Hi I planning a trip to Greenport long island next month going from New London, I will have to go thru “race” with is know for high tides. What is a best time to do that any pointers are very appreciated. I have to say this will be my first time sailing that distance. Thanks
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Plan for Slack
Plan to reach The Race at slack tide so you won't be pushed aside too much. Sideslipping isn't the end of the world, just an inconvenience that's controllable. When you cross over and reach Plum Gut, try to plan to hit that at slack tide or a tide where the current will run with you. My experience with Plum Gut is to go with the tide (either direction). From there, it's only 6-7 nm to Greenport.
Plan to reach The Race at slack tide so you won't be pushed aside too much. Sideslipping isn't the end of the world, just an inconvenience that's controllable. When you cross over and reach Plum Gut, try to plan to hit that at slack tide or a tide where the current will run with you. My experience with Plum Gut is to go with the tide (either direction). From there, it's only 6-7 nm to Greenport.
Plum gut is a better pass.
From New London, head for Plum Gut at the western end of Plum Island. Leave New London on the going tide and it will carry you through the gut. It is just a short passage to Greenport from there. The race is a better route if you are headed for Three Mile Harbor or Montauk, but not Greenport. Jim p.s. The tide is about the same at the Race as it is in New London, but the current can be 2-3 knots. Depending upon your direction it can be a help or a hinderance.
From New London, head for Plum Gut at the western end of Plum Island. Leave New London on the going tide and it will carry you through the gut. It is just a short passage to Greenport from there. The race is a better route if you are headed for Three Mile Harbor or Montauk, but not Greenport. Jim p.s. The tide is about the same at the Race as it is in New London, but the current can be 2-3 knots. Depending upon your direction it can be a help or a hinderance.
Aim for slack at Plum Gut
Use your Eldridge to determine when the current at Plum Gut will be slack; remember that Plum Gut changes about an hour before the published change for the Race itself. I figure about 5 knots; if I remember, New London is about 15 nm from Plum Gut (check this), so try to leave about 3 hours before the current changes there (adjust for your average cruising speed). If you can, try to catch the last of the flood; that way you'll be pushed to the west, more or less the right direction. It's OK if you must cross with the ebb but either way, be sure to adjust your compass course to allow for the current; I usually allow 10-15 degrees, depending the timing and strength of the current. It can be lumpy in the Race if the current is against any significant wind. Plum Gut is also often rough; we usually motorsail through PG, just for better control -- be sure the hatches are closed and watch out for the ferries! Things will calm down a lot once you're in Gardiner's bay. Enjoy your visit to Greenport! /j
Use your Eldridge to determine when the current at Plum Gut will be slack; remember that Plum Gut changes about an hour before the published change for the Race itself. I figure about 5 knots; if I remember, New London is about 15 nm from Plum Gut (check this), so try to leave about 3 hours before the current changes there (adjust for your average cruising speed). If you can, try to catch the last of the flood; that way you'll be pushed to the west, more or less the right direction. It's OK if you must cross with the ebb but either way, be sure to adjust your compass course to allow for the current; I usually allow 10-15 degrees, depending the timing and strength of the current. It can be lumpy in the Race if the current is against any significant wind. Plum Gut is also often rough; we usually motorsail through PG, just for better control -- be sure the hatches are closed and watch out for the ferries! Things will calm down a lot once you're in Gardiner's bay. Enjoy your visit to Greenport! /j
Noank to Greenport
Walt did the same trip last month from Noank in our 356. We went around the dumplings and through the race between valiant rock and the gull lighthouse. We than followed about 1 mile off of gull and plum island to the "N" navaid just before shelter island. We did have to do some tacking back and fourth toward Gardiners Island We followed the channel to Greenport and stayed at Townsend Marina which is a very short walk to downtown. We went through the race at slack tide with no problem. Coming home we missed the tide and went through the race about 2 hours after low. It was choppy in local areas but not too bad. We were told that the race was a betterpassage than Plum Gut. We had a 15 to 20 knot SW wind on the trip over and the sailing in Gardiners Bay was great. Need to watch for pots but not as many that are in Fishers Island Sound. Its a great trip. Have fun
Walt did the same trip last month from Noank in our 356. We went around the dumplings and through the race between valiant rock and the gull lighthouse. We than followed about 1 mile off of gull and plum island to the "N" navaid just before shelter island. We did have to do some tacking back and fourth toward Gardiners Island We followed the channel to Greenport and stayed at Townsend Marina which is a very short walk to downtown. We went through the race at slack tide with no problem. Coming home we missed the tide and went through the race about 2 hours after low. It was choppy in local areas but not too bad. We were told that the race was a betterpassage than Plum Gut. We had a 15 to 20 knot SW wind on the trip over and the sailing in Gardiners Bay was great. Need to watch for pots but not as many that are in Fishers Island Sound. Its a great trip. Have fun
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