LBI New Jersey to Block Island trip

[James]

I have some vacation coming up and I was thinking about taking a trip on my 28.5 from Long Beach Island New Jersey to Block Island. This will be one of my first trips out in the yonder blue and I am relatively new to boat ownership. I have sailed single handed from the Hudson down to LBI and had a wonderful time. Does anyone have any advise on this trip, planning, things to know, etc... Has anyone taken this trip. i would really appreciate any advise for i would like to actually attempt making a trip where as land will be out-of-site.Thanks,Jim

 

[Guest]

Trip

Most people make this trip by sailing up the NJ coast, into NY harbor, up the East River, and then out Long Island Sound. Land should be in sight almost all of the way. Going up the East River, you need to time your passage with the current through Hell's Gate. With a boat your size, the current could stop you dead in the water. Most people try to go through at slack tide because of the potential turbulence. Make sure you get the local port guide to give you tide and current info.

 

[Mark Johnson]

Agreed...

Get a copy of Eldridge. It will give the tides and currents at Hell's gate and also the Race which you will go through on your way to Block Island. Both areas the current is very strong. Plan to go through both spots with the current(it will give you a boost in speed between 2 to 4 knots on average). Also get a copy of the Long Island Sound cruising guide..very helpfull. You will find many more spots to pull in on the Connecticut coast.

 

[mark schaefer]

sopping over

i agree with the li sound route...can stop in manhasset bay...then a full day to milford...a great transient only marina...another day to mystic..plenty to do see there...then another day to block...soo many lobster traps in the sound so i'm always wary of going at night

 

[Bob Zolczer]

Other ideas

Milford is enjoyable (I live there), but depending on winds, Port Jefferson is also enjoyable with as much to do as in Milford. If you make it farther, the Thimble Islands (off Branford, CT) are also quite nice.There is one bright spot. There are fewer lobster pots this year than in past years.

 

[Ed Collins]

LI Sound-Best Crusing in America

Jim, I have been to BI twice in the last 2 years by going through LI Sound. It is a safer (more harbors, more shelter, less turbulance) and more enjoyable (great marinas) route than outside in the Atlantic. As others have advised, get Eldridge for the currents in the E. River (a piece of cake as long as the currents are with you) and get the LI Cruising Guide (for marinas, restaurants, places of interest, etc.). I advise reservations at a marina on BI if you want to be on a pier. Otherwise, you can take pot luck at a buoy.Regards,Ed Collins