My wife and I are planning a 3 week trip this summer on our 35.5 Hunter, from Annapolis, MD to Block Island and back via C&D canal, Cape May, Barnegat inlet, NY city and the Long Island Sound. Can anybody suggest anchoring spots and marinas along the way. Any tips you have (tides, good places to visit, problem spots, etc) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance Ozana "Halipeno" mrkayak2@aol.com
- Status
I made this same passage last year
Give me a day to look at my log and I will post my suggestions. One thing is for sure- I hope you like motoring because you will be running the iron jib nearly all the time.
Give me a day to look at my log and I will post my suggestions. One thing is for sure- I hope you like motoring because you will be running the iron jib nearly all the time.
Long Island Sound
Ozana, Pick up the Maptech Embassy Guide for long Island sound, or another similar guide. We've always preferred the Long Island side. Lots of good Anchorages. Before your crossing to Block Island, You can stop at either Three mile or Sag Harbor. Sag is a good place to spend a day, Three mile is peaceful. HEED THE MAP at Three mile harbor. There is a LONG sandbar, but it is well marked. You could also drop the hook at the west harbor on the north side of Fisher's Island. Above all, GET TIDE INFO FOR "THE RACE" (south of Fisher's Island). Those are not misprints, the tide really moves that fast. Time your crossing, or you'll be sailing backwards. *!In my humble opinion, Block Island is overrated. A few more hours sailing will bring you to Martha's Vineyard or better yet, the Elizabeth Islands (Cuttyhunk, Hadley Harbor) No nightlife, but gorgeous! Happy Sailing!
Ozana, Pick up the Maptech Embassy Guide for long Island sound, or another similar guide. We've always preferred the Long Island side. Lots of good Anchorages. Before your crossing to Block Island, You can stop at either Three mile or Sag Harbor. Sag is a good place to spend a day, Three mile is peaceful. HEED THE MAP at Three mile harbor. There is a LONG sandbar, but it is well marked. You could also drop the hook at the west harbor on the north side of Fisher's Island. Above all, GET TIDE INFO FOR "THE RACE" (south of Fisher's Island). Those are not misprints, the tide really moves that fast. Time your crossing, or you'll be sailing backwards. *!In my humble opinion, Block Island is overrated. A few more hours sailing will bring you to Martha's Vineyard or better yet, the Elizabeth Islands (Cuttyhunk, Hadley Harbor) No nightlife, but gorgeous! Happy Sailing!
Mike, the need for motoring is because....
as soon as you commit yourself to a destination and a time schedule, motoring is the only answer that I have found. Yes, there is wind. However if you have 10 knots of wind and you need to make a harbor that is 70 nm distant, and your speed with the wind is 5 kt, you either have to sail 14 hours and pray that the wind doesn't die or turn against you, or you motor. Also let's not forget the effect of current which can be unfavorable for an entire week of sailing until the time shifts inyour favor. Going south from NYC to the Chesapeake, the prevailing wind is from the SW and is typically too close to your head to sail. On my return from the Chesapeake last spring, I figured that with the prevailing wind we would do well. Right? WRONG. The wind off the coast of NJ was in a favorable direction, but was only 5 kts! So I motored the entire way back. It was the only way I could make the distances between safe ports. If I had the luxury of waiting for good winds I could have probably sailed. However that would have added weeks to my trip.
as soon as you commit yourself to a destination and a time schedule, motoring is the only answer that I have found. Yes, there is wind. However if you have 10 knots of wind and you need to make a harbor that is 70 nm distant, and your speed with the wind is 5 kt, you either have to sail 14 hours and pray that the wind doesn't die or turn against you, or you motor. Also let's not forget the effect of current which can be unfavorable for an entire week of sailing until the time shifts inyour favor. Going south from NYC to the Chesapeake, the prevailing wind is from the SW and is typically too close to your head to sail. On my return from the Chesapeake last spring, I figured that with the prevailing wind we would do well. Right? WRONG. The wind off the coast of NJ was in a favorable direction, but was only 5 kts! So I motored the entire way back. It was the only way I could make the distances between safe ports. If I had the luxury of waiting for good winds I could have probably sailed. However that would have added weeks to my trip.
