Captain’s log 10-09-06

Departure Point / Start Time Hells Gate NY 12 PM
Arrival Point / End Time Sandy Hook, NJ() 5 PM
Distance Traveled / Engine 32 NM 5 h
Today we had an exciting ride through NYC. We used the ebb in its peak to do 8kts over ground. NYC is magnificent from the water. There are many tugs, powerboats and sailboats going with the current. There were some big tankers going against the current, which produced a tremendous wake. After 15 years, I finally saw the shopping mall and the square-riggers near pier 17 again. I remember them from August 1991 when I first came to the US. From the water, NY seems smaller then when you’re in it. Maybe it was the current we were riding. By the time we reached Liberty island, the wind lifted out of S-SW and was blowing into the current which made seas a bit choppy. For a while I was worried about the inflatable and the 10Hp mercury which we were dragging behind us, but the chop eased off and we made our way all the way to Sandy hook. We chouse Atlantic Highlands because the guide mentioned laundry and grocery store near by. The anchorage was very protected behind the breakwater. We spent the next few days doing errands. One night was a bit choppy as the wind was blowing from the east. After a couple of days we were growing tired of the place and were aching to get on our way again. This time, it was the open ocean and a pretty large stretch of sea awaiting our voyage.