THE BIG APPLE!

Trip Day:	91	Latitude:	40°42.61 ' N	Locks Today:	0
Miles Today:	49	Longitude:	074°02.47' W	Locks Total:	8
Total Miles:	1,799	Location:	Liberty Landing - NYC

We were awakened at 5:00 a.m. by fishing boats passing, stopping at the docks for fuel and bait, and boats getting underway from the marina.  Once awake we decided to get underway as well and we went out the inlet with a steady stream of fishing boats of all sizes.  As we cleared the jetties we saw porpoise off the bow—always a good way to start the day!

We were thankful we had made the decision to stay in port the extra day and we were rewarded with perfect conditions of westerly winds at 12 kts, 3-4 ft swells and lots of sunshine.  It was a glorious morning and we motorsailed at 6.5—7 kts about a mile offshore in 60 ft of water. The first 10 miles our only hazard was the flocks of fishing boats.  We sailed our way through no less than 150 boats—this is serious fishing territory! 

 

We passed one beach town/city after another—welcome to the  Jersey shore!  By 8:30 we could see Coney Island skyline.  The winds had increased and by the time we approached Sandy Hook we had pretty rough seas—those gentle swells were now chop and whitecaps and we reefed the main.  This is the Eastern most point of our trip at 073°56.50 ' W.

Off the coast of Coney Island we had begun looking for the barge that was to carry the Enterprise up the river   today.  The website had indicated the barge would go   under the Verrazano Narrows Bridge at noon today—we went under the bridge at 11:45, but there was no sign of the Enterprise—we were disappointed. 

 

As we cleared the bridge and headed up the channel, the out-going current began to impact us.  We had a 3kt current against us as boat traffic began to get really heavy.  We almost hit a large timber drifting in the channel so we realized we also had to be on the look out for debris as well as boat traffic.  In the middle of the ferries, tugs pushing barges, sailboats, trawlers, and sightseeing vessels there was a group of kayakers.  Amazing!  We were living in the moment, taking it all in, watching with awe as The Lady came into view—this is a moment to remember and not take for granted. 

After dropping the main and furling the jib, we were down to 2 kts against the current, so we just watched the ferries carefully and enjoyed the views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline!

Just as we entered the breakwater to Liberty Landing it began to rain - one more little challenge. This marina is on the Jersey side looking across at the battery. 

We had hoped to see Jersey Boys  tonight, but forgot there was no evening performance on Sundays.  Since the theater district is closed on  Mondays, it looks like no Broadway shows this trip. 

We are off to explore Liberty State Park which is 1,100 acres. 

Our day was AMAZING and we are so happy to be sharing our experiences with our family and friends - thanks to all of you who are sharing our adventure with us - we love you!

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