Weather
forecast checked. Tide predictions checked. Thunderbirds are GO! For
the 160nm trip from Port Washington to Cape May via Sandy Hook
anchorage.
We
should have north easterly winds established from early on Tuesday
morning but to be at Sandy Hook which is where we'd sail out to open
water in time we need to transit East river New York today. The
tide flows south from midday and lasts until 6pm.
We
break out the anchor and clean off the growth on the chain and mud
from the anchor and motor out to Long Island sound. We've been in
these brackish waters too long and furry growth on the hull robs us
of half a knot. David had tried diving to clean us but when he found
zero visibility he gave the prop a dusting and had to leave the rest.
There's
not much commercial traffic on the northern part of the river and the
current hasn't built yet so it is a worry when we suddenly loose
three knots of speed just after passing a cargo vessel. We check
around the waterline for snagged lines. Nothing seen. Do a circle to
check if we've hit counter current. No. Put the engine into reverse
and forward and still we are slow. David's checked the engine and
propeller shaft, increased and decreased engine revs. This is a
mystery. David questions whether the gear box has failed. My theory
is we dragging a line on the keel or rudder because I feel the
steering is heavy.
Then,
just as we are looking for a spot to anchor and further investigate,
we slowly increase speed and as I look behind us I see a 6' length of
wood bob to the surface. We hadn't seen it on the surface ahead so
it must have come from underneath us. Mystery solved: the wood must
have been kicked up by the propeller of the cargo vessel and lodged
at the front of our skeg and then, mercifully, it popped out. Phew!
Brooklyn Bridge |
Staten Island ferry |
Now
we can return to enjoying the scenery. We're approaching the
critical Hell's Gate where the Harlem river joins and the river is at
it's narrowest. The current is now running at 4 knots. There are
eddies in the water and ferries up ahead. It's all new navigation.
Then
to add to the stress load a Coastguard rib pulls alongside and
demands to board for a safety inspection. I ask if they can wait
until we are through this narrow section, until we are past the
thrilling Manhattan skyline and they say no so three people come
aboard; one young woman and two young men wearing heavy boots. First
item on the safety check is sanitation. Do we have our holding tank
locked shut? David is continuing to helm and I show the officer the
location of the valve. The handle has been removed and put in a
drawer. Second item for checking is fire extinguishers – all OK
and in date. The life vests, a life ring and whistle for attracting
attention. OK. Then they want to that the lowest part of the hull is
dry and the bilge working. Our lowest bilge is in the engine room so
I show them where it is. OK. The final requirement is to check our
cruising permit and passports and we receive a certificate of
inspection. The Coastguard rib pulls alongside to pick them up and
we are left a final gift, a long black scratch along the hull.
USCG inspection mid NY |
Departing |
By
the time our guests leave we have reached the south end of Manhattan
and the Staten Island ferry terminal. From here it's still another
couple of hours down the river to the anchorage. We arrive at 5pm
and find a nice sheltered spot next to two other yachts. It's much
better than we'd expected with wind and wave shelter from north
through to southwest, a sandy bottom and it's quiet.
Polly navigation |
Last view of NY |
Just
after we set the anchor I receive a message from home with the sad
news my Dad has passed away. He was 87 and had lived a long and happy
life.
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