making the news . . . again!

Posted on October 19, 2012 by Jenny

October 6, 2012

My eyes couldn’t believe what I was reading . . .“Congratulations; Front page news of the local newspaper!” “No way! Really?” I’d spoken aloud to no one in particular. I was reading an email from the refrigerator person we had been in contact with at the Annapolis Boat Show, and he had seen our name in the local newspaper. I couldn’t imagine how the events from the previous day had managed to become front page news!

It was a Saturday afternoon when we noticed a boat that was anchored in front of us suddenly seemed a little too close to our bow. We weren’t sure if the boat had dragged its anchor, or if boats were just swinging a bit differently. Since there was no one onboard the other boat, we let more of our anchor chain out, allowing us to move back from the encroaching boat. As time passed, we realized that the boat was in fact, dragging. Fortunately, at that moment it was slowly coming backwards and next to us.

Concerned about where the boat might end up before its owners returned, I reported the scenario to the Harbormaster over the VHF. Within minutes, they showed up to assess the situation. While they were rafted along side of our boat, a young lady introduced herself as a reporter for the Capital Gazette. She explained that she was riding along with the Harbormaster for the day and doing a story about their job during the Boat Show. She asked if we minded answering a few questions. We didn’t mind, and didn’t think anything of it.

In the meantime, the Harbormaster attempted to locate the owners of the dragging boat, but with no success. However, the boat’s anchor appeared to have finally grabbed the bottom, and it had stopped moving backwards. Since the situation seemed to be okay for the time being, the Harbormaster left, but with plans to keep checking back.

In order to protect our boat, we placed numerous fenders along our hull from the bow to about midship. We just wanted a little added security in case the wind shifted. A short while later, I took Wil ashore, so he could return to the boat show for some of the generator troubleshooting advice he had been seeking. When I returned to the boat, I had an unsettled feeling about the other boat sitting so close to us, so I pulled our dinghy alongside, and tied it to our port side for extra fender protection.

It wasn’t long before things began happening at a quicker pace. The sky grew cloudy, and the wind picked up speed, as well as changed direction. Suddenly, the once dragging boat was dancing back and forth, getting closer and closer to our hull. The kids and I worked together moving fenders to where they were needed most. I was thankful I had used the dinghy as an extra cushion. Simon on Cat, called across the anchorage, asking if we needed any help, but since he was currently needing to row his dinghy, I didn’t want to trouble him. Although, we were starting to tire of the fender drill.

poor little dinghy!

Eventually, a couple of other cruisers happened to be passing by in their dinghies. They suggested that I tie the other boat to ours, so it would keep it from swinging. I had wondered that myself at one point, but I wasn’t sure about the extra weight on our anchor. They convinced me by saying I could always release the other boat if it became a problem. So, in a matter of moments, I had the two boats rafted together, with our dinghy still squished in between.

I was just about to sigh with relief when I heard Wil shout from the shore, indicating he was ready to return to the boat. How was I going to get him now? I yelled over to a neighboring boater, asking if he would mind getting my husband from the dinghy dock. Thank goodness, he didn’t seem to mind.

Just as the guy went to pick up Wil, an older couple rode up in their dinghy with confused looks on their faces. It was obvious they were the owners of the dragging boat. “Oh, good! You’re back!” I called out, and quickly explained what had happened. They looked terribly embarrassed, said a brief sorry, and quickly moved to get their boat relocated. We never saw them again.

At the day’s end, I was mentally exhausted from having to be on my toes for the entire afternoon. I’d had ideas about what I wanted to achieve for the day, but not one thing was accomplished. Oh, well. At least it made for a good story!

