Upper Hudson River Cruising

[FF]

"now we want to proceed further east at 11 knots for 4-5 hours from Liberty Landing. That leads us past Oyster Bay and almost to Port Jefferson or Sinai"

I guess you forgot the fact that the East river is very tidal with a good flow .

The 4-5K current may change the planned 11K cruise to 7K or up to 15K.

Leaving the lower bay after low tide after the flood starts is the best option.

After passing the Throgs Neck Bridge getting into LI Sound ,you will find the incoming tide is now against you.

In theory you could catch the last of the flood up the East river and hit the sound at high tide to enjoy the K or 2 of the ebb.

Reeds will help. with all the river and LI Sound tidal current flows.

Going up the East river is EYE CANDY , Hell Gate is a tiny bit of sport and past "LA Garbage" (LGA) airport is interesting if the wind is right.

Perhaps a slower more enjoyable day than just a delivery? I would shoot for Oyster Bay , a delight.

Good cruising

 

[jimL]

FF, Your advice is what I'm looking for. I appreciate it.

Thanks,

Jim

 

[smitty477]

"That leads us past Oyster Bay and almost to Port Jefferson or Sinai Bay. Any recommendations on the NY or CT sides of the Sound?"


You do not say if you have kids or what you like to do and see but there are options just past OB. There are very sheltered harbors on both sides of the sound that have easy access without dinghies on town docks. On the Ct side is Norwalk that has the town dock right next to town the swing bridge and the aquarium. There are many restaurants and a few trinket and art stores in a very small town a short walk away.
On the sound side is Northport town dock which is similarly featured right in a small town with many restaurants , ice cream parlors and a small brewery less than a few hundreds yards away. Both have marine supply stores within a reasonable walk off the docks and both have marina options as well if desired.
On weekends it is best to get to these docks early if staying overnight as they fill up on busy days - each has water and electric hookups.
If you head to Northport town dock and will be there on the weekend perhaps let us know as our daughter is the dockmaster there and will be on shift.


Have fun & hope this helps

 

[jimL]

Smitty447,

Thanks for the information and recommendations. We may take you upon your offer as we get closer.

Appreciate your advice.

Are you located in Northport?

Jim

 

[smitty477]

Hello Jim,


We have boated out of Northport for over 20 years now owning a mooring or two for most of that time in Northport. We just sold the last boat we had and now are down to zero boats for the first time since 1986.
Once out of Northport harbor Norwalk is a 7 nm run at almost exactly zero degrees so it makes for a common trip for folks in this area.
As others have said the tides can make a larger difference in cruising time and costs as we would go up the Hudson often to at least Kinsgton or Catskill. Planning can make a larger difference and calling ahead to make sure the Spyten Dyvil was operating became a ritual.
Whether Northport or Norwalk you can call ahead on the VHF to help you get a spot once you are reasonably close by - weekends are busy at both locations in the summer.
Weather continues to look good so have a great trip.