sailing out of a place called Little Neck Bay, and wanted to sail to the big city and to NY Harbor, I planned and planned the exact timing of how to get the little Catalina 22 to Manhattan and back safely with my teenage land loving friends. To answer the first part of your question. On the sound, Port Washington/Manhasset Bay or Little Neck bay are both great just for anchoring and waiting. Sheltered water good depth for the most part and Port Washington even has free day moorings and a cheap water taxi into town. City Island is also a neat place but there is no public or town dock but a quick call on the radio will reveal a few marina that charge by the hour for tie up, most have restaurants walking distance.If you wanna watch the jets land at LaGuardia there are a few spots near Rikers Island to drop the hook but it is noisy and they really come in low if they are using the North/South runway. In NY Harbor I encourage anyone to anchor near between all the NY piers and take in the skyline. It's high time boating came to NYC and more boats in the waters means the powers that be will put in "get downs" and town docks along the West Side's new Hudson River park (can you tell I have an opinion of how this park is being developed!) Go slow but almost all of the debris (if any is left) is marked and the only ferry wakes are at times annoying. On the NJ side there is a great marina called Liberty Landing just north of Ellis Island -see Morris Canal on your chart. There is fuel, bars, and restaurants. Anchoring behind Liberty and Ellis Islands is still allowed with a well marked security zone around each island. Its a fantastic spot for an afternoon with depth at low tide from 6ft in spots then opening to over 15ft. Local charters and locals like myself anchor there, fish, BBQ, and yes EVEN SWIM! Ok, now the Gate. After many years and many transits of "Hell Gate" let me say its important/great to plan and prepare for any sail, but Hell Gate is not that big a deal and you have a big window. You can transit in slack water or go WITH the current. (See a book called Elders or check www.boatersbox.com or tidesonline.nos.noaa.gov for tides/currents) Basically, the only thing you DO NOT want to do is go AGAINST the current on the east river. Slack water or with the current is the only way to go in a sailboat of any size if you ask me. In that area of the river there is always a good swell/chop in Hell Gate AT High or Low tide (1-4ft). You can actually feel the currents shift the boat from side to side and you can feel it on the rudder. The optimum way to travel through Hell Gate and up or down the east river is WITH the current. This current really RIPS! 4+ knots. It really helps you make great time! It takes just over 1.5 hours to move from the Battery to the LI Sound waters (approx the Whitestone Br) when you go at slack --or should I estimate at approx 5 knots avg speed. Good luck and enjoy the skyline. This weekend June 12/13 was full of boats and wind!