Here is a copy of the newspaper article, or you can read it online at the Capital Gazette of Annapolis. Notice Full Monty in the photo to the right of the Harboarmaster boat. The author’s version of the incident makes it sound more dramatic than it really was, and some details aren’t quite correct, but that’s okay. Being in the news is still kind of fun anyway!

front page of section B

page two

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new perspectives, new friends

Posted on October 19, 2012 by Jenny

October 1 – 8, 2012

Our time spent in Annapolis was a whirlwind of fun and activity. This was our first year spending time at the Annapolis Boat Show as cruisers. In past years, we had visited the show as future boat buyers, and then as pre-cruising boat owners. This year we were getting to see the show, not only from the cruising perspective, but also as a working participant.

As luck would have it, the same people who knew Wil’s mom (Matt & Mary Elizabeth of Kokoi) also had job connections with the boat show. Matt hooked Wil up with a boat detailing job on boats that would be on display at the show. On most days, Wil worked all day, everyday (except for one day of rain), starting the Monday before the show opened, all the way through the sailboat portion of the show. Every morning before sun up, I would dinghy Wil ashore, and then most days Matt would bring him back to the boat at the end of the day. In preparation for the boat show, Wil detailed six catamarans, as well as several powerboats. Once the show was underway, and every morning before the show gates opened, he would help wash down boats until they were pristine and ready for display.

On shows days, Wil was free from work once the gates opened to the public. As an employee, he had a pass that allowed him to freely come and go from the show. Since we were still having generator issues, he would visit the Westerbeke vendor, get some troubleshooting input, and then return to the boat to give it a try. Eventually, after all these months, the generator is finally fixed! It was just a bad diode. Wil also visited various vendors, gathering research for other things needed onboard.

statue of author Alex Haley reading to children

For the first part of the week, while Wil was working, the kids did their daily schooling. Once the boat show opened to the public, the kids set up shop outside the show gates, selling their jewelry inventory to passerbys. Colin figured out how to stand around the corner with his sign and grab the attention of possible buyers. Justine would stand with the merchandise and make the sales. They made a great team and returned to the boat a little richer.

ready for potential customers

presenting the display of jewelry

 

 

 

 

 

 

As we found our niche on Spa Creek and in Annapolis, it was as though we were at home in a neighborhood. A neighborhood full of kids for that matter! Wil would go to work, the kids would do school, we would have chores or errands, and then we could have play time in the afternoons and evenings. If neighboring cruisers needed a hand, we gave each other a hand. When someone had a birthday, there was a party. By the end of the week, our kids had a total of 7 cruising playmates on the creek! It was a special place to be.

Cruisers we got to spend time with in Annapolis: Anything Goes, Cat, Patronus, Escape Velocity, What If, Kokoi, and Flight Plan. Blog sites for Anything Goes and Patronus both have photos of some of our activities.

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mixed up in annapolis

Posted on October 19, 2012 by Jenny

September 28 – 29, 2012

anchorage at Spa Creek ~ dinghy dock just right of center

Our first two days in Annapolis were spent doing chores and getting parts.

On day one, Wendy (Anything Goes) and I decided to do a “ladies only” trip to the grocery store. The store was about a mile and half away, and we were looking forward to taking Annapolis’ free eCruisers shuttle service. However, once we were ashore, we discovered the shuttle would be out of service for the next hour. Therefore, we decided to walk to the grocery store, and then we would call the shuttle for our return trip when we had all of our bags full of groceries.

Once we were done shopping, Wendy made the call to eCruisers, only to find out they weren’t servicing our area for the rest of the day. Well, we wished we’d known that information sooner! We stood in the store parking lot with our carts full of groceries trying to decide what our next step would be. Fortunately, there was a city bus stop just a short distance from us, so we lugged our heavy bags over to the bus stop bench.

We scrounged up $1.60 in exact change for each of us, and rode the city bus back to the center of downtown Annapolis. Once off the bus, we walked another short distance where we could catch the city’s free Circulator Trolley that would put us closer to the dinghy dock. We boarded the trolley with all of our bags and collapsed on the seat.

