I am planning a trip from Stoney Point to City Island on the 13 or 14th and would like to hear any information on the following: Best way to catch the tides/currents from Stoney Point - City Island and back the following day. The best way to travel the east river and hell gate. Expected travel time (motoring average 4-5 knots). Would like to make the trip 1 day for each leg. Ideas for Marinas with slips for overnight (5.5' draft). Things to watch out for. This will be the first overnight trip for my wife and would like to make the best travel time and the most comfortable. Thanks for any information, all is appreciated. Gerry
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East River
Gerry - Get yourself a copy of Eldridge's at West Marine - about 12 bucks. Worth its weight in gold when trying to plan tides and currents. I've used it for a couple of trips through the East River - it's a must-have. Basically, when traveling north on the river, you want to be at the Battery at low water or shortly thereafter so you can catch the flood tide going north. The current between Roosevelt Island and Manhattan can get wicked strong - better than 5 knots at times, so you don't want to be traveling against it. By the way, do not take the east side of Roosevelt Island - you may not make it under the bridge. Stay between Roosevelt and Manhattan. When heading back south, you want to be in the vicinity of the Throgs Neck Bridge when it's high water at the Battery, so you can get flushed southbound. People tell horror stories about Hell Gate. The water is turbulent, and yes, I have seen what look like whirlpools to me, but traveling through it is no problem at all as long as you go with the the current and not against it. Watch out for debris in the area - floating telephone poles, desks, etc are not uncommon. Watch for the commercial traffic, especially the high speed ferries. Most of all, watch the skyline of the city - it's a beautiful trip. Can't help you with marinas - I've heard that Liberty Landing in Jersey City, just opposite lower Manhattan, is a good stop. Have fun...
Gerry - Get yourself a copy of Eldridge's at West Marine - about 12 bucks. Worth its weight in gold when trying to plan tides and currents. I've used it for a couple of trips through the East River - it's a must-have. Basically, when traveling north on the river, you want to be at the Battery at low water or shortly thereafter so you can catch the flood tide going north. The current between Roosevelt Island and Manhattan can get wicked strong - better than 5 knots at times, so you don't want to be traveling against it. By the way, do not take the east side of Roosevelt Island - you may not make it under the bridge. Stay between Roosevelt and Manhattan. When heading back south, you want to be in the vicinity of the Throgs Neck Bridge when it's high water at the Battery, so you can get flushed southbound. People tell horror stories about Hell Gate. The water is turbulent, and yes, I have seen what look like whirlpools to me, but traveling through it is no problem at all as long as you go with the the current and not against it. Watch out for debris in the area - floating telephone poles, desks, etc are not uncommon. Watch for the commercial traffic, especially the high speed ferries. Most of all, watch the skyline of the city - it's a beautiful trip. Can't help you with marinas - I've heard that Liberty Landing in Jersey City, just opposite lower Manhattan, is a good stop. Have fun...
Cruising Guide
While at West Marine (or on Amazon.com) pickup a copy of "The Cruising Guide to the New England Coast" which includes the Hudson River and Long Island Sound. This book and a tide table are all you need. Be prepared for a lot of motoring on the way down since this time of year the winds blow mainly from the south and will be trying to push you back up the river. And you'll have to motor on the East River. Catching the tide at the right time is crucial. I would leave Stoney Point prior to full-high tide as the north-bound current is not so strong north of the Tappan-Zee (due to the width of the river), but once you get below the bridge into the narrow portion of the Palisades, you will want to catch the ebb tide at that point. I'd leave about two hours before high tide.
While at West Marine (or on Amazon.com) pickup a copy of "The Cruising Guide to the New England Coast" which includes the Hudson River and Long Island Sound. This book and a tide table are all you need. Be prepared for a lot of motoring on the way down since this time of year the winds blow mainly from the south and will be trying to push you back up the river. And you'll have to motor on the East River. Catching the tide at the right time is crucial. I would leave Stoney Point prior to full-high tide as the north-bound current is not so strong north of the Tappan-Zee (due to the width of the river), but once you get below the bridge into the narrow portion of the Palisades, you will want to catch the ebb tide at that point. I'd leave about two hours before high tide.
