We recently bought our first boat. Needless to say we are not veteran sailors! My problem is this, we are presently on a borrowed mooring in Northport Harbor and need to move boat over to our mooring in oyster bay. We have to do this this weekend and unfortunatly for us since it will be Father's day we are unable to get a more seasoned person to come help us. I don't really understand charts well yet. We have a loran and depth gauge and prayer....Can anyone give me the highlights? ie; buoy markings and major hazards? Mainly worried about in/out of harbor channels.
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Don't do it!
While i'm not sure the distance involved, from the questions you have asked you are not ready to be in your boat without an experienced sailor. You could be a danger to yourselves or others. Even for an experience sailor going into a new harbor can be a challange, add rain, wind, fog and high waves/sea sickness and it can become a serious situation If you must move the boat this weekend check the local sailing schools or charter companies and hire a captain for the day. Don't move it yourself. Sorry Russell
While i'm not sure the distance involved, from the questions you have asked you are not ready to be in your boat without an experienced sailor. You could be a danger to yourselves or others. Even for an experience sailor going into a new harbor can be a challange, add rain, wind, fog and high waves/sea sickness and it can become a serious situation If you must move the boat this weekend check the local sailing schools or charter companies and hire a captain for the day. Don't move it yourself. Sorry Russell
Supposed to be sunny
on Sunday. This is a trip we make all the time. Getting from Northport to Oyster Bay is no big deal in fine weather since you can navigate by sight, the route is well buoyed and if you stay on the corerct side of the buoys you can't get into trouble. However, if you are as inexperienced as you appear to be, it would really be prudent to wait until someone more experienced can help you. And is the boat properly equipped with safety gear?
on Sunday. This is a trip we make all the time. Getting from Northport to Oyster Bay is no big deal in fine weather since you can navigate by sight, the route is well buoyed and if you stay on the corerct side of the buoys you can't get into trouble. However, if you are as inexperienced as you appear to be, it would really be prudent to wait until someone more experienced can help you. And is the boat properly equipped with safety gear?
You don't tell us
anything about the boat. What length? What's the draft? There is shallow water and oyster bed stakes on the west side of Oyster Bay as you go in. Where is your mooring? There are private markers leading in to Oyster Bay Marine that mark that channel. If you can study your charts perhaps you can enter the locations of buoys along your route as waypoints into your LORAN.
anything about the boat. What length? What's the draft? There is shallow water and oyster bed stakes on the west side of Oyster Bay as you go in. Where is your mooring? There are private markers leading in to Oyster Bay Marine that mark that channel. If you can study your charts perhaps you can enter the locations of buoys along your route as waypoints into your LORAN.
Makins' for a potential disaster
Many times we will sit in an anchorage and see a poorly prepared sailor arrive. They run over moorings, approach thin water (then everyone yells at then to not go there) and have too many things happening at once. That's courting disaster. That is what I can see as potential here. Please have a seasoned person with you - good weather or not. Anything can happen to disrupt a pleasant cruise. If anything were to happen, you'd certainly say in retrospect that you should have had someone with you. And you don't want to lose your flavor for sailing by having an accident your first time out and putting yourself, others and your boat in danger. Wait a week. Rent a mooring for your boat (from a yacht club, marina, individual) if you can't stay on the one you are on. As always, assess your situation and respect the dangers.
Many times we will sit in an anchorage and see a poorly prepared sailor arrive. They run over moorings, approach thin water (then everyone yells at then to not go there) and have too many things happening at once. That's courting disaster. That is what I can see as potential here. Please have a seasoned person with you - good weather or not. Anything can happen to disrupt a pleasant cruise. If anything were to happen, you'd certainly say in retrospect that you should have had someone with you. And you don't want to lose your flavor for sailing by having an accident your first time out and putting yourself, others and your boat in danger. Wait a week. Rent a mooring for your boat (from a yacht club, marina, individual) if you can't stay on the one you are on. As always, assess your situation and respect the dangers.
Then take a Power Squadron course...
...as soon as possible. You will learn chart reading, rules of the road, plotting and basic navigation, simple boat handling. It's worth the price to be prepared. It's something you will always have with you as you embark on this great sport. Good Luck on the water!