What about...
anchorages or marinas at the entrance to NY (Coney Island), we rather not back track to Sandy hook. We would like to handle the entrance traffic during daylight. Ozana
anchorages or marinas at the entrance to NY (Coney Island), we rather not back track to Sandy hook. We would like to handle the entrance traffic during daylight. Ozana
New England Cruise
I am organizing such a cruise in August on behalf of the HSA's on Chesapeake Bay. Keep an eye on our website for details if you are interested. http://www.nshsa.org
I am organizing such a cruise in August on behalf of the HSA's on Chesapeake Bay. Keep an eye on our website for details if you are interested. http://www.nshsa.org
Coney Island -- Hmm that would mean Sheephead Bay
Its tight in there and there is a marina with moorings. I would enter during the day, as at night, the lights make it a bit confusing, though not impossible. But if I were you, I would skip Sheephead bay (night life is "ahem" interesting -- not exactly homey and nautical - just think the antithesis of St Micheals -- But I enjoy that sort of thing -- forgetaboutit -- ). In fact the time to get into and out of sheepshead bay would be about the same as going around Sandy Hook, plus Bahrs restaruant in Sandy Hook is pretty nice with a nautical theme, etc If it was me I would skip both places and just sail into NY harbor if the weather was nice and anchor there. There is nothing like seeing the lights of NY and the statue of liberty, plus you'll be all set to get up the East River to go up to the LI Sound (Time that one correct and you'll rocket up in no time with a 5-6knot current pushing you)-- You'll need a decent anchor if you stay in NY harbor but I've done it fine a few times...remember the tide ships every 6 1/2 hours and the tidal current around the Statue of Liberty are sometimes 2+ knots. Not sure what the restrictions on anchoring post 9-11, I think you can't anchor too close to Liberty or Ellis Island, but I think you can still anchor somewhere between, just not too close to land (100 yards??) . Also just north of Ellis Island is a nice little spot There are moorings at the 79street basin available, it'll be 45 minutes out of your way up the Hudson, but if you catch the tides right ...!! Plus I think the moorings are a real bargain at $20 per night. (last I heard) It can be a bit bouncy there, but not bad for night http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_things_to_do/facilities/marinas/html/79th_boat_basin.html
Its tight in there and there is a marina with moorings. I would enter during the day, as at night, the lights make it a bit confusing, though not impossible. But if I were you, I would skip Sheephead bay (night life is "ahem" interesting -- not exactly homey and nautical - just think the antithesis of St Micheals -- But I enjoy that sort of thing -- forgetaboutit --
). In fact the time to get into and out of sheepshead bay would be about the same as going around Sandy Hook, plus Bahrs restaruant in Sandy Hook is pretty nice with a nautical theme, etc If it was me I would skip both places and just sail into NY harbor if the weather was nice and anchor there. There is nothing like seeing the lights of NY and the statue of liberty, plus you'll be all set to get up the East River to go up to the LI Sound (Time that one correct and you'll rocket up in no time with a 5-6knot current pushing you)-- You'll need a decent anchor if you stay in NY harbor but I've done it fine a few times...remember the tide ships every 6 1/2 hours and the tidal current around the Statue of Liberty are sometimes 2+ knots. Not sure what the restrictions on anchoring post 9-11, I think you can't anchor too close to Liberty or Ellis Island, but I think you can still anchor somewhere between, just not too close to land (100 yards??) . Also just north of Ellis Island is a nice little spot There are moorings at the 79street basin available, it'll be 45 minutes out of your way up the Hudson, but if you catch the tides right ...!! Plus I think the moorings are a real bargain at $20 per night. (last I heard) It can be a bit bouncy there, but not bad for night http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_things_to_do/facilities/marinas/html/79th_boat_basin.html
OK, here is my take (this is long).......
