Sailing up Hudson

[c and c 30]

I am taking my boat from the long island sound to haverstraw on the hudson. We will spend a night around southern Manhattan, probably in Jersey City.

My question is, how long should it take to sail up the hudson from the battery to Haverstraw? I prefer to motor as little as possible, and I am hoping that this can be done easily during one day. Also, are the tidal currents important, and should I time my departure from Jersey City to coincide with the incoming tide?

Thanks for any help available.

 

[skiboy]

You will not be able to sail against the tide. Timing it is essential.

 

[CalebD]

C&C 30,

It is about 30 nm. from the Battery to Haverstraw. If you can average 5 knots of speed it should take you about 6 hours, or so.
The current in the Hudson can be 2+ knots either north or south, depending on ebb or flood tide, so it is important to try to time your passage with the current going your way.
Good luck trying to sail the entire trip. After the GW Bridge you pass the NJ Palisades which often blankets the river from any SW or W wind. Most people motor-sail, or even just motor so they can take advantage of the up river current, which only lasts about 5 hours.

Other than that it is a fun trip. Enjoy the scenery.

 

[harv]

Timing is everythiing.
Skiboy is correct about sailing up the Hudson against the tide. The reason is that unless you have a strong Southerly wind, between the Battery and north of the Tappan Zee you are sailing in a canyon, with the Palisades Cliffs to port and large buildings to starboard.

Also, while a lot of sailboats sail out of Jersey City, between the battery and the GW Bridge you don't want to be sailing due to commercial traffic.

When coming down the East River with the beginning ebb tide you will met the rest of the ebb on the Hudson. With proper timing at Hellgate you can cover City Island to Haverstraw in a day under engine. Using Jersey City maybe required depending on your timetable for Hellgate.

If you are passing the Tappan Zee at night they have some barge moorings in the middle of the river, both North and South. We had a terrible nightime accident here a while ago.

If you have the time, take a ride up the from Haverstraw to West Point (Worlds End) to enjoy some beautiful scenery. But because of the nuclear plant, make sure everything is legal on your boat.

Have a good trip

 

[harv]

I am sorry I didn't answer your question about departure from Jersey City.
Obviously you would prefer the flood, but you can depart JC on an ebb tide in the morning, but keep to port on the 25 ft contour line to stay out of the main current.
However, go under the mainspan of the Tappan Zee.
Timing is important since it gets dark earlier now.

 

[Rob2435]

Check the Steven's site for tide and currents in the hudson.

http://hudson.dl.stevens-tech.edu/maritimeforecast/maincontrol.shtml

 

[c and c 30]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the info. One guy (CalebD) says 6 hours or so. Any other opinions?