...as soon as possible. You will learn chart reading, rules of the road, plotting and basic navigation, simple boat handling. It's worth the price to be prepared. It's something you will always have with you as you embark on this great sport. Good Luck on the water!
First Trip in Boat
What a difference a week makes! Last week everybody was saying how much fun you will have and this week it's stay put. Well, maybe it's kinda like one needs to walk before they can run. I don't know how far this trip would be but it would be good to "get to know the boat" before tackling a long trip. Also, the view from the water can be a lot different than you might expect. Last year my brother-in-law gave us a head start (they have a twin-screw power boat) to the next marina, which we took, and sailed right passed it! This is with GPS and lots of background in surveying, maping, and navigating, and IFR flying. How I missed it I don't know but we did. When we finally found out we'd passed it and turned around we had to claw our way back against a very strong current. When we finally got there they helped us tie up to the dock. Our story was we just wanted to look around. Ya, sure! Still don't know if they believed us or not but we'll never say. The moral of this story is it can happen. What about a plan B? This is also about sailing - having options available. Take this weekend and just go out to see how the boat sails and how everything works - or doesn't work. Try to find another mooring for the next week or maybe even anchor if there's room. Ensure the anchor and chain is heavy enough and maybe find soeone to keep an eye on it. For trip planning, tacking against the wind will take much longer to get to your destination than you might realize. Another consideration is current and wind direction - if they are opposed the water will be choppy and when sailing to weather this makes for a wet and bumpy ride. Are there any intermediate harbors harbor between the mooring bouy and the place you want to go? The first trip is something you'll always remember, one way or the other, and I'm sure that everybody wants to see you have a good memorable first voyage.
What a difference a week makes! Last week everybody was saying how much fun you will have and this week it's stay put. Well, maybe it's kinda like one needs to walk before they can run. I don't know how far this trip would be but it would be good to "get to know the boat" before tackling a long trip. Also, the view from the water can be a lot different than you might expect. Last year my brother-in-law gave us a head start (they have a twin-screw power boat) to the next marina, which we took, and sailed right passed it! This is with GPS and lots of background in surveying, maping, and navigating, and IFR flying. How I missed it I don't know but we did. When we finally found out we'd passed it and turned around we had to claw our way back against a very strong current. When we finally got there they helped us tie up to the dock. Our story was we just wanted to look around. Ya, sure! Still don't know if they believed us or not but we'll never say. The moral of this story is it can happen. What about a plan B? This is also about sailing - having options available. Take this weekend and just go out to see how the boat sails and how everything works - or doesn't work. Try to find another mooring for the next week or maybe even anchor if there's room. Ensure the anchor and chain is heavy enough and maybe find soeone to keep an eye on it. For trip planning, tacking against the wind will take much longer to get to your destination than you might realize. Another consideration is current and wind direction - if they are opposed the water will be choppy and when sailing to weather this makes for a wet and bumpy ride. Are there any intermediate harbors harbor between the mooring bouy and the place you want to go? The first trip is something you'll always remember, one way or the other, and I'm sure that everybody wants to see you have a good memorable first voyage.