In September of 2002 my wife & I took our h40.5 sailboat to the Chesapeake from our summer mooring in Rhode Island. We spent 4 weeks total on the trip- about 1 week to arrive at the top of the Chesapeake and the last 3 weeks cruising. We wintered our boat with the nice people at Tidewater Marina in Havre 'de Grace. The following spring in April 2003 we cruised for another 2 weeks in the Chesapeake and then made our way back north to Narragansett Bay for the summer season. On both passages, north and south, we motored or motor-sailed nearly all the time. In the fall of 2002 we covered about 750 nm in the 4 weeks that spent, and according to my log we purely sailed only about 50-75nm. The return north was a very similiar experience. This motoring vs sailing scenerio has been apparent to me for as long as I've been sailing on the coasts. Anytime you are constrained by a destination and a time schedule, you are destined to motor except by the very best of luck. Our best sailing days are when we leave our mooring, follow the wind, and arrive whereever. In regard to your 3 week cruise to Block Island, I offer the following- The best and pretty much only stop at the C&D Canal is at Summit North Marina (hole-in-the-wall). You need to pick your day and time in order to catch favorable current toward Delaware Bay very early in the morning. Delaware Bay is one of the nastiest pieces of water I have seen. Plan your passage south in the bay with an ebb current and wind behind you. The top of the bay narrows considerably, and when current and wind are moving toward the top of the bay, all hell breaks loose at the narrowing point. Commercial traffic of ships and tows is frequent. The other problem of Delaware Bay is that there is only one spot to get into before Cape May. That is in the Cohassey River which is about 30nm from Cape May. I have never been there, but it is about a 4nm run from the main channel to a harbor. Being only 30 miles from Cape May, we considered it too short of a day's run, so we went from Cape May to Summit North in one very long day- about 13 hours. You would probably want to stop there since your boat speed will be slightly less than ours. There is a Cape May canal that runs from the Delaware Bay into Cape May. It has a fixed bridge of about 50 or 55 foot clearance. You may be able to get under it, we could not with our 63' mast. Inside Cape May it is very shallow. Check the charts carefully. A marina that has good sailboat access is Utsch's Marina. Call them on the VHF to obtain *exact* entering instructions. It is not obvious, but it is easy. They have diesel and a small convience store. Anchoring is easy in Cape May- choose a spot just north of the Coast Guard Station on the east side of the harbor. Plenty of water and good holding. From there, it is an easy exit to the Atlantic. You next stop up the coast will be Atlantic City (Absecon Inlet). This is a class A inlet and easy to get into. I am told that dock space is available but expensive ($3+/ft). We simply anchored on the south side of the harbor just before the bridge in 17' of water. There is a sand bar that you must go past and then cut left to go behind- check the chart. The current runs swift in the inlet, a good 3kts. We had 0.5kt at our anchor. The next class A inlet up the coast is Manasquan Inlet. It is a long day. I would avoid Barnaget Inlet- it is known to be treacherous and requires local knowledge to pass safely. It should be considered only as an emergency port. Call the Coast Guard if that become a necessity. At Manasquan Inlet you can purchase fuel at several marinas. Some of them are past the bridge, but one is on the left toward the fishing fleet. You have a couple of choices for an overnight stay. Just in front of the cove where the first fuel dock is, a small area with about 5 feet of water exists. There is room for 2-3 boats to anchor. If you continue up the small creek that is there into Willis Hole Basin, you will pass several marinas that may have slips. If you eat dinner at the Wharfside Restaurant, they may let you stay the night at their docks. In Willis Hole, there is room for 1-2 boats to anchor. It is very well protected, but you need to watch your swinging room because the current will flip 180 degrees with tide changes. At one time there was a small work barge moored and I have seen sailboats tied up to it. Another choice is to continue under the bridge on the main inlet and take dock space at one of the marinas up there. I highly recommend the Brielle Yacht Club- very friendly to us the last time we were there. They are on the right, the third marina from the bridge. Your next stop will be either Sandy Hook or you can go up into New York. You can anchor in Gravesend Bay which is on the starboard side nearby Coney Island. It looks like it is pretty open, but we stayed there for 4-5 hours waiting for favorable current in the East River. There is also a marina on the NJ side just north of the Statue of Liberty. It is called Liberty Marina- I've been there back in '89, but I don't know what it is like now. Be sure to hit Hell's Gate at slack current. Plus or minus 20min, no