Chesapeake to Western LI Sound

chef2sail · #1 (**permalink**) 01-14-2009

We are planning another trip to the LI sound this summer starting the 11 of July and lasting to the 26th. (We could extend anpther week if we want so give us plentry of recommendations) Anyonje who wants to do some of it is welcome. There are 2 boats from our club comming for some of the trip also.
Our wives are not keen on the cape May to Block island straight run yet so we will leave that for another year.

Comrades,

Last year we did this trip and went up the eastern side of the LI Sound and had a great time. We want to the the Conneticut/ RI side of the Sound this year.

We need some recommendations of places to anchor, anchor or moor and dingy in, get a slip for 2 days etc. If you give us a destination what is there that you can't miss seeing there.

Our trip will be From Rock Creek (Patapsco) to Reedy Island (Delaware River) to Cape May to Barnegat Inlet to Sandy Hook to Port Jefferson or somewhere on the Conneticut side. We have a week to see the sound and return to Sandy Hook.

Thanks for you help.

Dave

jasper · #2 (**permalink**) 01-14-2009

was just looking for info on the same trip.. i am looking at a boat
for sale down that way.. i will need to bring her home to NH..
said you went cape may to barnegut inlet.. would this be very
hard for a single hander?

WanderingStar · #3 (**permalink**) 01-15-2009

Check Duncan's Cruising Guide to New England. Detailed dscriptions of every harbor and anchorage, history and recommendations.

WanderingStar · #4 (**permalink**) 01-15-2009

Lots of nice, walkable small towns on that shore. Enjoyed Westport, Milford, love Noank.

christyleigh · #5 (**permalink**) 01-15-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasper

was just looking for info on the same trip.. i am looking at a boat for sale down that way.. i will need to bring her home to NH.. said you went cape may to barnegut inlet.. would this be very hard for a single hander?

I did the trip in '05 when I bought my NC in Annapolis the same way Dave did. Barnegat is usually not recommended and although I had no problems.... surfing in on a quiet 'Good Day' with big fishing boats 'tailgaiting' me in was Uncomfortable. After Port Jeff I hopped over to Watch Hill, then to NGBay. Those stopovers worked out well for my wife and I doing Motor-Sailing Day Sails averaging 6kts. As for Single Handing my wife helps with docking, mooring, or anchoring other than that she just kicks back and enjoys the ride.

camaraderie · #6 (**permalink**) 01-15-2009

There's nothing on the north side of the sound...Denby has ruined it all.

jasper · #7 (**permalink**) 01-15-2009

yo,, I may join you with my single handed new/old boat.. sure would be
easier with a couple of other boats along..

and the wait . ? no problem.. what is the hurry..

christyleigh · #8 (**permalink**) 01-15-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by chef2sail

We need some recommendations of places to anchor, anchor or moor and dingy in, get a slip for 2 days etc. If you give us a destination what is there that you can't miss seeing there.

The Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic CT. This is not just a building but a whole seaport village from the last century with period people, buildings, boats, etc..... Essex CT is also a quaint village a couple miles up the CT River.

Bene505 · #9 (**permalink**) 01-15-2009

Watch out for the Deleware Bay. If the wind is coming off the ocean, you get some good swells. Coupled with an outgoing tide, you get some steep waves.

Did a similar trip last July and had to motor into the wind at about 2.5 knots on our 50' Beneteau. Kept burying the bowrail into waves if we went any faster. No good anchorages in that area either.

Also make sure you have good charts, there are some shallow spots right next to the channel.

Now with those words of caution out of the way, enjoy the trip!!

Regards

Quote:

Originally Posted by chef2sail

We are planning another trip to the LI sound this summer starting the 11 of July and lasting to the 26th. (We could extend anpther week if we want so give us plentry of recommendations) Anyonje who wants to do some of it is welcome. There are 2 boats from our club comming for some of the trip also.
Our wives are not keen on the cape May to Block island straight run yet so we will leave that for another year.

Comrades,

Last year we did this trip and went up the eastern side of the LI Sound and had a great time. We want to the the Conneticut/ RI side of the Sound this year.

We need some recommendations of places to anchor, anchor or moor and dingy in, get a slip for 2 days etc. If you give us a destination what is there that you can't miss seeing there.

Our trip will be From Rock Creek (Patapsco) to Reedy Island (Delaware River) to Cape May to Barnegat Inlet to Sandy Hook to Port Jefferson or somewhere on the Conneticut side. We have a week to see the sound and return to Sandy Hook.

Thanks for you help.

Dave

SOUNDBOUNDER · #10 (**permalink**) 01-16-2009

Agree!!! The Delaware is a desolate stretch.
Also, I think it is good to familiarize yourself with several of the inlets along the Jersey Shore. There are some stretches where they are few and far between.

Once you reach the Sound, A CRUISING GUIDE TO THE NEW ENGLAND COAST by Duncan, Fenn, & Ware is a very good source IMO.