As we rode along, we enjoyed each other’s company and shared many stories. We were so engrossed in conversation that we didn’t notice where the trolley had taken us. The bus driver had to interrupt us and ask if we were getting off the bus. That’s when we noticed we were at the Naval Academy’s football stadium, as well as the last two people on the bus. We were both puzzled. Was this not the bus to downtown Annapolis? Nope! It was the stadium shuttle. Oops! After the bus driver took a short break, he returned us to downtown where we could catch the regular trolley that we had needed to begin with. About four hours after we had begun our shopping journey, we finally showed up for our poor starving families. Ever since that day, we continue to be the receiving end of jokes by our other halves. It was definitely an adventure to laugh about!

The following day was dedicated to laundry and errands. While Wendy and I, along with most of the kids, went to the local laundromat, the dads went on a hunt for boat parts. The guys, with 6 1/2 year old year old Olivia in tow, walked for miles and miles only to be mostly unsuccesssful in finding what they needed. They finally threw in the towel and found the rest of us at the laundromat. Together, we all made the trek back to the dinghy dock with loads of clean clothes. By the time we returned to the boat, we were exhausted and ready for an early bedtime.

sunset on Spa Creek

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sassafras to annapolis

Posted on October 16, 2012 by Jenny

September 27, 2012

Once we departed the Sassafras River, we had just a little more than 30 miles to Annapolis. We would be there by mid-afternoon.

NOT a sea gull!

Bald Eagle taking off

Bald Eagle taking flight

beautiful in flight

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upon our arrival, we weren’t sure exactly where we were going to anchor. Spa Creek was the more protected anchorage in close proximity to the Annapolis Boat Show. We were arriving a week before the show, so we could find a good spot. However, many boats had already arrived, and we weren’t sure if there would be a spot within decent walking distance from downtown and the show.

We chose to explore Back Creek first, but it was too narrow for our comfort. Therefore, we decided to give Spa Creek a try, but that meant passing through the drawbridge. We hailed the Annapolis Harbormaster on the VHF to find out the Spa Creek bridge opening schedule. It opens every half hour, except during morning and afternoon rush hour.

We were just far enough away from the bridge that we were either going to make the opening, or not. We had to decide to rush, or not. If we just missed it, we would be stuck waiting for 30 minutes unti the next opening. If we took our time, we would have less time to wait. We would speed up and slow down, undecided about what to do. As we got closer to the bridge, it was exactly on the half hour. We hailed the bridge tender and asked if he would still open the bridge for us. He gave us 2 minutes to get there, so we gunned the engines and made it.

As the bridge was opening, and we were finally lined up for our pass through the bridge, we gasped at the width we needed to squeeze through. Would we fit? I called the bridge tender back, asking how wide the bridge was, but he didn’t respond. At that moment, it was all or nothing. Wil chose to give it the all. He put the boat full speed ahead and went for it. I was forward on the deck, wanting to cover my eyes and brace for impact. It was just too narrow! But . . . we made it. Again, my heart was in my throat.

The Spa Creek drawbridge is 39.7 feet wide where boats pass through. Our boat is 26.4 feet wide. That means, if we pass through the bridge exactly on center, we have 6.7 feet between the side of each hull and the bridge wall. Throw in a little bit of wind and current, and you have what equates to something that’s a little too close for comfort. After the fact, we learned that there are some boats that actually pass through with their fenders down. We’ll have to remember that technique for similar situations in the future!

After we dropped the hook and got things squared away, we dinghied to shore to explore the Annapolis waterfront. Every street that ends along Spa Creek has a public dinghy dock, so getting ashore was quite convenient. We went by the Visitor Center and got information on where to find groceries and laundry facilities.

From the town’s waterfront, we saw Anything Goes approaching the Spa Creek bridge. They had been about a day behind us and pushed hard to arrive in Annapolis by that evening. We walked up on the bridge, hailed them from our handheld VHF, and told them to look up at the bridge. We all gave huge arm waves to each other.

