I am in the early stages of planning to sail around Long Island. I am interested in any suggestions on how to structure the trip. I've calculated that this trip is approx 260 miles and have allocated 1 week for this effort. Since I am not going to venture too far out into the atlantic, and can't sail at night, I'm looking for ideas on how to break up the trip and to better determine how much time I should allocate to this venture, presuming 12 hours of sailing per day is all I can do. My plan is to anchor each night along the coast. Thanx to all in advance,
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Cruise Planning
Tony, I just finished a 5 year cruise on the Great Lakes. Best to plan your cruise by going where the wind takes you. But, in general, if I had make a beat somewhere, I would power up and maintain 5 knots. I remember sailing on Long Island Sound on a boat delivery from Boston to Cleveland in 2001. Nice cruising area. Buz page
Tony, I just finished a 5 year cruise on the Great Lakes. Best to plan your cruise by going where the wind takes you. But, in general, if I had make a beat somewhere, I would power up and maintain 5 knots. I remember sailing on Long Island Sound on a boat delivery from Boston to Cleveland in 2001. Nice cruising area. Buz page
Long Island Regatta
Tony, Why not look into joining the annual Long Island Regatta which I believe sails around LI? I believe it is sponsored by Newsday not sure. Kevin
Tony, Why not look into joining the annual Long Island Regatta which I believe sails around LI? I believe it is sponsored by Newsday not sure. Kevin
Around Long Island
Your biggest concern should be sailing along the South Shore of Long Island, particularly depending on your draft. There are very long stretches between ports of refuge, and many of them are fairly shallow, so you will want to carefully eye the weather before starting that long leg. If the winds are blowing you towards shore, you need to be especially careful. The Long Island Sound part is relatively easy. Also, you should look in Eldridge's or a similar tide book for the details on tidal currents in New York harbor. Ignoring other forces, like winds and storms, the normal current in parts of the East River is over 5 knots. If you time your arrival at Hell Gate to meet high slack tide, the current will help you all the way. If you try to fight it or ignore it, you may spend a lot of time moving backwards!
Your biggest concern should be sailing along the South Shore of Long Island, particularly depending on your draft. There are very long stretches between ports of refuge, and many of them are fairly shallow, so you will want to carefully eye the weather before starting that long leg. If the winds are blowing you towards shore, you need to be especially careful. The Long Island Sound part is relatively easy. Also, you should look in Eldridge's or a similar tide book for the details on tidal currents in New York harbor. Ignoring other forces, like winds and storms, the normal current in parts of the East River is over 5 knots. If you time your arrival at Hell Gate to meet high slack tide, the current will help you all the way. If you try to fight it or ignore it, you may spend a lot of time moving backwards!
Long Island
Tony, Give yourself more time. It took me 3 days to get from Huntignton to the bay side of the North Fork (East End) due to weather conditions (no wind). These guys are right about the South Shore...I would skip the South Shore and just to the LI Sound all the way to the East End. Check out my Cruising Blog - it covers the East End of LI rather well - especially Greenport, Peconic Bays and Sag Harbor. If I were you - I would just stick to the above mentioned destinations and skip the S/ Shore. here is the link: http://cruisingguide.blogspot.com/ Good luck and let me know if you have any questions at all about the Eastern end of LI - I know the waters well. You can reach me through my blog! Please feel free to post a story there as well...it is all user-generated content. Rob
Tony, Give yourself more time. It took me 3 days to get from Huntignton to the bay side of the North Fork (East End) due to weather conditions (no wind). These guys are right about the South Shore...I would skip the South Shore and just to the LI Sound all the way to the East End. Check out my Cruising Blog - it covers the East End of LI rather well - especially Greenport, Peconic Bays and Sag Harbor. If I were you - I would just stick to the above mentioned destinations and skip the S/ Shore. here is the link: http://cruisingguide.blogspot.com/ Good luck and let me know if you have any questions at all about the Eastern end of LI - I know the waters well. You can reach me through my blog! Please feel free to post a story there as well...it is all user-generated content. Rob
Using the "State Boat Channel"
between the barrier islands (Jones Beach, etc) gives you the depth, but it is narrow. You have many little coves to anchor in for the night along there. One of the biggest problems will be the oversized, more-money-than-brains powerboat people who hog the channel and churn it up with no regard for the rules or common courtesy. I was almost swamped by one who HAD to pass where there was no room, he came through with his horn blaring and a finger raised, screaming to get out the f*****g way! We were motoring at 5kts, on the limit, no wake to speak of. He pushed it up to around 10-15, not on plane, and pushing a wall of water with his mega horsepower. We usually sail early in the AM before the pigs are awake. All that aside, the setting can be idyllic as you work your way along. If you are staying on the ocean side of the barrier islands, the swell can be high and the on-shore winds can be strong, and as the 1st post said, long strtches between inlets. Keep us posted and good sailing.
