Sailing Time

[Alan]

I'm looking to attend the rendezvous this August. How much time should I allow for the trip to Mystic from Milford, CT. I don't mind leaving very early in the am, but I prefer NOT to sail after dark especially since I've never sailed to Mystic before. Looking forward to seeing those faces behind the names.

 

[Wayne Estabrooks]

Connecticut Coast

With favorable wind and current, you can probably make it in 2 days from Milford to Mystic with an overnight at Duck Island just past Hammonasset beach. Nice Marina there also. It would be better to allow yourself more time and get to Mystic a day early or have a more relaxed trip. Several years ago it took me 3 days to go from Bridgeport to Mystic area but I only had a 22 footer and I did not sail a full day each day. Most importantly consult Eldridge tide and pilot book to take advantage of the current. If you take three days the Thimble Islands near Guilford is a nice place to see and a possible first night anchorage or Guilford Harbor just beyond there is nice.My memory of this area has faded. It has been 15 years since I sailed the So. New England coast. Perhaps someone with more recent memory and better information will respond. Wish I could join you all at Mystic but I might try to attend the rendezvous at Solomons on Chesapeake bay..Wayne, s/v Wind Drift h340

 

[Bob Zolczer]

It's two days sailing time, Alan

What works for us is to leave after work and loading the boat, then anchor behind Charles Island the night before starting out. It sounds strange to go only a couple miles, but we get a nice early start the next day without feeling stressed.I would pay attention to the winds when picking a spot to anchor for comfort and safety, since you don't want to be forced ashore if your anchor drags.Anchorages I've used going East are:In the Thimbles in prevailing Southwesterlies.Tucked behind Sachem's Head in Southeasterlies and light Northerlies.Duck Island Roads in Southerlies, but watch your depth and consider the state of the tide, since there is some shoaling.The Clinton marinas make a good stopover in heavy Northeasters.There's a long shoaling reef oriented E/W. You'll want to go either N or S of it depending on weather and the state of the tide. If you arrive late, West Harbor on Fisher's Island is a good anchorage a couple hours from Mystic.Be prepared for some weird chop when passing the race.After Mystic, it's an easy sail to Block and/or Shelter Island/Greenport/Sag Harbor, all of which are worth a visit.E-mail me separately, rlzolczer@msn.com. I've got the NOAA current charts for LI Sound and we can make arrangements to meet and go over your trip in more detail.

 

[Russell Egge]

Get the chart to Mystic

We bought our boat in Mystic and went back for a visit last year. Some points to consider.1. Tides near Mystic can serious help or hinder your trip. 2-3 knots on the nose makes for a long trip.2. Make sure to have and follow the chart in Mystic Harbor. The channel in is well marked, but it can be dificult to pick up the first marker, there are also numersous twists and turns as you go up stream. Boats are always running aground. Not a harbor to make a night approach without local knowledge.3. Last I checked Sailing Specialities did not have fuel or pumpout. You will have to go across the river to Brewers.Russell S/V AllieKat

 

[Mark Johnson]

Just made the run on Saturday

From Sailing Specialties in Mystic back to our home port in Norwalk. It took us 8 1/2 hours dock to dock. We did however have favorable wind and tide. We Averaged 8 to 9 knots most of the day. I think for you from Milford it would take 7 to 8 hours with a favorable wind and tide. If you get an early start, you should have no problem arriving in Mystic long before dark. I personnally don't like those long runs unless I have to be someplace. As previously mentioned, I would problably anchor behind Duck Island in Westbrook for the night and continue on to Mystic the next day. If the weather is bad you may want to pull into Pilots Point (one of Brewers yards) in Westbrook for the night. The entrance for Pilots Point is only a "Stones Throw" from Duck Island.