Peconics

[Rick Klages]

My stomping grounds.

Last week (Friday) my son and I went on a little sail.  Just over 40 Nautical Miles in about 10 hours.  From South Jamesport (East Creek marina) to Greenport (Claudios restaurant fuel dock) Long Island NY.  I admit there was a little motoring involved.  The North channel at Shelter Island is tough enough under sail but add in the motor boats and it gets a bit crazy. So here I used the iron jib. Here is our approximate course on the chart.  The loop in New Suffolk (Cutchouge Harbor) was just to take a look at a cat boat sailing about. The trip across Great and Little Peconic bay was made on mostly one beat at 60 deg. mag.  Ave speed was between 4 and 5 knots. I like to stay North of Robbins Island due the wind and current issues.  The South side can get very rough. Also if I need to bail out there is a good marina and restaurant in New Suffolk.  The Peconics are a little short on secure anchorages.  The Bays are shallow so dropping a hook is a possability but it can get rough!



Our route East from James Port to Green Port.



We saw some interesting boats including a sailing lifeboat and the biggest motor yacht I've ever seen!  Also this salty gem.



A nice day for a sail.  One tack beat across the Little Peconic Bay going East of North East.



Our route home.  I was able to steer 270 for much of the trip only dodging South to make sailing room and to dodge the very dangerous bar at Nassau point.  Real Charts Save lives.

As you can see there was some working to windward going on.  Passing the North side of Robbins Island into the Great Peconic bay it started to get very rough.  So my son went below and took a nap.   I'm still very impressed with these compac boats and My 16/3 in particular.  I used to own a Hunter 212 (My forth sail boat,  Athansor II) and let me tell you the conditions on the bay would have had me running for the nearest shelter.  So into the mosh pit and slam danced my way across 5 miles of wind driven spray working west and diving South to make sailing room. The wind was right in my face and the swells were almost 4 feet.  Great day great boat.  By the way she seems to like her new name which is "Quahog".  Snug harbors all.


ick

[Bob23]

Cap't Ick:
   Wonderful photos and coverage of a great sailing trip. You haven't lost your touch!
   Bob23...glad to hear from you again!

[Paul]

Hi Rick:

Great photos and story.  Is that Shelter Island on the NE portion of the chart?  I sailed in the waters S of Shelter Island during a vacation back in the 80's.  '88 or '89 I do believe.  Had a good time.

Yes, the 16 will handle the waves a little better than most other small boats.  Certainly inspires confidence.  Nice post!

Fair winds,
Paul

[Rick Klages]

That Bit O' land in the top right hand corner South of Greenport is Shelter Island!  It lies between the forks west of Gardeners island.


Here is the Shelter Island side of the North ferry. And yes, there is also a South ferry.  This is the only public access to the island.

ick