between the barrier islands (Jones Beach, etc) gives you the depth, but it is narrow. You have many little coves to anchor in for the night along there. One of the biggest problems will be the oversized, more-money-than-brains powerboat people who hog the channel and churn it up with no regard for the rules or common courtesy. I was almost swamped by one who HAD to pass where there was no room, he came through with his horn blaring and a finger raised, screaming to get out the f*****g way! We were motoring at 5kts, on the limit, no wake to speak of. He pushed it up to around 10-15, not on plane, and pushing a wall of water with his mega horsepower. We usually sail early in the AM before the pigs are awake. All that aside, the setting can be idyllic as you work your way along. If you are staying on the ocean side of the barrier islands, the swell can be high and the on-shore winds can be strong, and as the 1st post said, long strtches between inlets. Keep us posted and good sailing.
barier islands
Chris, I was planning on staying on the atlantic side of the barier islands (south bay) - do you think it's going to be a challenge, considering as you said the long stretches between local anchorages and the waves? BTW I didn't mentioned that I have a 24' C&C and the whole point of this exercise is to see if I can handle a long distance trip on my own. Presuming I can setup the autopilot system and work out some kinks, my next challenge was to figure out the logistics.
Chris, I was planning on staying on the atlantic side of the barier islands (south bay) - do you think it's going to be a challenge, considering as you said the long stretches between local anchorages and the waves? BTW I didn't mentioned that I have a 24' C&C and the whole point of this exercise is to see if I can handle a long distance trip on my own. Presuming I can setup the autopilot system and work out some kinks, my next challenge was to figure out the logistics.
South Shore of LI
Tony, That is going to be tricky - the breakwater channels can be rather challenging at times, especially when the tides are low w/ high winds. Power boats sometimes have a hard time navigationg through them! Sometdays they are fine. To top that - they are few and far between so if you miss one you may sail for another 8 hrs. till you get to the next one. Rob
Tony, That is going to be tricky - the breakwater channels can be rather challenging at times, especially when the tides are low w/ high winds. Power boats sometimes have a hard time navigationg through them! Sometdays they are fine. To top that - they are few and far between so if you miss one you may sail for another 8 hrs. till you get to the next one. Rob
I live in the south shore
Sailing a 24 ft sailboat should not be a problem on the south shore. I have sailed my C30 from Sandy Hook to Block Island stopping for the nights. Once you go "inside" at Jones Inlet you can sail all the way to Shinnacock. Sailing from inlet to inlet is easy too, give yourself about 7 - 9 hours between inlet and make sure you have enough fuel to motor if you can't do hull speed under sail. Most of the time in the summer the wind is light off shore, more wind in the bay closer to land. Lots of places to anchor on the south shore, almost as easy as just thoughing the hook over anywhere. Keep in my, you need to be a safe, smart minded, experienced sailor. If not, take your time, study the charts, make sure you have a good working radio and a cell phone. Towing insurance is a good idea too.
Sailing a 24 ft sailboat should not be a problem on the south shore. I have sailed my C30 from Sandy Hook to Block Island stopping for the nights. Once you go "inside" at Jones Inlet you can sail all the way to Shinnacock. Sailing from inlet to inlet is easy too, give yourself about 7 - 9 hours between inlet and make sure you have enough fuel to motor if you can't do hull speed under sail. Most of the time in the summer the wind is light off shore, more wind in the bay closer to land. Lots of places to anchor on the south shore, almost as easy as just thoughing the hook over anywhere. Keep in my, you need to be a safe, smart minded, experienced sailor. If not, take your time, study the charts, make sure you have a good working radio and a cell phone. Towing insurance is a good idea too.