We turned to look down the creek to see Full Monty at anchor. That’s when we noticed that Cat was anchored near us. Simon had also arrived while we had been in town. We would finally get to meet him in person.

Full Monty anchored just inside Spa Creek

Annapolis Yacht Club

Spa Creek bridge opening for a boat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That evening, we had Anything Goes and Cat aboard for drinks and story swapping. While we were visiting, a voice in the dark called out from a passing dinghy, asking if we knew Jennifer Wenk. Jennifer is Wil’s mom, and we’d just arrived in town to find someone who knew her from Beaufort. It turned out to be a young cruising couple, Matt and Mary Elizabeth, who had gotten a ride from West Marine (Morehead City) back to Beaufort with Wil’s mom and Pete. The cruising world gets smaller by the day.

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sitting on the sassafras

Posted on October 15, 2012 by Jenny

September 25 – 26, 2012

Sitting on the Sassafras River, the calm waters are lapping at the hull and the air is peaceful. There is the refreshing smell of land all around us. The sound of birds chirping from the shore just adds to the relaxation. Oh wait! No! The chirping is coming from a video game that Colin is playing. That just popped my bubble! I choose to ignore the fact that the birds aren’t real, and place myself back in the peaceful setting. KABOOM! The boat suddenly vibrates in the water as an explosion from a nearby military base rings through the air. Then, all is quiet again.

The wind was going to be out of a northerly direction for the next two days, so the Sassafras River was where we were going to sit until the wind was in our favor again. We caught up on school and relaxed.

One afternoon, Wil popped a huge pot of popcorn, and we sat in the cockpit, crowded around the bowl, savoring every bite of the salty snack. We laughed and joked, and thoroughly enjoyed the extra special family time together.

lots of book reading

caught before my morning coffee

always performing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the morning of our second day, other boats around us hoisted their anchors and left early. This caused Wil’s mind to play tricks on him. Maybe the wind was okay for heading south down the Chesapeake. It was a light breeze, and maybe the other boaters knew something we didn’t.

After lunch, and after school was done, we picked up the anchor and began sailing out of the Sassafras River. As we neared the river opening to the Chesapeake, we realized that the wind was definitely not in our favor, and it was in fact still bumpy out there.

I have a hard time dealing with “turning back”, so I was not happy when we had to ditch our efforts and come about. And since that was the case, I declared that we were not, by any means, going to use the engines. We would sail back, so matter how light the wind was on our stern. Sure enough, we lazily crept along at about 3 knots, and it turned into quite the relaxing afternoon. We were sailing without having to be somewhere by sunset. We returned to our exact anchor spot, and only turned on the engines to keep us out of shallow water.

riders on the nearby beach

While back at anchor, we continued to watch fish splash, listen to the birds chirping, and feel the sounds of military explosions. This part of rural Virginia really was a great place to be!

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up a river & down a bay

Posted on October 9, 2012 by Jenny

September 23 – 24, 2012

After a 3-hour snooze following the offshore leg of our journey towards Annapolis, we hauled up the anchor and spent the next two days traveling up the Delaware River, through the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal (C and D Canal), and down into the Chesapeake Bay.

The next two days were long and hard against the wind and waves. We had timed this whole portion of the trip to be with the wind and current at our stern. Unfortunately, we had no such luck. The southeast wind that was forecasted to carry us up the Delaware River didn’t arrive until it was time for us to make our turn to the south. This delay wreaked havoc on the comfort of our travels. We probably should have stayed put, and waited for the winds to be in our favor. However, that would be two days away, and we felt the need to get to a smaller and more protected anchorage.

We motored up the Delaware River against the northly wind, but with the current. With the wind and current against each other, the majority of the day was spent beating against short, choppy waves. As the river narrowed and the wind died down, the waters flattened and we continued to have the current with us. Even though we were only motoring, we averaged 8 to 9 knots, and hit a top speed of 10 knots over the ground.

