Click here to see where we were at Sandy Hook, NJ.
Click here to see where we were in Northport, Long Island, NY
Click here to see where we were in Orient, Long Island, NY, just north of Shelter Island
Our trip from Atlantic City to the north end of New Jersey, called Sandy Hook, was a 10 hour cruise. We were lucky because it was a lovely day, not too hot,with a gentle breeze, just the way cruisers like it.
For the most part we ran about 3 miles off shore the whole way. We arrived in the anchorage late afternoon on Monday, which was the last day of the long July 4th weekend. Many boaters were leaving the anchorage to head home so we got a good spot.
We had been told about the fast ferry boats (and they were indeed fast) and that we should be very aware of them. On our approach to the anchorage one was coming toward us. We weren’t sure which way they were going so for a time we were heading straight toward one another but the ferry made a bold move to the left so we made a move to the right and avoided it. I bet they hate ‘little’ boats who don’t understand their routes.
A friend, who has a home in Manhattan, told us that we needed to be very clear headed when we went into New York harbor because aside from the many fishing boats there were also the fast ferry boats to and from New York (coming and going in every direction) and as we would be crossing the shipping channels into New York Harbor we could meet up with very large ships. We were also trying to time our entry into what is called Hell Gate. The New York harbor meets the Long Island Sound at Hell Gate. As the tide turns the water flows westward from New York harbor and eastward into Long Island sound. It can be very treacherous if you get into it it at the wrong time.
Going through New York harbor was a hoot! We got to see many ships just sitting waiting for their berths. In the background were tugs waiting to bring other ships in, and pilot boats (they actually get on the ships and take them to their berths), ferry boats (like the Staten Island ferries which go to and from the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island) and a mess of other boats. It wasn’t as scary as we had thought it might be.
Seeing the Statue of Liberty and the Battery was great. After we settled down and got the hang of it, we started to enjoyed the scenery. We will tour New York on our way back south. Here are some pictures…
Entrance to New York Harbor – Verrazano Narrows Bridge and LT driving
Tug waiting for a ship Staten Island Ferry
The Battery 
We last saw the Queen Mary 2 in Fort Lauderdale in 2009
Brooklyn Bridge
Two Tall Sailing Ships FDNY boat
Platform boat. The four pilings (you can only see United Nation’s Building
3 of them) go into the bottom to hold it in place
Cool Sign Hell Gate with NY skyline in background
Riker’s Island Prison – Serious Security Fence
We made it into Long Island Sound with no problems and what a wonderful place it is. We had no idea how beautiful it would be. Long Island Sound is big and wide and just so picturesque. We are partial to the Chesapeake since that is where we both grew up but must admit that this is just as special. Below are some cool light houses in Long Island Sound.
This one is called Execution Rocks. The story goes that in the “Old Days” prisoners would be chained out here, and the tide would drown them
We had plans to meet with Lynnie’s cousin, Betsy, who lives on Long Island. Betsy told us that Northport Harbor was a cool little town close to them. We took a mooring ball there on Tuesday, July 6th. That day it hit 102. We had been melting for several days. We won’t complain because it has been hot every where so I know we won’t get any sympathy, but that is OK!! When you take a mooring ball, you usually get a launch service that will take you to/from the boat to the dock.
Betsy and two of her ‘kids’, Ashley and Tristin, took the launch to Rickshaw and we had appetizers and adult beverages and got to know one another and then took the launch back to the dock and found a great restaurant for dinner. It was so fun getting to know each of them. Betsy must be so proud of them. Ashley and Tristin are just fine, fun, interesting people. We look forward to seeing them on our way back.
The picturesque town of Northport
Sailing school. All the kids were probably about 5 years old. So, cute!
Leaving Northport we had planned to stay at an anchorage near Sag Harbor, which is near the eastern end of Long Island. The anchorage was quiet and secluded and probably one of the prettiest ones we have stayed in so far on this trip.
Unfortunately, the weather was looking bad for Saturday, which is the day we planned to go to Jamestown, RI. So, we only anchored for one day there and left early on Friday for the 7 hour trip to Jamestown. Jamestown is where Lynnie’s dad’s family is from and getting there on our own boat was a dream come true. More about that in the next blog.