Wow...5 years
just in the Great lakes. I want to spend 5 years going around the world. Now and then I think the trip I want to take is more like a 6 year trip but after hearing you took 5 years to go around the great lakes makes me think that if I want to do my trip right, maybe I should plan for 7 or 8 years. COOL
just in the Great lakes. I want to spend 5 years going around the world. Now and then I think the trip I want to take is more like a 6 year trip but after hearing you took 5 years to go around the great lakes makes me think that if I want to do my trip right, maybe I should plan for 7 or 8 years. COOL
Franklin
Remember that a season in the Great Lakes is May to October if you are lucky! But there are lots of great places to cruise--North Channel, Georgian Bay, Les Cheneaux Islands, Mackinac Island, Beaver Island, Manitou Islands, etc etc.
Remember that a season in the Great Lakes is May to October if you are lucky! But there are lots of great places to cruise--North Channel, Georgian Bay, Les Cheneaux Islands, Mackinac Island, Beaver Island, Manitou Islands, etc etc.
When?
Tony, When were you planning to make the trip? I'm thinking of doing the same this summer myself (exact time TBD, although it'll probably be late July). Actually, my cruising plans call for heading out to the East End and knocking around from port to port in Gardner's Bay -- Shelter Island, Sag, Greenport, etc. I figured as long as I was going out that way, I might as well make a full loop out of the trip -- head out via the Sound or the South Shore, and then return the other way. It looks like I'd have to go about 40 miles or so to get to Fire Island Inlet, then another 80, give or take, to Montauk. It would make for one lo-o-ong day on the water, with no easy place to hide out if things get dicey. There's a few months left to make my plans -- and change 'em if necessary. Good luck to us both. Pete s/v EmmieLou (ODay 322) Little Silver, NJ
Tony, When were you planning to make the trip? I'm thinking of doing the same this summer myself (exact time TBD, although it'll probably be late July). Actually, my cruising plans call for heading out to the East End and knocking around from port to port in Gardner's Bay -- Shelter Island, Sag, Greenport, etc. I figured as long as I was going out that way, I might as well make a full loop out of the trip -- head out via the Sound or the South Shore, and then return the other way. It looks like I'd have to go about 40 miles or so to get to Fire Island Inlet, then another 80, give or take, to Montauk. It would make for one lo-o-ong day on the water, with no easy place to hide out if things get dicey. There's a few months left to make my plans -- and change 'em if necessary. Good luck to us both. Pete s/v EmmieLou (ODay 322) Little Silver, NJ
Near Atlantic shore
for anchoring isn't a reliable plan. If the wind is blowing offshore then it will be ok, but if the wind is blow onshore then you will not be anchored there for every long...you will pick up that anchor and start sailing blindly in the night. So keep that in mind when your planning your trip.
for anchoring isn't a reliable plan. If the wind is blowing offshore then it will be ok, but if the wind is blow onshore then you will not be anchored there for every long...you will pick up that anchor and start sailing blindly in the night. So keep that in mind when your planning your trip.
Nick
Hey Nick - is that your house? I know the area (and house) well and grew up in Mattituck! I sail Rum Swizzle - a Catalina 30 I keep in James Creek. Perhaps I will see you out on the water! Rob
Hey Nick - is that your house? I know the area (and house) well and grew up in Mattituck! I sail Rum Swizzle - a Catalina 30 I keep in James Creek. Perhaps I will see you out on the water! Rob
South shore inlets
Keep in mind that when sailing on the south shore the inlets are all about 7 - 9 hours apart. Rockaway, Jones, Fire Island and Shinacock are all good, easy inlets (I use them all the time) and anckoring is easy to find righ inside the inlets.
Keep in mind that when sailing on the south shore the inlets are all about 7 - 9 hours apart. Rockaway, Jones, Fire Island and Shinacock are all good, easy inlets (I use them all the time) and anckoring is easy to find righ inside the inlets.