more. Study the charts of the East River to be sure that you can identify all the islands and the correct side of them to be on. After the East River, we anchored in a cove just past the Throgs Neck Bridge on the south side. Easy anchoring, wide open but out of the traffic area. Quiet, nice place to oserve the city skyline. The cove is called Little Bay. Stops to consider in Long Island Sound: Black Rock Harbor near Fairfield, CT Duck Island at Westbrook, CT. Good anchoring behind the breakwaters, fuel easily accessible at the first marina - Pilot Point Marina. Very expensive, $1.89/gal last spring. You are near NYC- be prepared to pay accordingly. Watch Hill, RI: This is a favorite of mine- good anchoring, nice town to visit, decent beach on the ocean. Only 30nm from Block Island. The other places that others have mentioned- 3 mile Harbor:excellent, my kind of place. Montauk: a power-boaters haven, *very expensive, $3/ft for dockage in 1999*, but you can anchor in the pond. The pond is protected but it is a 1.5nm run down into it. Watch the channel, it is well marked but forgives nobody. There is a dog-leg at the beginning of it that regularly snags a sleeping captain. Trust me on this one. As for Block Island- plan on taking a town mooring- they are first-come-first-serve basis. About $35/night in season. Anchoring is very limited in Great Salt Pond. If you arrive on a Mon-Wed you will probably find a good anchoring spot. The worst of the anchoring area is in a 35' deep spot, but most is in 5-10 feet. The island is nice to visit, but is not my favorite place to go. I've had a good dinner at Champlains Marina, but have yet to get a decent meal anywhere else. You do pay like it's a good meal, you just don't get it. You will have a great time. Let me know when you will be at Block, I may be able to come down and met you. Rich
In September of 2002 my wife & I took our h40.5 sailboat to the Chesapeake from our summer mooring in Rhode Island. We spent 4 weeks total on the trip- about 1 week to arrive at the top of the Chesapeake and the last 3 weeks cruising. We wintered our boat with the nice people at Tidewater Marina in Havre 'de Grace. The following spring in April 2003 we cruised for another 2 weeks in the Chesapeake and then made our way back north to Narragansett Bay for the summer season. On both passages, north and south, we motored or motor-sailed nearly all the time. In the fall of 2002 we covered about 750 nm in the 4 weeks that spent, and according to my log we purely sailed only about 50-75nm. The return north was a very similiar experience. This motoring vs sailing scenerio has been apparent to me for as long as I've been sailing on the coasts. Anytime you are constrained by a destination and a time schedule, you are destined to motor except by the very best of luck. Our best sailing days are when we leave our mooring, follow the wind, and arrive whereever. In regard to your 3 week cruise to Block Island, I offer the following- The best and pretty much only stop at the C&D Canal is at Summit North Marina (hole-in-the-wall). You need to pick your day and time in order to catch favorable current toward Delaware Bay very early in the morning. Delaware Bay is one of the nastiest pieces of water I have seen. Plan your passage south in the bay with an ebb current and wind behind you. The top of the bay narrows considerably, and when current and wind are moving toward the top of the bay, all hell breaks loose at the narrowing point. Commercial traffic of ships and tows is frequent. The other problem of Delaware Bay is that there is only one spot to get into before Cape May. That is in the Cohassey River which is about 30nm from Cape May. I have never been there, but it is about a 4nm run from the main channel to a harbor. Being only 30 miles from Cape May, we considered it too short of a day's run, so we went from Cape May to Summit North in one very long day- about 13 hours. You would probably want to stop there since your boat speed will be slightly less than ours. There is a Cape May canal that runs from the Delaware Bay into Cape May. It has a fixed bridge of about 50 or 55 foot clearance. You may be able to get under it, we could not with our 63' mast. Inside Cape May it is very shallow. Check the charts carefully. A marina that has good sailboat access is Utsch's Marina. Call them on the VHF to obtain *exact* entering instructions. It is not obvious, but it is easy. They have diesel and a small convience store. Anchoring is easy in Cape May- choose a spot just north of the Coast Guard Station on the east side of the harbor. Plenty of water and good holding. From there, it is an easy exit to the Atlantic. You next stop up the coast will be Atlantic City (Absecon Inlet). This is a class A inlet and easy to get into. I am told that dock space is available but expensive ($3+/ft). We simply anchored on the south side of the harbor just before the bridge in 17' of water. There is a sand bar that you must go past and then cut left to go behind- check the chart. The current runs swift in the inlet, a good 3kts. We had 0.5kt at our anchor. The next class A inlet up the coast