Google’s View of Shaboom
Ok, time to do the happy dance while chanting “We’re going sailing. We’re going sailing . . . “ over and over again! Yay! We are going sailing!
Very exciting. And the boat show, let’s not forget that. Even though this will be a quick trip, as the old saying goes, “A bad day on a boat beats any good day at work.” So, go we shall.
Long Island Sound from Mt. Sanai Harbor to Throg’s Neck
The tentative plan is to depart upon my arrival. We could wait until pre-dawn to go, but where’s the fun in that? The “plan” (I use the term loosely) is all contingent on the East River.
Back in 2004 when we were sailing the Voyage of our Life Time, I found the lack of pertinent information on the internet troublesome. Even today, I scour other peoples logs to find tidbits of navigational information. So, with out being long-winded, I’ll attempt to explain the issues of the East River and Hell Gate of other sailors who read this blog.
East River – Throg’s Neck to the Atlantic Ocean
The issue is the up-to-five-knot current that flows through the East River and the confluence of the tides and currents of the East River, Harlem River, and Long Island sound at Hell Gate, where you can find yourself white-water rafting in 70 feet of water if you time it right. Obviously, hitting Hell Gate at slack tide is important for a smooth right, but since slack tide at Hell Gate lasts all of about 5 minutes, its more important that you get there with the current flowing in the direction you are going.
It’s not really a big deal, as long as you time it right. Last year, we caught the flood tide coming up New York Harbor and cruised right through on a the current, without giving it any thought – thinking it “fun” that we were going 11.5 knots on a boat that goes about 6. I’d had no “concept” of Hell Gate and just got lucky that our timing was perfect. But after going through and knowing we were going back, it seemed prudent that I educate myself on making passage of this area again.
After studying the charts, I’ve learned that the prevailing currents between the East River and Long Island sound give way to each other at Execution Rocks, about an hour east of Throg’s Neck and the “official” entry of the East River (marked on the chart, top right). After looking at the currents, I discovered, considering our speed of 6 knots, that if we arrive at Execution Rocks at slack tide, we’ll be in place to let the East River ebb flow to pull us through the East River. An hour later, we’ll pass Throg’s Neck, another hour to Hell Gate, another hour down the East side of Manhattan to The Battery, another hour to Varrazano Narrows, and continuing on all the way to the Atlantic Ocean, one addition hour. All of New York City in five hours. Of course, if transversing east bound, you just do the opposite – arrive at any location after low tide and ride the flood all the way through. Be sure to double check the currents and enjoy an extra few knots of speed.
Been watching the weather and am not real excited about it. It was 100 degrees in Las Vegas yesterday. I’ll be arriving at night with about 45 degree temps and highs in the mid 60’s, and rainy. Good thing I’ve got foul weather gear! The winds are not shaping up as I’d hoped either, but that is assuming the weather people know what they are talking about. Not thing we can do about, so we just go.
Pat’s idea of “Provisions”
Pat has been “provisioning.” Got this post on Facebook last night with the associated photo to right:
The only problem with bringing rock star prima donna navigators on board is their outrageous demands! It’s taken me hours to make sure his pretzels have exactly 63 pieces of salt on them…
Yeah, well, my hypertension can’t handle more that 63, buddy! LOL
Weather and wild currents aside, I think it’s gonna be a good trip!
-Steve