South Shore inlets
I also have seen Moriches Inlet in a storm and if you are thinking of it as a harbor of refuge, it can be terrifying in the wrong conditions. As the Coast Guard says, "Moriches Inlet created in 1931 has always been treacherous. For several years, mariners have been warned that navigating the inlet can be highly dangerous. In January, 1980, Moriches Inlet was by an Atlantic storm which widened it to 3/4 of a mile in width. The inlet has been filled in over the past summer to its former size, but is still very hazardous. Even Coast Guard boats have had a rough time in this inlet in recent years. During the summer of 1977, the station’s 30 footer while attempting to run outside the inlet had its forward hatch carried away by a wave. The hatch crashed through the windshield and badly injured the coxswain. The seaman on board took over and kept the boat on an even keel until a rescue helicopter could take the injured man off and put a replacement coxswain on board. The following year the station’s 40 footer was swamped over the stern while coming through Moriches Inlet from seaward." Take a look at the Coast Pilot, which is available on line for free download.
I also have seen Moriches Inlet in a storm and if you are thinking of it as a harbor of refuge, it can be terrifying in the wrong conditions. As the Coast Guard says, "Moriches Inlet created in 1931 has always been treacherous. For several years, mariners have been warned that navigating the inlet can be highly dangerous. In January, 1980, Moriches Inlet was by an Atlantic storm which widened it to 3/4 of a mile in width. The inlet has been filled in over the past summer to its former size, but is still very hazardous. Even Coast Guard boats have had a rough time in this inlet in recent years. During the summer of 1977, the station’s 30 footer while attempting to run outside the inlet had its forward hatch carried away by a wave. The hatch crashed through the windshield and badly injured the coxswain. The seaman on board took over and kept the boat on an even keel until a rescue helicopter could take the injured man off and put a replacement coxswain on board. The following year the station’s 40 footer was swamped over the stern while coming through Moriches Inlet from seaward." Take a look at the Coast Pilot, which is available on line for free download.
From where?
Tony, It never occurred to me to ask: What homeport would you be starting the circumnav from? Pete s/v EmmieLou (ODay 322) Little Silver, NJ
Tony, It never occurred to me to ask: What homeport would you be starting the circumnav from? Pete s/v EmmieLou (ODay 322) Little Silver, NJ
Starting point
My intentions are to start from Jamaica bay and head counterclockwise. If anyone is interested, my email is tonylitvak@hotmail.com
My intentions are to start from Jamaica bay and head counterclockwise. If anyone is interested, my email is tonylitvak@hotmail.com
Tony...
I owned and sailed a C&C 24 for many years on the Chesapeake and it a great little sailing boat. I was able to sail it in just about any weather as I had 5 headsails that ranged in size from a 155 genoa to a 60 per cent storm sail. Also had a main with triple-reef points. Yet sailing a boat of this type for 12 hours a day around coastal Long Island is quite different than sailing a small boat for 12 hours a day in the open ocean. If possible, try to plan for shorter sailing hours since as you know once fatique sets in your judgement become less sharp. Think about all the places you could stop if you run into bad weather or other difficulties. I assume you've got an outboard hanging on the stern (I had an 8 hp Evinrude on my boat). Figure out your consumption rate and carry extra fuel. Plan on everything taking longer than you expect. Most of all, have fun as this is a great trip.
I owned and sailed a C&C 24 for many years on the Chesapeake and it a great little sailing boat. I was able to sail it in just about any weather as I had 5 headsails that ranged in size from a 155 genoa to a 60 per cent storm sail. Also had a main with triple-reef points. Yet sailing a boat of this type for 12 hours a day around coastal Long Island is quite different than sailing a small boat for 12 hours a day in the open ocean. If possible, try to plan for shorter sailing hours since as you know once fatique sets in your judgement become less sharp. Think about all the places you could stop if you run into bad weather or other difficulties. I assume you've got an outboard hanging on the stern (I had an 8 hp Evinrude on my boat). Figure out your consumption rate and carry extra fuel. Plan on everything taking longer than you expect. Most of all, have fun as this is a great trip.
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