is Manasquan Inlet. It is a long day. I would avoid Barnaget Inlet- it is known to be treacherous and requires local knowledge to pass safely. It should be considered only as an emergency port. Call the Coast Guard if that become a necessity. At Manasquan Inlet you can purchase fuel at several marinas. Some of them are past the bridge, but one is on the left toward the fishing fleet. You have a couple of choices for an overnight stay. Just in front of the cove where the first fuel dock is, a small area with about 5 feet of water exists. There is room for 2-3 boats to anchor. If you continue up the small creek that is there into Willis Hole Basin, you will pass several marinas that may have slips. If you eat dinner at the Wharfside Restaurant, they may let you stay the night at their docks. In Willis Hole, there is room for 1-2 boats to anchor. It is very well protected, but you need to watch your swinging room because the current will flip 180 degrees with tide changes. At one time there was a small work barge moored and I have seen sailboats tied up to it. Another choice is to continue under the bridge on the main inlet and take dock space at one of the marinas up there. I highly recommend the Brielle Yacht Club- very friendly to us the last time we were there. They are on the right, the third marina from the bridge. Your next stop will be either Sandy Hook or you can go up into New York. You can anchor in Gravesend Bay which is on the starboard side nearby Coney Island. It looks like it is pretty open, but we stayed there for 4-5 hours waiting for favorable current in the East River. There is also a marina on the NJ side just north of the Statue of Liberty. It is called Liberty Marina- I've been there back in '89, but I don't know what it is like now. Be sure to hit Hell's Gate at slack current. Plus or minus 20min, no more. Study the charts of the East River to be sure that you can identify all the islands and the correct side of them to be on. After the East River, we anchored in a cove just past the Throgs Neck Bridge on the south side. Easy anchoring, wide open but out of the traffic area. Quiet, nice place to oserve the city skyline. The cove is called Little Bay. Stops to consider in Long Island Sound: Black Rock Harbor near Fairfield, CT Duck Island at Westbrook, CT. Good anchoring behind the breakwaters, fuel easily accessible at the first marina - Pilot Point Marina. Very expensive, $1.89/gal last spring. You are near NYC- be prepared to pay accordingly. Watch Hill, RI: This is a favorite of mine- good anchoring, nice town to visit, decent beach on the ocean. Only 30nm from Block Island. The other places that others have mentioned- 3 mile Harbor:excellent, my kind of place. Montauk: a power-boaters haven, *very expensive, $3/ft for dockage in 1999*, but you can anchor in the pond. The pond is protected but it is a 1.5nm run down into it. Watch the channel, it is well marked but forgives nobody. There is a dog-leg at the beginning of it that regularly snags a sleeping captain. Trust me on this one. As for Block Island- plan on taking a town mooring- they are first-come-first-serve basis. About $35/night in season. Anchoring is very limited in Great Salt Pond. If you arrive on a Mon-Wed you will probably find a good anchoring spot. The worst of the anchoring area is in a 35' deep spot, but most is in 5-10 feet. The island is nice to visit, but is not my favorite place to go. I've had a good dinner at Champlains Marina, but have yet to get a decent meal anywhere else. You do pay like it's a good meal, you just don't get it. You will have a great time. Let me know when you will be at Block, I may be able to come down and met you. Rich
anchoring spots
If you get a good run with the tide you can make it to Chesapeake City from Annapolis easily. Anchor in the basin there but stick to the east side going in. It's a bit shallow in the center of the channel. If you're really fast and the weather's ok don't stop at Chesapeake City, go through the canal and anchor behind the north jetty in about 10 feet. Do the Delaware bay in one shot (at the risk of offending Delaware Bay sailors if there are any, this stretch of water has nothing going for it)- if mast is under 55 ft go through the Cape May Canal. You will never have the current with you all the way so start early and go ( weather permitting) for it. Going down the Bay is easier than coming back up. In Cape May, anchor off the coast guard training station. Keep out of the channel but don't go too close to shore as it shoals up fast. You'll get waked a lot here but most boats do slow when they reach the C.G. Cutters! Go from Cape May to N.Y. If you leave around 10 a.m. you'll get to Sandy Hook at daybreak. Take the Sandy Hook channel and anchor in Horseshoe Cove or Atlantic Highlands. In N.Y. harbour since 9/11 anchoring around the Statue of Liberty has not been allowed. You still can anchor off Liberty State Park though. Haven't been in L.I. Sound for years so can't help you there, my route takes me up the Hudson. If you have time take a trip up the Hudson, it's very beautiful, plenty of water and many good anchorages.