Hi, Lori with the h25
If the weather is good, and the wind is too, then I think making the trip this week-end depends on several conditions: 1. Using your recent training to get very competent on the charts for your trip. Carefully lay out a track, and look at every navigation aide, and land feature from the mooring in Northport to the mooring in Oyster bay. 2. Set up a session with an experienced sailor who can go over the trip plan in detail with you, and advise you on how to handle each leg - and advise you on whether you are ready to make the trip. (Can you get some time with your course instructor?) The first arrival in a new harbor is always tricky! Have you sailed on Oyster Bay? If not, drive there on Saturday, and look at your destination, and all around the bay at the various landmarks. Again, if a coach could point out the way to you that would also be a big help. We have learned from our own experience and reading posts on this site that saying, "I have to make this trip this week-end," can be a set-up for getting caught in the wrong place at the wrong time - even for an experienced sailor. So be ready to put the trip off if you don't think it's the right time for any reason. I wish you fair winds, and following seas!, David Lady Lillie
If the weather is good, and the wind is too, then I think making the trip this week-end depends on several conditions: 1. Using your recent training to get very competent on the charts for your trip. Carefully lay out a track, and look at every navigation aide, and land feature from the mooring in Northport to the mooring in Oyster bay. 2. Set up a session with an experienced sailor who can go over the trip plan in detail with you, and advise you on how to handle each leg - and advise you on whether you are ready to make the trip. (Can you get some time with your course instructor?) The first arrival in a new harbor is always tricky! Have you sailed on Oyster Bay? If not, drive there on Saturday, and look at your destination, and all around the bay at the various landmarks. Again, if a coach could point out the way to you that would also be a big help. We have learned from our own experience and reading posts on this site that saying, "I have to make this trip this week-end," can be a set-up for getting caught in the wrong place at the wrong time - even for an experienced sailor. So be ready to put the trip off if you don't think it's the right time for any reason. I wish you fair winds, and following seas!, David Lady Lillie
ok ok i admit defeat
Thanks for all the advice. I kind of figured we should wait, but I am hungry to actually sail! We have no access to the boat on it's present mooring. Borrowed a slip last weekend to clean and check everything and to stock all required safety equipt, and then they put it back out again. Oh and in answer to the questions; 25' hunter. And its a fairly short trip, about 4 hours at best, going west along the northern coast of LI (sound) But fear not fellow sailors...I'll stay out of your way until we're ready.
Thanks for all the advice. I kind of figured we should wait, but I am hungry to actually sail! We have no access to the boat on it's present mooring. Borrowed a slip last weekend to clean and check everything and to stock all required safety equipt, and then they put it back out again. Oh and in answer to the questions; 25' hunter. And its a fairly short trip, about 4 hours at best, going west along the northern coast of LI (sound) But fear not fellow sailors...I'll stay out of your way until we're ready.
Going West?
Long Island can be tricky heading west since most of the wind comes from the WSW and you may have to head into it. The weather lately has been very finicky, also. The tide in the Sound can be tricky as well as stong in some places (e.g. Plum Gut). Good girl! (no offense intended) You are doing the right thing by taking the time to "study up".
Long Island can be tricky heading west since most of the wind comes from the WSW and you may have to head into it. The weather lately has been very finicky, also. The tide in the Sound can be tricky as well as stong in some places (e.g. Plum Gut). Good girl! (no offense intended) You are doing the right thing by taking the time to "study up".
Lori
Everyone is correct in advising caution. We're not talking a major trip here, as you know. If your boat is safe and has a reliable engine, you can probably motor around Lloyd Neck in an hour or so. Here's my e-mail address. Write me with any questions about the area, or if you like, include your phone and I'd be happy to discuss your trip with you. greggvb350@hotmail.com
Everyone is correct in advising caution. We're not talking a major trip here, as you know. If your boat is safe and has a reliable engine, you can probably motor around Lloyd Neck in an hour or so. Here's my e-mail address. Write me with any questions about the area, or if you like, include your phone and I'd be happy to discuss your trip with you. greggvb350@hotmail.com
I basically agree with everyone here.
One of the most important things you need to be able to do is read a chart. Do you know how to stay in a channel? Do you even know what "Red, Right, Returning" means? All you need along is "anybody" that knows the area or anything about charts and channel marker? Not a huge amount hazards there. Its well protected and not a huge tidal current and really no rough seas (This is not the Eastern End of LI Sound) So to all you naysayers out there, this is about as easy a trip as one would take on a Nice sunday afternoon (And it IS supposed to be nice this Sunday...unbeleiveble ...huh!?) Northpoint to Oyster Bay is just around Llyods Point -- Take a look at the Link -- You can zoom on the interactive chart Better yet....if you 'do' plan on making the trip and you 'do' get out there and feel your getting in trouble or confused, then give me a shout on Ch 16 My boat's name is "Breathless". (Catalina 36 -- ask for Tom) (You do have a working VHF don't you?) I 'plan' on being out on Sunday and sailing around that area (maybe anchoring in Llyods Point -- aka The Sand Hole).......I'll try and remember to leave my VHF on.
