2016 Cruise To City

The cruise to NYC is scheduled for the weekend of June 4-5 . Destination, Liberty Landing Marina. Liberty Landing Marina is a full service marina in Morris Canal Basin on the North side of Liberty State Park, . It is opposite the World Trade Center, and has a commanding view of the NYC sky line. Notwithstanding that the sun sets in the west, you can look east and see a spectacular sunset reflected off the glass skyscrapers of lower . It has ferry service to Jersey City, , the and .

As of May 2, 2016 the dock master at Liberty Landing states there are sufficient transient slips available to accommodate Sagamore members, however the individual owners must make reservations for their vessels immediately as I can not reserve slips on your behalf.

There are two ways to reserve your slip. Go to www.libertylandingmarina.com

1.Directly with the Marina on the home page scroll down to quick down loads where you can click on the make a reservation tab. The cost is $ 4.00 per foot. The process is a bit cumbersome but if I can do it…..

2. On the same Home page halfway down on the left side is the Suntex Marina Book Now Dockwa reservation system. This is a bit simpler but there is a service fee of $ 10.00 per night added to the dockage.

Be sure to advise of your shore power requirements, as there is an additional fee for this amenity. Also be certain to receive a confirmation of your slip reservation.

The approximate distance from Gong 1 to Liberty Landing Marina is 36 nm. The approximate distance from Gong 1 to Mill Rock at is 27 nm. The approximate distance from Mill Rock at Hell Gate to Liberty Landing is 9 nm.

Currents can approach 5 knots through Hell Gate and 3 knots in the . Vessels need to time there passage accordingly.

If you are operating a power vessel then you are not as affected by the Hell Gate current as the sailing vessels, but all skippers are urged to consult Eldridge Tide and Pilot Book 2016 edition. Available at all marine stores, Amazon, OBMC, and Oyster Bay Marine Supply Store 294 South St, Oyster Bay, NY.

A. Passage to Liberty Landing On Saturday, June 4th the South West Ebb current at Hell Gate commences at approximately 10:00 a.m. making entry to the East River favorable. The distance between Mill Rock at Hell Gate and

1 Bay Avenue; PO Box 327 Oyster Bay, NY 11771 (516) 922-0555 Liberty Landing is approximately 9 nm. Most sailing vessels can complete this portion of the trip in an Hour. The current in The Battery turns unfavorable at approximately 3:00 pm. Plan on being past the Bridge by then other wise you will become the definition of going no where fast.

As an aside, on 9/11, I, with thousands of others walked from Manhattan to Brooklyn across the Brooklyn Bridge as the after affects of that tragedy played out across the city. As I walked across I saw a beautiful ketch sailing beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. There was nothing remotely beautiful that day. Some how that Ketch distracted me long enough to remind me that there is good in the world. I vowed one day to sail under that Bridge, and now my day has come.

B. The Return Passage.

On Sunday, June 5th The current in Hell Gate starts to turn unfavorable at approximately 10:00 a.m. You should plan on being through the Gate and past Mill Rock no later than 10:00 am. Therefore, if you are planning on returning to Oyster Bay on Sunday you should plan on departing Liberty Landing by 8:30 a.m.

With these currents in mind Jeanne and I have chosen to depart Oyster Bay on the afternoon of June 3rd and pick up a mooring at the Harlem Yacht Club, or anchor off City Island. I will be speaking to the Dock master at the Harlem Yacht club in the next week so check back with me if you plan on departing June 3rd.

I will depart Liberty Landing on June 6th by 9:00 a.m. which will allow ample time to make passage through Hell Gate with a favorable current, which turns at approximately 11 a.m.

Caveat : I have never made this passage. Others members in our club have, including Past Commodore Greg Bradley who is planning on making this trip. He will be happy to assist fellow members with navigation, timing and other details. He can be reached at (516) 280 2452 or (917) 602 4810. I can be reached at (516) 270 7153, to answer any questions you may have regarding dockage, mooring and dinning reservations.

I have made reservations for 14 at the Liberty House Restaurant at 6 pm on Saturday June 4th.

If you plan on joining us, reserve your slip immediately, then send me an email confirmation including your vessel name, and how many will be in your party.

Thank you

Robert & Jeanne S/V Sing To Me. [email protected]

1 Bay Avenue; PO Box 327 Oyster Bay, NY 11771 (516) 922-0555