J
Jack W
Been there/done that
I'm docked in Stony Point and have made this trip many times. Depending on your hull speed, leave SP at or slightly before Haverstraw high tide. This should get you to the battery just about the time the tide reverses. MAKE SURE you time it so you will hit Hells Gate at slack or when the tide will be pushing you! Rule of thumb, I've found that coming home, if you leave City Island around the same time As Haverstraw high tide, you'll time it just about right. AGAIN! MAKE SURE you hit Hells Gate at the right time. check the tide charts. City Island no longer has any marinas with slips. They've all been sold to developers for condos! The marinas/yacht clubs that are left only offer moorings. If you're looking for an equal distance for a trip, try Brewer Capri marina in Port Washington, NY. They have 2 restaurants and a nice pool. If you need any more info, contact me at wellheeled7@aol.com
I'm docked in Stony Point and have made this trip many times. Depending on your hull speed, leave SP at or slightly before Haverstraw high tide. This should get you to the battery just about the time the tide reverses. MAKE SURE you time it so you will hit Hells Gate at slack or when the tide will be pushing you! Rule of thumb, I've found that coming home, if you leave City Island around the same time As Haverstraw high tide, you'll time it just about right. AGAIN! MAKE SURE you hit Hells Gate at the right time. check the tide charts. City Island no longer has any marinas with slips. They've all been sold to developers for condos! The marinas/yacht clubs that are left only offer moorings. If you're looking for an equal distance for a trip, try Brewer Capri marina in Port Washington, NY. They have 2 restaurants and a nice pool. If you need any more info, contact me at wellheeled7@aol.com
B
Bill S.
City Island has Slips!!
I don't know where Jack W. is getting his info. We have lots of transient slips available at South Minneford Yacht Club on the Southeast side of the island. 24 hour dock assistance, shower facility, power, water, walking distance to fine restaurants. I own a Hunter Passage 450 (5.5 foot draft). Working channel VHF 69. Check out BoatUS.com/marinas for more info. I believe North Minneford also has slips as well, however, we usally have room. We just has a group of 14 boats from a club in NJ the weekend before last.
I don't know where Jack W. is getting his info. We have lots of transient slips available at South Minneford Yacht Club on the Southeast side of the island. 24 hour dock assistance, shower facility, power, water, walking distance to fine restaurants. I own a Hunter Passage 450 (5.5 foot draft). Working channel VHF 69. Check out BoatUS.com/marinas for more info. I believe North Minneford also has slips as well, however, we usally have room. We just has a group of 14 boats from a club in NJ the weekend before last.
E
Ed Fluss
THE BEST MARINA IN NYC-NORTH COVE
North Cove marina located just north of the Battery in NY Harbor/NYC is under new management. It's now Dennis Conner's North Cove. www.thenorthcove.com It's run by a fantastic management team led by a great sailing advocate Michael Fortenbaugh of the Manhattan Yacht Club. Transients are welcome large and small. Rates are reasonable and you are right in one of the most beautiful parts of the city, Battery Park City. BPC has parks, restaurants, its 3 blocks from Tribeca, 6 blocks from SOHO. Stop over on any trip. You will agree its a fantastic spot.
North Cove marina located just north of the Battery in NY Harbor/NYC is under new management. It's now Dennis Conner's North Cove. www.thenorthcove.com It's run by a fantastic management team led by a great sailing advocate Michael Fortenbaugh of the Manhattan Yacht Club. Transients are welcome large and small. Rates are reasonable and you are right in one of the most beautiful parts of the city, Battery Park City. BPC has parks, restaurants, its 3 blocks from Tribeca, 6 blocks from SOHO. Stop over on any trip. You will agree its a fantastic spot.
Ed and Bill -
Thanks for the good info. Do either of these places require membership in a yacht club for reciprical privileges, or are they open to any ol' transients?
Thanks for the good info. Do either of these places require membership in a yacht club for reciprical privileges, or are they open to any ol' transients?
J
Jack W
Thanks!
Thanks Bill! My wife and I used to go to Royal Marina. Last year when we called to make a reservation, we found out that they went condo. Then last fall, at a boat show, one of City Isalnd's finest Yacht Clubs had a booth. The club officer (who was selling club memberships) told us that "all the slips were gone". I'm thrilled to hear about South Minneford!! If the weather cooperates, I'm going to call and get a slip for this weekend!
Thanks Bill! My wife and I used to go to Royal Marina. Last year when we called to make a reservation, we found out that they went condo. Then last fall, at a boat show, one of City Isalnd's finest Yacht Clubs had a booth. The club officer (who was selling club memberships) told us that "all the slips were gone". I'm thrilled to hear about South Minneford!! If the weather cooperates, I'm going to call and get a slip for this weekend!
Membership Not Required
Gregg, South Minneford is open to all transients. In addition, there is a discount for BoatU.S. members. The phone number to reserve a slip is 718-885-3113. Don't forget to call on VHF 69 just before entering the marina for docking assistance.
Gregg, South Minneford is open to all transients. In addition, there is a discount for BoatU.S. members. The phone number to reserve a slip is 718-885-3113. Don't forget to call on VHF 69 just before entering the marina for docking assistance.
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