At the end of our Delaware River leg, our anchor found the bottom near a breakwater wall at the eastern entrance to the C and D Canal. Our ears rang in the silence after the engines were turned off, and we had no trouble falling asleep.

The following morning, we hoisted the anchor in time to catch the tidal flow down the C and D Canal. Wil remained at the helm while the kids and I attempted to catch up on some school work.

C & D Canal traffic

 

motoring down the C & D Canal

another long day of motoring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As we neared the end of the canal and the channel opened up into the Chesapeake Bay, again the wind and waves were against us. School work came to a halt, and we all began to dread the rest of the day’s beating.

We had hoped to make it all the way to Annapolis, but changed our minds and wearily pulled into the Sassafras River for a break from the bumpy ride. There we found a quiet corner around the first bend in the river. We dropped the hook and planned to stay for the next 2 days, catching up on school and tidying the boat. We would pick up on our journey to Annapolis once the wind began to blow from the north.

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liberty to delaware bay

Posted on October 7, 2012 by Jenny

September 23 – 24, 2012

Prior to hauling up the hook from our Liberty anchorage, Wil and I discussed whether or not to put up the mainsail first. The channel between the buoys was just wide enough for our boat, and the mainsail might be an interference. However, the wind was only a slight breeze from a northerly direction, so it would be okay to have the sail up. That is . . . as long as the helmsman (or woman) had paid closer attention to exactly how much breeze there was with respect to our tight quarters!

Wil gave the “anchor up” signal, and I (while drinking my coffee) proceeded to bring the bow to starboard which faced us towards a concrete block wall not more than 75 feet away. The sail caught what little wind there was and began propelling us toward the wall. Holding my breath, I threw the starboard engine into full reverse hoping to pivet the boat faster in the starboard direction. While the boat responded beautifully and I looked like I knew what I was doing, the consequences would have been dire if the boat had not turned on the dime. During the entire maneuver, Wil stood at the bow looking back and forth between the concrete wall and me. He didn’t say a word, but his look said it all. I just calmly smiled back and called out, “I meant to do that!” But, my heart was in my throat!

Shortly after the near miss, we were making our way down the Hudson River and out into the Atlantic. Since we had timed our departure with the northwest wind and outgoing tide, we were sailing at about 8 to 9 knots speed over ground. We sailed past many large freighters and barges that were anchored, waiting for their turns in port.

a crazy kid!

As we were passing Sandy Hook, New Jersey, there was a small Nonsuch sailing near the shore and going in our same direction. The guy hailed us on the VHF and asked where we were headed. He was solo and aimed for Atlantic City. We chit-chatted for awhile and found that 6 weeks earlier, he had flown from New Zealand to Vermont to purchase his boat sight unseen. He was now making his way to Florida and then to the Bahamas. We offered information about the area, as well as the upcoming Annapolis Boat Show.

 

very bored with his turn on watch

The night gradually came upon us, and the wind picked up enough that we were able to turn off the engines and sail peacefully down the New Jersey coastline. From 5 miles off the shore, the Atlantic City lights were a spectacular sight. The sides of buildings had huge screens flashing all sorts of images. It was amazing that we could see such detail from so far!

Simon on Cat, the NonSuch, was making such good time and feeling able to sail all night, so he decided to go as far as Cape May. I offered radio chats every couple of hours, in case he needed help staying awake through the night.

We were also making great time. In fact, we actually needed to slow down! One, our fast pace was going to have us entering the Delware Bay in the dark. Two, we needed to arrive to the bay entrance no earlier than late morning, so we could have the tide in our favor. Three, we would be making a northward turn into the wind, and it wouldn’t be shifting to a southerly direction until later the next day.

Since the seas were calm and night visibility was good, we toyed with the idea of a night time approach to an anchorage in the Cape May area. We looked at the chart, and while Cape May didn’t look good for an approach in the dark, the southern side of the Delaware Bay entrance looked like a possiblity.

