I am sailing to Block for the first time June 3, 04. Question is to go through the gut at Plum Island or the Race at Fisher. Any suggestions?
- Status
I've done both
Timing is critical due to the currents. Get a copy of Eldridge and plan from their current tables. I prefer Plum Gut because we like to stop over at Shelter Island/Greenport. A nice week's trip for you would include Shelter Island/Greenport, Block Island, Mystic. Enjoy your cruise; it's a wonderful area to cruise in.
Timing is critical due to the currents. Get a copy of Eldridge and plan from their current tables. I prefer Plum Gut because we like to stop over at Shelter Island/Greenport. A nice week's trip for you would include Shelter Island/Greenport, Block Island, Mystic. Enjoy your cruise; it's a wonderful area to cruise in.
Or Watch Hill passage
Both the Race and Plum Gut are known for their standing waves and high currents. A rough ride can be had in either place if the timing is not good. An alternative that is almost always calmer is Watch Hill Passage at the eastern end of Fishers Island. The current runs fast but the wave action is usually much calmer. Depending upon your timing, the currents in Fishers Island Sound can also be an advantage to your passage.
Both the Race and Plum Gut are known for their standing waves and high currents. A rough ride can be had in either place if the timing is not good. An alternative that is almost always calmer is Watch Hill Passage at the eastern end of Fishers Island. The current runs fast but the wave action is usually much calmer. Depending upon your timing, the currents in Fishers Island Sound can also be an advantage to your passage.
My advise is:
If you go via plum gut, there are some shoal area that you will have to avoid, not a problem, they are well marked. Going thru the race there are no such concerns.
If you go via plum gut, there are some shoal area that you will have to avoid, not a problem, they are well marked. Going thru the race there are no such concerns.
I'll second Rich's note about
a speedier passage through Fisher's Island Sound and Watch Hill Passage. If you time your trip, you can save time with this route. This route also affords stops at the achorage at Napatree(Watch Hill) or Stonington Harbor, both good stops in addition to Mystic.
a speedier passage through Fisher's Island Sound and Watch Hill Passage. If you time your trip, you can save time with this route. This route also affords stops at the achorage at Napatree(Watch Hill) or Stonington Harbor, both good stops in addition to Mystic.
Right up the sound
Go right up Long Island Sound (easterly) and pass between Plum Gut and the Race. Follow the tide and it will carry you almost all the way there.
Go right up Long Island Sound (easterly) and pass between Plum Gut and the Race. Follow the tide and it will carry you almost all the way there.
Paul... 
...me thinks you better reread your answer!! passing between Plum Gut and The Race means running smack into Plum Island. I don't think that's what you intended.
...me thinks you better reread your answer!! passing between Plum Gut and The Race means running smack into Plum Island. I don't think that's what you intended.
Alan...
Running up LI Sound towards BI gives plenty of seaway between The Race and Plum Gut. It may not be a perfectly straight course, but my point was to avoid both locations by riding the proper tide eastbound right up the center of LI Sound. Once clear of The Race (North) and Plum Gut/Plum Island/Gull Island (South), then adjust your course to BI New Harbor. How's that sound, OK? Watch Hill Passage is OK, too, but will add miles to the trip unless a stay is intended in Mystic, Stonington or Watch Hill.
Running up LI Sound towards BI gives plenty of seaway between The Race and Plum Gut. It may not be a perfectly straight course, but my point was to avoid both locations by riding the proper tide eastbound right up the center of LI Sound. Once clear of The Race (North) and Plum Gut/Plum Island/Gull Island (South), then adjust your course to BI New Harbor.
How's that sound, OK? Watch Hill Passage is OK, too, but will add miles to the trip unless a stay is intended in Mystic, Stonington or Watch Hill.- Status