One of the most important things you need to be able to do is read a chart. Do you know how to stay in a channel? Do you even know what "Red, Right, Returning" means? All you need along is "anybody" that knows the area or anything about charts and channel marker? Not a huge amount hazards there. Its well protected and not a huge tidal current and really no rough seas (This is not the Eastern End of LI Sound) So to all you naysayers out there, this is about as easy a trip as one would take on a Nice sunday afternoon (And it IS supposed to be nice this Sunday...unbeleiveble ...huh!?) Northpoint to Oyster Bay is just around Llyods Point -- Take a look at the Link -- You can zoom on the interactive chart Better yet....if you 'do' plan on making the trip and you 'do' get out there and feel your getting in trouble or confused, then give me a shout on Ch 16 My boat's name is "Breathless". (Catalina 36 -- ask for Tom) (You do have a working VHF don't you?) I 'plan' on being out on Sunday and sailing around that area (maybe anchoring in Llyods Point -- aka The Sand Hole).......I'll try and remember to leave my VHF on.
Try chart 26E
I believe you will need chart 26E made by a firm that produces waterproof charts whose name I cannot remeber now. This should be at any chandery in your area. There is also chart 26 which is larger and less detailed but could be used on place of 26E. I would stick to the large charts and avoid the chart books themselves as these books can be difficult to master when reading from one section to another.
I believe you will need chart 26E made by a firm that produces waterproof charts whose name I cannot remeber now. This should be at any chandery in your area. There is also chart 26 which is larger and less detailed but could be used on place of 26E. I would stick to the large charts and avoid the chart books themselves as these books can be difficult to master when reading from one section to another.
Breathless??
Cruise this area all the time, it is actually a very easy and pleasant day sail. Bring a chart. Lots of zigs and zags into Oyster Bay, but well marked. Plan on motoring it after entering bay. If you call for "Breathless" on Channel 16, you may well get us as well. Our Hunter 410 is named Breathless, home port Great Neck. Actually our fourth boat named Breathless, a name we have used since 1983 (I'm a lung doctor). A little disappointed to hear of another with this name, but I'm not creative enough to come up with another. Welcome to the sailing world. Expect to make lots of mistakes. Enjoy- S/V Breathless 2000 H410
Cruise this area all the time, it is actually a very easy and pleasant day sail. Bring a chart. Lots of zigs and zags into Oyster Bay, but well marked. Plan on motoring it after entering bay. If you call for "Breathless" on Channel 16, you may well get us as well. Our Hunter 410 is named Breathless, home port Great Neck. Actually our fourth boat named Breathless, a name we have used since 1983 (I'm a lung doctor). A little disappointed to hear of another with this name, but I'm not creative enough to come up with another. Welcome to the sailing world. Expect to make lots of mistakes. Enjoy- S/V Breathless 2000 H410
Steve -- I think the Admiral saw your boat
Was it ever on land at Brewers Marina in Stamford? This is only my first boat with that name. Wasn't planning on naming her that, but when I went to look at her with the Admiral, the first thing out of her mouth was "She takes my breath away". Thus the name.... ps when you go to the Coast Guard Registry you'll find other boats with that name... So much for originality -- Though my last boats name was "Veni Vidi".....not a lot of those around.
Was it ever on land at Brewers Marina in Stamford? This is only my first boat with that name. Wasn't planning on naming her that, but when I went to look at her with the Admiral, the first thing out of her mouth was "She takes my breath away". Thus the name.... ps when you go to the Coast Guard Registry you'll find other boats with that name... So much for originality -- Though my last boats name was "Veni Vidi".....not a lot of those around.
Breathless
Breathless has been at Stamford, but not on land. Cruise CT coast frequently. The bad news is, there is yet another Breathless we have run into in CT, I think at Branford, but maybe Stamford. Slightly older Hunter I believe, have talked to owners a few years ago. It is indeed hard to be original. S/V Breathless h410
Breathless has been at Stamford, but not on land. Cruise CT coast frequently. The bad news is, there is yet another Breathless we have run into in CT, I think at Branford, but maybe Stamford. Slightly older Hunter I believe, have talked to owners a few years ago. It is indeed hard to be original. S/V Breathless h410
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