Cape Henlopen, near Lewes, has a Harbor of Refuge behind the cape with two breakwater walls and plenty of water depth. There’s a small lighthouse and many flashing buoys to mark the way.

Making this entrance at night seemed easy enough, but we still had to proceed with caution. We were about 6 miles from the Cape Henlopen lighthouse, so Wil took about an hour’s snooze while I sailed the initial part of the approach across Cape May Channel. When I was within a mile of the lighthouse, I woke Wil to drop the main and aid in navigating the harbor entrance. Once behind the first breakwater wall, the water became flat, and it was fairly simple to find our way around the second wall and into Breakwater Harbor.

We dropped the hook, did a position report, and went to bed. Colin was sleeping in our cabin, so I crawled in with Colin and Wil went to Colin’s bunk. It was 6:00 a.m.

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eating, and eating some more

Posted on October 6, 2012 by Jenny

September 21-22, 2012

Wil’s cousin, Dana, and her family live about a 45 minute drive from the Liberty State Park area where we were anchored. They picked us up and took us to Hoboken, NJ for a pizza lunch. Afterwards, we had an extra special treat for dessert. They took us to Carlo’s Bake Shop, home of The Cake Boss. We had a variety goodies, but the strawberry shortcake was out of this world!

After a wonderful lunch and dessert, we returned to the boat to give everyone a tour of how we live. They got a great peek into our world at anchor. The dinghy ride, relaxing in the cockpit, and water conservation. Anything Goes even came over for a potluck dinner, so it was boat living at its finest!

That night, the Justine and Colin went home with their cousins for a sleepover. They enjoyed the amenities of being in a house again . . . long showers and big screen TV. While the kids were gone, Wil and I took a night time dinghy ride out to the Statue of Liberty and photographed the city lights of Manhattan.

Statue of Liberty

downtown Manhattan with the Empire State Building & One World Trade

The next day, Dana and family returned to pick us up for lunch again. Again, we went to Hoboken for lunch. There were differing lunch preferences among family members, so we began with eats at Subway. After sub sandwiches, we returned to the pizza restuarant from the previous day. Even though some of us weren’t hungry anymore, we couldn’t resist the smell of the delicious pizza, and had to help ourselves to a slice (or two). Next, we rolled ourselves on down the street for some Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream. We were literally eating our way through Hoboken! Since we have been keeping our pennies pinched, and not eating out while we’ve been cruising, we made up for any gastronomical deficiencies all in one weekend.

 

cousins

As with the day before, we all returned to the boat, so the rest of Dana’s family could have a tour of our home. We all talked nonstop, hanging onto every moment, not wanting to say good-bye. Our time together was special, and we look forward to seeing them on a visit down island somewhere.

 

watching ships pass from our protected anchorage

The next day, we would be headed out into the Atlantic and south for the Delaware and Chesapeake Bays.

 

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ellis island & statue of liberty

Posted on October 5, 2012 by Jenny

September 20, 2012

Last summer, we had driven to New York to see some of Wil’s family. Therefore, this year our main sightseeing goals were our trip down the East River, as well as a visit to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. In addition, we would also get to visit with Wil’s cousin and her family.

Being anchored at Liberty State Park was extremely convenient for everything we wanted to do. It was about a 2-mile walk from the boat ramp, through Liberty State Park, and along the Hudson River Walk, to the historical Central Railroad of New Jersey (CRRNJ) Terminal. While the train portion of the terminal is only a museum now, the Statue Cruises ferries carry passengers between Liberty State Park, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and downtown Manhattan. On September 11, 2001, the terminal parking lot was utilized for mobilzation of emergency crews after the trade center attacks. Today, a sentimental memorial directs your view to where the World Trade Towers once stood.

