Manhattan Circumnavigation

J

joefish

New member
I’m planning a trip to Sandy Hook, NJ followed by a cruise to Liberty Landing Marina on Friday, September 28th. The hope is to circumnavigate Manhattan Island on Saturday, September 29th, a distance of 28.9 NM. This whole adventure is coming together thanks to the C-Brats. I would have never thought of such a thing on my own.

Minnow’s thread, “New York Harbor – Urban Adventure?” has been very helpful. El and Bill’s description of the trip makes me a little less concerned about Hell Gate or making great effort to time the tides. But timing-wise is there any recent experience with the Spuyten Duyvil Bridge? I read somewhere that a cruising boat was waiting for the low clearance (5 feet) bridge to open all day and it never did.

I’ve been reading about the sites highlighted on the Circle Line – in particular, Grant’s Tomb, The Octagon, and others that I wouldn’t have thought of. I’m reading New York, the Novel, for some historical perspective. Are there any other highlights, suggestions, or cautions that the C-Brats might add?

I plan to have dinner at Liberty Landing Restaurant. Click on this link for a photo that helped me decide I had to make this trip. http://www.libertyhouserestaurant.com/
 
We launched from Leonardo and went up the bay to the Hudson river, the bridge you speak of at the entrance to the Harlem River was normally open on the weekends unless a train was coming. it was for us. The ramp at Leonardo was ok but what out at low tide as the end of the ramp drops off and you can't get your trailer in to the water as far as you want to which will require some cranking unless you do a power load. You can check our album we had some pictures in a sub album called around Manhatten. Lot's of traffic, the water taxi's are crazy as are the ferries. The trip down the Harlem river past Yankee Stadium is nice, keep an eye out for people throwing things off bridges. I never had it happen but some report it has. Then back down the East river. Nice trip, we will do the coast of New Jersey in early October and go around Manhatten again. Lots to see, have fun.
D.D.
 
Before you launch at Sandy Hook take a ride up the hill in Atlantic Highlands to the Marconi towers. Lots of history there. Also a great view of Manhattan and much of the route you will travel on the East River and the Hudson.
 
This brings back a lot of memories for Joan and I. We lived on Governors Island for 7 years, so all of my local cruising was somewhere between the NY harbor and Sandy Hook. I used the Liberty Park ramp many times and raced J-24's with Manhattan Yacht Club on Wednesdays. Playing the very strong current always added a challenge.
Great cruising area, but watch out for the ferries and tour boats, as they are on a schedule and become a navigation hazard at night with all of their (unauthorized) bright party lights.
 
Joe-

Have a great trip - you are in for a wonderful experience. Pick a good weather day for the photos, and give a salute to Lady Liberty for us.
El and Bill
 
Just wanted to let all the C-Brats know what a fantastic adventure we had going around Manhattan Island. Many thanks to all who shared their advice and enthusiasm. Photo album is now posted. (Still not sure how to add a title). You will see The Metropolis as the highlight photo. Here are a few additional comments for those interested.

1) Somethings I learn by experience: In the 20 mile loop around Sandy Hook State Park you will not find a boat ramp. (But it sure was a pretty drive :D )
Atlantic Highlands Marina is has a good, big boat ramp that is not tide dependent.

2) Lots of nice people in NY and NJ. Helpful, patient, fun, and smiling. In fact, I don't recall any unpleasant people.

3) It's cool to pass by Coney Isand on the way into NY Harbor. Deep water right up almost to the beach.

4) Big bridges and big boats in NY Harbor. We passed a cruise liner with lifeboats hanging on the sides -- the size of our C-Dory 25.

5) The 25 miles or so around Manhattan took us 2 1/2 hours. It was overcast and calm and there was little boat traffic, relatively speaking. Hell Gate was no problem. There was some swifter water there but nothing of concern. My big concern had been the Spuyten Duyvil Bridge. With only 5' clearance I wondered what the timing for it's opening would be. It was sitting there open as we approached and did not appear to be closing anytime soon.

6) Liberty Landing Marina is outstanding. Thanks to JamesTXSD who's post originally got my interest in this trip
 
Consider a trip up the Hudson, at least to West Point. Delightful cruise along the Palisades, under the big bridges, and to historic West Point, where the river turns and narrows. You might spot my g-g ever so great grandfather, Pvt. Fiero, clutching his Revolutionary War muzzle loader up on the bluffs, keeping an eye out for the British coming up river to sever the colonies. Don't wave a Brit. flag- he's a sharpshooter!
 
Bill, that sounds like another great trip. In fact, my wife was interested in doing just that. How 'bout next time....

I will surely salute and give only a friendly wave to any relative of yours, esp one with a rifle.

"From sea to shining sea." :thup
 
Tom -
Let's share a few Snoqualmies tonight and El and I will tell a some tales about that night we shared a few pints with Martha and George in the Virginia Highlands swapping tales about chopping down cherry trees when we were all kids. Heres to you, Tom! - El and Bill
 
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