Long Island Sound and East River (NYC)

Dear Faithful Readers,

We had a long, tedious sail from Stonington, CN to Port Jefferson, LI, across Long Island Sound (60 nm). Nice night on a mooring at Setauket Yacht Club. On to Cold Spring Harbor, NY next morning. Todd and Amy had arranged for a mooring at the Beach Club so we were almost in front of Ed and Kay's (brother & sister-in-law) house in Cold Spring. Lunch at Beach Club outside. Relaxed by the pool at Ed & Kay's and had some great meals out. Launched Ed's sailboat 'Melody II' and secured on a mooring. Peter and Jamie & Stacey and Ryland came out from NYC. Ryland wowed us with his cooking skills - we had fantastic barbeques along with perfect weather. Enjoyed a day sailing with the gang on Saturday around Cold Spring and Oyster Bay. Harbors filled with boats.


Reluctantly left Cold Spring Sunday afternoon and sailed (motored) to City Island, North Minneford Yacht Club, just north of NYC. It is a part of the Bronx. Very friendly place. Great maritime history on City Island. Walked to a fun restaurant in town. Got some valuable local knowledge for trip past NYC.

Monday up early and walked back into town for last minute supplies and coffees. Left marina at 8:45 am to catch the ebb tide south on the East River. Passed under 8 bridges and had unsurpassed views of Manhattan, UN, financial district, Roosevelt Island, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the narrows. Hit Hell Gate at the perfect time and current propelled us south at 10.5 knots over the ground as the motor idled. Made for Sandy Hook, NJ, actually Atlantic Highlands Marina, where I am updating this blog. Exhausted after dealing with giant pilings to tie on to and no floating docks! Richard had to use his Okie lassoing skills to get a line over one.