S/V Still Waters Log: 10/3 through 10/5

Ahoy There Sail Log Group:
The following excerpts are taken from our sailing journal since our last update in Port Jefferson.

Sunday, October 3, 2004
Underway for Oyster Bay at 10:35 a.m. with winds NE @ 15Kts. Under full sail on a broad reach with following seas allowed us to make 7-8 kts. It doesn't get much better than that. While deploying the JIB, the furling line got tangled, causing a few dicey moments. Fortunately we worked together and the problem was quickly solved. We were making great time before the winds decided to die on us. What a bummer! We furled in the JIB and staysail and motorsailed the remainder of the trip. We wound our way down a long channel in Oyster Bay to anchor in the West Harbor. We arrived at our anchorage at 2:55 p.m. We planned to spend an extra day or so at this anchorage but once we checked the Tide Tables for the coming week, we quickly realized that we had to move onward the next day to catch the Ebb tide through Hells Gate in the East River by 3:00 p.m. If we didn't move on, we would have to wait another week in order to catch the tide early enough to get us to our anchorage before nightfall. "Grumble we may but Go we must." Since we were too tired at this point to plot our course, we simply called it a night and planned an early start the next morning. We plan to return to Oyster Bay on our return trip so we can actually see the town.

Monday, October 4, 2004

After a long and restless night, we arose at 4:30 a.m. and began to plot our course that would take us down Long Island Sound through the East River and into N.Y. Harbor. We were both feeling a little anxious about the trip since we have heard many horror stories about going through Hells Gate due to strong currents and heavy barge traffic. At 9:30, we took the boat over to the docks and topped off the fuel and water tanks. We got underway at 10:30. Sandy reviewed the cruising guides and made notes of landmarks along the route, since it's critical to keep note of your position while traversing the river. As we approached Hells Gate, we noticed the sailboat directly ahead had slowed down and began circling around. Sure enough, a large tug and barge pulled out and cut directly across the channel to position itself for entrance through the gate. We hailed the barge to see if we could safely pass by it and were advised that three hugh barges were making their way eastward through the gate. We decided to hold back and allow the traffic to pass. Good decision! We then proceeded on through the Gate. I must say, Hells Gate was uneventful compared with the ferry and barge traffic in NY harbor. Ferries are traveling in every direction. Still, it was awe-inspiring to see the view of the city, the Empire State Bldg, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty from the cockpit of our own sailboat. Lady Liberty stands a proud watch over the harbor and we were thrilled to pass by her. We anchored behind the Statue of Liberty at Liberty Island State Park at 4:50 p.m. The day was a tremendous success and we are thrilled to be here.

Tuesday, October 5, 2004

Finally a day of rest! This morning we went ashore and Sandy took the dogs for a walk/jog around Island Park out to the point while Dave sat quietly on a park bench and enjoyed the view. We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast of bacon and eggs before attending to a few clean-up duties. Dave is now cooking up a great smelling beef stew for our dinner. Tomorrow we will continue on to Sandy Hook, NJ to wait out a good weather window for our trek down the NJ coast.

Till the next update, be well and stay warm.
The crew of Still Waters