Block Island / Nantucket

[Monterey385]

I was planning the summer cruise and noticed something interesting. The transit from Atlantic Highlands, NJ to Block Island is only 7 NM longer on the inside through LIS than on the outside via the Atlantic Ocean ... I had traditionally sailed from the Manasquan Inlet so the outside was always much shorter ... but now I'm perplexed ... lobster pots and currents on the inside or limited port access and a 22 hour trip on the outside ... Thoughts?

Second question ... Navionics autoroute brought me to Nantucket from Block Island via the channel east of the Vineyard (ie. between MV and Nantucket). I've always been told you have to go up Vineyard Sound and around MV to get to Nantucket. Thoughts on this leg?

I can't wait for warm weather! One month until we are floating again!

 

[Tom J]

We have made the transit from Staten Island through LIS several times on the inside. Careful planning is required to deal with currents, particularly at Hell's Gate on the East River. Once in LIS, there are numerous places to stop overnight. I'd say a lot depends on your weather window.

 

[uncledom]

LIS is easy in that you can pull over and drop anchor almost anywhere. Figure out where the wind is coming from and find a little cove. On the other hand the wind is usually more consistent and stronger on the outside, set the alarms and have the admiral keepwatch while you cat nap. Don't confuse distance with time. As you mentioned currents and tides, they can be your friend or your enemy. Hell Gate can hit 4.x knots so if you time it right you get a huge speed advantage for one hour and if your wrong you get a big disadvantage for two hours. Your going to have to pay attention to traffic and channel markers and where the current is strongest or weakest. But there is the whole LIS experience. First of all plan on coming up the east river and staying in Port Washington. First three days on the town mooring ball is free. First come first served, try to plan on staying there on a weekday not a weekend. No comment on which route to take the whole of the sound is a pleasure, have fun.

 

[Tom J]

If you decide to stay at Oyster Bay on Long Island, you'll find that there are no town landings for dinghies. The town doesn't "allow" dinghies to put in. The local marina is happy to have you tie your dinghy up behind the fuel dock, though. The fellow there said they don't care what the town says.

 

[shemandr]

I don't think lobster pots are a problem on the LIS route. I've done it and that was not a problem. It used to be that there are many "Lobster pots" off the south shore of Shinnicock inlet. I don't know if that fishery is still in use, are still there but I would be lots more concerned about them than in LIS.
Posters are correct that you want to hit Hell's Gate at slack or outgoing, but that is pretty easy. That would sort of control the trip. After that, the tide comes in, the tide goes out. In 12 hours it will do both. You probably would have much less current in the ocean.
As you know the LI south shore inlets are marginal for displacement boats and in the prevailing SW wind you would be traversing a 120 mile lee shore - with shoaling. So you know what my choice would be.

 

[JTulls]

Second question ... Navionics autoroute brought me to Nantucket from Block Island via the channel east of the Vineyard (ie. between MV and Nantucket). I've always been told you have to go up Vineyard Sound and around MV to get to Nantucket. Thoughts on this leg?

The lobster pots usually aren't bad if you stay mid-sound...just keep an eye out for shipping traffic. Timing Hell's Gate and the Gut or Race (whichever you choose to leave the Sound) for decent currents is going to be key too.

I've only ever gone around the light at Buzzard's Bay in the Vineyard Race so I can't comment on the Navionics autoroute, but verify your draft settings -- that could possibly be the reason for the different route?

 

[shemandr]

There is quite a bit of shoaling between MV and Nantucket. Maybe that's why. Not that Vineyard Sound isn't without it's challenges. Make sure you read the Eldridge Tide and Pilot guide passage on that area.