If you get a good run with the tide you can make it to Chesapeake City from Annapolis easily. Anchor in the basin there but stick to the east side going in. It's a bit shallow in the center of the channel. If you're really fast and the weather's ok don't stop at Chesapeake City, go through the canal and anchor behind the north jetty in about 10 feet. Do the Delaware bay in one shot (at the risk of offending Delaware Bay sailors if there are any, this stretch of water has nothing going for it)- if mast is under 55 ft go through the Cape May Canal. You will never have the current with you all the way so start early and go ( weather permitting) for it. Going down the Bay is easier than coming back up. In Cape May, anchor off the coast guard training station. Keep out of the channel but don't go too close to shore as it shoals up fast. You'll get waked a lot here but most boats do slow when they reach the C.G. Cutters! Go from Cape May to N.Y. If you leave around 10 a.m. you'll get to Sandy Hook at daybreak. Take the Sandy Hook channel and anchor in Horseshoe Cove or Atlantic Highlands. In N.Y. harbour since 9/11 anchoring around the Statue of Liberty has not been allowed. You still can anchor off Liberty State Park though. Haven't been in L.I. Sound for years so can't help you there, my route takes me up the Hudson. If you have time take a trip up the Hudson, it's very beautiful, plenty of water and many good anchorages.
For a good report on the 79th St. stop in NYC...
...consider visiting www.wings424.net. Bart & Leah did a nice job of documenting their 2-week stay at the 79th St. moorings and, while it was a washing machine on occasion when aboard, there's as much to do in that vicinity (and via the subway) as one could want. Their write-up is in both their Episodes listing and also offered separately, as I recall. Sounds like a fun trip! Jack
...consider visiting www.wings424.net. Bart & Leah did a nice job of documenting their 2-week stay at the 79th St. moorings and, while it was a washing machine on occasion when aboard, there's as much to do in that vicinity (and via the subway) as one could want. Their write-up is in both their Episodes listing and also offered separately, as I recall. Sounds like a fun trip! Jack
too many good spots to list!!
That is a great trip! I agree with the assessment that 79th St is worth the stop as well as Sag Harbor and (of course) Mystic, CT is well worth the trip. Enjoy it and I hope you have fair winds the whole way. -patrick
That is a great trip! I agree with the assessment that 79th St is worth the stop as well as Sag Harbor and (of course) Mystic, CT is well worth the trip. Enjoy it and I hope you have fair winds the whole way. -patrick
When are you planning to go?
I've wanted to make this trip with my 37.5 and would like to have a buddy boat. When are you planning to go? The HSA trip sounds nice but I'd like to be up there before August and the daily thunderstorms.
I've wanted to make this trip with my 37.5 and would like to have a buddy boat. When are you planning to go? The HSA trip sounds nice but I'd like to be up there before August and the daily thunderstorms.
Don...
We plan on leaving June 20 (weather permiting), and back by July 11. You can contact me at: mrkayak2@aol.com Ozana
We plan on leaving June 20 (weather permiting), and back by July 11. You can contact me at: mrkayak2@aol.com Ozana
New York Harbor
Been there many times (pre 9/11). Anchoring on the inside of Liberty Island is a great spot. Just a little farther north on the west side of the harbor is Liberty Landing Marina. If you need a slip it's a nice spot. From either of those 2 you can be in Long Island Sound in about 2 1/2 hours but you need to catch the flooding tide. If you time it right at the change over at Heel's Gate you get a push all the way in and out. You could see a VMG of 12kts in the East River. Once you’re in the Sound head for Oyster Bay. Prettiest harbor on the sound with loads of room for anchoring. A walk into town with restaurants, ice creams and supplies.
Been there many times (pre 9/11). Anchoring on the inside of Liberty Island is a great spot. Just a little farther north on the west side of the harbor is Liberty Landing Marina. If you need a slip it's a nice spot. From either of those 2 you can be in Long Island Sound in about 2 1/2 hours but you need to catch the flooding tide. If you time it right at the change over at Heel's Gate you get a push all the way in and out. You could see a VMG of 12kts in the East River. Once you’re in the Sound head for Oyster Bay. Prettiest harbor on the sound with loads of room for anchoring. A walk into town with restaurants, ice creams and supplies.
