How long does it take going Up the Hudson

Ross · Mar 4, 2010

First get the charts and a pair of dividers. Then get the tide tables. At Troy you will need to unstep the mast. No permits needed. figure out how far you must travel and how fast you can go. no problem.

Tonto's Revenge · Mar 4, 2010

We went from Kingston to NYC and back last summer. We had no wind whatsoever, so we motored almost the entire way. It was about two full days (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) each way. Kingston to Albany is probably another day to the north. It's a beautiful ride...we're doing it again this summer.

Bill1565 · Mar 4, 2010

It's been years and years, but my recollecton is about 150 statute miles from NYC to Abany. On an old man's schedule, with a newly purchased boat, this is more than 3 days. Bring tools, fuel filters and a towing service card.

orion · Mar 5, 2010

going up the hudson

It is not a bad trip, it just takes a number of days. I would estimate an average of 5 knots per hour. From New London it is a good day to the western end of LI Sound. You should plan your trip to either anchor in Manhasset Bay or call ahead to one of the many yacht clubs for a mooring for the night. You could also stay at South Minneford on City Island.
The next topic is to make sure you go with the tide through Hell Gate. The best time is high plus two hours to low plus one at the battery. You can refuel at Liberty Landing on the New Jersey side. From the New York Harbor to Poughkeepsie it is about 10 hours depending on the tide. You will always have 6 hours with and 6 against. There are numerous marinas and yacht clubs to spend the night as you go up the river. Once you get to Catskill you can have your mast taken down to negotiate the canals.
I hope this helps. The main thing is to properly plan out the trip and have the tide work with you. Also, make sure the bottom of the boat is clean as if there are barnicles or growth it will slow you down going up the river.

Ed Schenck · Mar 5, 2010

Plan your overnights carefully. There are not quite as many good places as seem to be indicated here. Favorite anchorage was behind Lady Liberty. I used to live in Hyde Park and wanted to stop there. We were in Kingston, used to work there, and rented a car only to find that the Hyde Park marina was just docks after a fire. That one like a couple of others want to put you on the river with no protection from waves and current. Not a lot of good anchorages for the same reason. Just takes planning.

CalebD · Mar 5, 2010

As others have said it is the planning that is key.
Get the Eldridge 'Tide & Pilot' book or similar for figuring out the currents in the East River and the Hudson. Eldridge is a great old tradition publication and well worth its cost for this trip as it will help you with the currents in the LI Sound as well as you make your way from New London, CT.
My estimate would be 2 full days from New London to City Island or Manhasset bay - not sailing at night and good weather permitting.
1 day for rounding Manhattan via the East River to the Battery and up the Hudson - as you will need to choose a favorable current to get down the East River during daylight your earliest opportunity could be at 3PM for example - check the Eldridge current charts for the timing and tides for the day you do this.
2 - 3 days for heading up the Hudson to Albany/Troy. It depends on whether or not you are willing to travel at night - which is not advised. It also depends on whether the current will largely be in opposition to your course or with you during daylight hours.
I would leave an allowance of 1/2 day to a full day to get your mast down whether you do it at Catskill or further up towards Troy.
Since I have never done the canal to Champlain I can only guess that 50 nm per day would be a good guesstimate. Add another 2 - 3 days.
Once mast is stepped on Champlain (add 1/2 day for this) you will have to figure out how long it takes to get your baby to your home port.
Using my approximated numbers it could take you 10 days to get to your mooring/marina. It could also take less or more time depending on many factors.
Sounds like fun.

capejt · Mar 5, 2010

boat name?

Hi Michel,
I see you purchased a boat in New London, which is my home port. Just curious what the name on her is. I know a lot of the boats in the area and was just wondering if it's one I might know.

adirondackbob · Mar 6, 2010

Michel,

We're making the same trip this summer. We moved up from our O'Day 23 to a Catalina 30, which is currently on the hard in Rhode Island. We'll be sailing her from there to Westport, NY in late June. When to you plan to make your trip?

Lots of good advice here. Based on my research and conversations with sailors who've done it, CalebD's estimate of 10 days seems about right--depending on weather and conditions.

I'm wondering if anyone has recommendations on where to tie up for the night after rounding the tip of Manhattan and heading north into the Hudson.

Bob

Ed Schenck · Mar 6, 2010

Like I said, "behind Lady Liberty".