I agree with Marc
Essex is out of your way and a longer sail than you would think. Also, the wind is typically lighter as you move west up the Sound. There are very few marinas between the Connecticut River and the Thames River. The only ones I know of, and this is where I sail every week, are inside the bridges in the Niantic River. There are numerous marinas on the western side (New London) side of the Thames River. This is a perfect place to head to Block from. The only downside is that there can be a lot a rolling from sea swells and ferry traffic.So Groton, Noank, and Mystic are probably the best choices. Anywhere outside of the train bridges is good. Spicer's in Noank seems to be pretty well run. Also, as Marc stated, you really should try to work the tide from Greenport and through the Gut and then again out through the Race if you choose to go that way.