Ok Here are more good spots to stop on the way
Here are some western LI Sound anchorages locations you might be interested in. Of course this all depends on schedule and wants, etc. Norwalk - Nice pretty Islands and town dock available (maybe $35 total for over night - much less for a quick stop - no power just water - weekends might get crowded mid day)-- Cool town just walk over the bridge and there is a West Marine and Washington St with cool bars and restaurants - I like this town. Stamford - Its good for a quick easy emergency pull in behind breakwaters if needed. One or two restaurants on western fork of water into town - Brewers Marina there can fix almost any boat Oyster Bay mentioned, but to the east of Llyod point is Huntington and Northport. Town of Northport is small but cute and has a fixed town dock. Any of these harbors (Oyster Bay/Northport/Huntington) you will find some places to anchor and enjoy sometime. Eatons neck (Eastern point going into Huntington) has a Coast Guard station and small anchorage close to Sound to get out of quickly (just follow the markers and stay in mid channel). Black Rock/Bridgeport mentioned - I am not too enthused with that spot, but its ok and Cap't Cove is cute for a day... thats about it Pt Jeff, can't believe no one mentioned Port Jeff. Complete town with most everything you need. You can get moorings from the Yacht Club on the East Side of the Big Marina in town (~$35 a night) . Or upon entering you can go to port and anchor in "Pirates Cove" which is a huge sand pit and well protected and nice or turn to starboard and anchor up within the moorings and a nice little beach. Thimble Islands (SE of New Haven) are very pretty and will remind you of Maine - if you want to weave thru and visit - follow charts religiously. City Island -- lots of Yacht Clubs Moorings etc. Glen Cove, Port Washington (Nice easy place to slip into and anchor, Etc, etc -- there are even more places (Greenwich) but I got the big ones -- Thats why people consider it one of the top places for cruising (which is very similar to the Chesapeake) These could be consider as places you could stop if wanted on the "western" side of LI sound.
Here are some western LI Sound anchorages locations you might be interested in. Of course this all depends on schedule and wants, etc. Norwalk - Nice pretty Islands and town dock available (maybe $35 total for over night - much less for a quick stop - no power just water - weekends might get crowded mid day)-- Cool town just walk over the bridge and there is a West Marine and Washington St with cool bars and restaurants - I like this town. Stamford - Its good for a quick easy emergency pull in behind breakwaters if needed. One or two restaurants on western fork of water into town - Brewers Marina there can fix almost any boat Oyster Bay mentioned, but to the east of Llyod point is Huntington and Northport. Town of Northport is small but cute and has a fixed town dock. Any of these harbors (Oyster Bay/Northport/Huntington) you will find some places to anchor and enjoy sometime. Eatons neck (Eastern point going into Huntington) has a Coast Guard station and small anchorage close to Sound to get out of quickly (just follow the markers and stay in mid channel). Black Rock/Bridgeport mentioned - I am not too enthused with that spot, but its ok and Cap't Cove is cute for a day... thats about it Pt Jeff, can't believe no one mentioned Port Jeff. Complete town with most everything you need. You can get moorings from the Yacht Club on the East Side of the Big Marina in town (~$35 a night) . Or upon entering you can go to port and anchor in "Pirates Cove" which is a huge sand pit and well protected and nice or turn to starboard and anchor up within the moorings and a nice little beach. Thimble Islands (SE of New Haven) are very pretty and will remind you of Maine - if you want to weave thru and visit - follow charts religiously. City Island -- lots of Yacht Clubs Moorings etc. Glen Cove, Port Washington (Nice easy place to slip into and anchor, Etc, etc -- there are even more places (Greenwich) but I got the big ones -- Thats why people consider it one of the top places for cruising (which is very similar to the Chesapeake) These could be consider as places you could stop if wanted on the "western" side of LI sound.
Bring a shoehorn
Anchoring in Block Island can and will be a zoo during June, July and August. It is very very crowded during these months. Boats dragging anchor is common and if a squall comes through you'd better be on board your boat to fend off. If you plan an outside passage, you should enjoy a nice southeast breeze.Long Island sound requires alot of motoring usually. If you,d like more info on Block and the rest of The Islands here, email me @ dlafrinere@hotmail.com. Dennis
Anchoring in Block Island can and will be a zoo during June, July and August. It is very very crowded during these months. Boats dragging anchor is common and if a squall comes through you'd better be on board your boat to fend off. If you plan an outside passage, you should enjoy a nice southeast breeze.Long Island sound requires alot of motoring usually. If you,d like more info on Block and the rest of The Islands here, email me @ dlafrinere@hotmail.com. Dennis
Thank you...
very much for your tips and sugestions. I will be e-mailing some of you back for more detailed questions. Maybe I will find some of you up there. Thanks again Ozana "Halipeno" H35.5
very much for your tips and sugestions. I will be e-mailing some of you back for more detailed questions. Maybe I will find some of you up there. Thanks again Ozana "Halipeno" H35.5
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