Next Stop....New York, New York

Dulcinea is moored in Manhasset Bay just off a place called Port Washington right at the mouth of the East River.  We moved from Port Jefferson on Thursday aiming to be here on Thursday night.  It was a beautiful day and we made good time down the sound with the aid of a favourable tide (unfortunately motoring again all the way due to a light SW wind).  We had planned on being in Port Washington that evening but with it being such a warm day we pulled into a small bay with a sandy beach, fringed by large holiday mansions with the usual imposing lawns rolling down to the shoreside.  

Long Island Sound Lighthouse

First School Test on Dulcinea

Coming down the sound the traffic increased noticeably, a sure sign that we are closing in on the Big Apple.  It was not just the marine traffic - we now have constant air traffic from the jets roaring into the NY airports and city helicopters going overhead.  Slowly the skyline of Manhattan came into view  - it was all very exciting.  We anchored up and immediately saw two or three bait balls - dense schools of small bait fish just swimming around.  They are pretty amazing as the water is so shallow you just see the water surface rippling and small fish swimming everywhere.  We have seen more since  and some are huge.  Sam, the born fisherman, wanted to try and catch some and went out in the dingy but was completely unsuccessful.  The kids and Nic had a swim after which we all relaxed on deck in the sunshine for the afternoon.  As the afternoon wore on we decided to stay put for the night.

The Bait Ball

Sam and Nic and the bait ball 

The next day we headed around to Manhasset Bay which is pretty shallow for Dulcinea.  We found a spot on the edge of the mooring field and anchored up in what for us is fairly shallow water.  As we took a launch into town the wind was picking up and by the time we got to shore it was a good 20kts, gusting 25.  We had 40m of chain out and the holding ground appeared to be good but it still worries you when you are anchored in a new place and the weather kicks up and you are off the boat.  We managed a quick look around town which was nothing special but it is always good to have a walk around.  This seems to be a stopping place for Canadian Geese - there are flocks of them flying south now and we also saw large flocks resting in the parks here.  Being a bit anxious about the holding in the bay and the weather, we headed back to the boat sooner rather than later.  On the way back the launch driver suggested that we move onto a permanent mooring slightly closer in assuring us there was plenty of water.  

First Sight of Manhattan Skyline

We got back onboard, Nic and Sam got the anchor up and we moved across the Bay to the permanent mooring.  Safely secured Scott took a good look at the depth only to realise that at low tide we would be extremely close to the bottom - too close.  By now it was dark and the wind was still howling and we decided to stay and hopefully just clear the bottom.  Had a couple of anxious hours watching the depth meter, even sounding with a lead line the old fashioned way and watching the tide go out.  Luckily the weather abated so our heave relented at the same time and eventually the tide turned.  Another lesson learned - always check.

So today is the day - we motor to New York.  Scott has been over route numerous times but is still pretty nervous about the transit.  The East River has some pretty nasty currents especially at one place encouragingly named Hell Gate just north of Roosevelt Island.  The run in is timed such that we meet slack tide at Hell Gate which puts us starting the transit around 14:30 today.  After that we will be berthed at the Liberty Landing Marina for a week.  Think all crew members are looking forward to the trip today and to the week in New York and catching up with family.

Sam getting up Courage to jump from the boom

...........still thinking

Another spectacular sunset