During our walk to the terminal, we discovered that Wil was wearing his multipurpose tool on his belt. I reminded him that touring New York’s historical buildings is like going through airport security. They won’t let him bring a knife through security check points. After verifying this with a guard at an Ellis Island gate, Wil hid his tool in some ornamental grass, and he picked it up on our return walk.

Manhattan & the One World Tower

 

One World Tower nearing completion

ready for a day of touring

Empty Sky New Jersey ~ September 11th Memorial

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

discussing & photographing the 9-11 memorial

September 11th Memorial

CRRNJ Terminal Museum

old train platforms

CRRNJ ferry docks

 

 

 

 

 

 

looking like she's from a spy film?

Ellis Island

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

architecture on Ellis Island

what it must have looked like for scared immigrants

 

 

 

 

 

a piece of family history on Ellis Island

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

hawk resting on Lady Liberty's finger

every piece of metal was created off sight

tired, but happy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were exhausted after a full day of walking and touring, but it was well worth the experience. Once we returned to the boat, we were all very happy to put our feet up.

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cruising past NYC

Posted on October 3, 2012 by Jenny

September 19, 2012

Fourteen years ago, Wil and I had been living on our first boat in Stamford, CT. It was October 17, 1998, and the day of our 6th wedding anniversary, when we departed Stamford and cruised down the East River past New York City, marveling at the city with her tall, majestic buildings and high bridges. Little did we know on that day, we would be sailing the same route past the New York City nearly 14 years later with our children.

Stepping Stones Light, Long Island Sound

 

sailing from Port Washington to NYC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This time, our departure point was from Port Washington on Long Island, and again, this was another stretch that needed planning with respect to tides and currents. We would be going through Hell Gate, an narrow straight where the East River and the Harlem River join together creating almost 5 knots of current during peak flow and ebb.

As we were sailing towards NYC, we noticed another catamaran stopped up ahead of us. It was Anything Goes whom we’d met in Port Washington, and they were waiting for the tide to change after they’d pick up a family member from a nearby marina. They hoisted their sails and followed us through Hell Gate and past the city. After having done this trip alone 14 years ago, it was great fun seeing the city sights this time through our kids’ eyes, as well as with new friends.

Full Monty sailing towards NYC

navigating the channel with barges

Citi Field ~ home of the NY Mets

prison on Rikers Island

a floating prison

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a floating swimming pool?

old structures

no cutting corners around this marker

 

Franklin D Roosevelt East River Drive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

enjoying sights along the East River

wouldn't want to hit that rock!

United Nations

 

good ole Pepsi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chrysler Building

Anything Goes sailing with us

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Empire State Building

 

Domino Sugar & graffiti

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the number of pop rivets is amazing!

 

Brooklyn Bridge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14 years ago here stood the World Trade Center buildings

 

Pier 17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

lots of picture taking!

 

geography lesson for the day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

helicopters buzzing all around NYC

heli landing pad

 

 

 

 

 

 

One World Trade Center also called the Freedom Tower

 

heading for the Liberty anchorage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statue of Liberty

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once we reached the southern end of Manhattan, the East River dumped us into the Hudson River where we had even more amazing views of the city, New York Harbor, and the Statue of Liberty.

Our new anchorage for the next few days was at Liberty State Park, right behind the Statue of Liberty. From our boat we could see the backside of Lady Liberty, as well as the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and passing ferries, cruise ships, barges and freighters.

Verrazano-Narrows Bridge from our anchorage

 

Jersey lights from our anchorage

Lady Liberty from our cockpit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After we dropped anchor and got settled, all the kids went over to a little beach nearby, while the adults visited aboard Anything Goes. We had a good chuckle over boat names when a guy from another catamaran came over to chat. Three catamarans in one tiny anchorage . . . Full Monty, Anything Goes, and The Big Easy.

[Photos of Full Monty are courtesy Anything Goes]

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Categories: cruising kids, navigation, newsworthy, travel | Tags: , , | 2 Comments