BIG MAMMALS AND THE BIG APPLE

I've been thinking about doing another around Long Island cruise recently. I did one a number of years ago back in the days when I still had a diesel engine on board. It was somewhat of an adventure with the engine exhaust elbow developing a hole the first day requiring some jury rigged repairs. I also lost my crew when he had to leave the boat because of the death of a friend. I ended up heading into Shinecock Inlet for the first time at night by myself in those pre GPS days. Like I said it was a little bit of an adventure but, I got in despite the conditions.
I've been thinking about doing another similar cruise now that I have electric propulsion. There is a lot of traffic in the area from freighters, cruise ships, tugs and barges and a lot of fishing boats. So one needs to be alert. Then there was this kind of a good news/bad news story that is making people stand up and take notice:

"Humpback whales, the gigantic, endangered mammals known for their haunting underwater songs, have been approaching New York City in greater numbers than even old salts can remember. Naturalists aboard whale-watching boats have seen humpbacks in the Atlantic Ocean within a mile of the Rockaway peninsula, part of New York's borough of Queens, within sight of Manhattan's skyscrapers.
"It is truly remarkable, within miles of the Empire State Building, to have one of the largest and most charismatic species ever to be on this planet," said Howard Rosenbaum, director of the Ocean Giants program at the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Humpbacks were spotted 87 times from the boats this year, and by cataloging the whales' markings, at least 19 different humpbacks have been identified in the waters off the city."- ABC News

As I said it's a good news bad news story as far as my plans go. While it's nice that the whales are returning to the local waters here. It does add a little more apprehension when cruising the ocean waters in a 30 foot fiberglass boat. Namely that one of them might perceive BIANKA sailing along in the middle of the night as a threat. I know the risk is probably low but, it's just another thing one has to think about and prepare for these days.

DRINKS, DRUGS, DOCKS AND DEATH

I am occasionally reminded that boat owners do not have to be in the middle of a stormy ocean to die. Back in the mid nineties I was living aboard BIANKA at the Chelsea Piers docks on the west side of Manhattan. I worked in midtown and it allowed for an easy commute to work but, allowed me a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the city. Back then they closed down the marina in the winter. So I was only able to stay there from April to the beginning of December. I had a great time there living on board and a ten minute commute was an added perk since I was working long hours and had little time for enjoying the boat. But, at least I was on it everyday. Then today came this sobering story:

"Body discovered near Chelsea Piers that of missing fashion designer Michele Savoia
The body of Michele Savoia, 55, was fished from the water by NYPD divers near his yacht at Pier 59. The designer — whose client list included Robert DeNiro, Mickey Rourke and Chris Noth — likely slipped off a gangplank leading to the yacht after a night of partying, sources said."-DAILY NEWS

Just a little reminder that one should never let ones guard down just because your boat is tied to a dock. One wrong turn or slip could be your last. Add some type of altered state of mind due to booze or drugs and your chances of a tragic accident increase quite a bit.

One wrong turn is all it takes
and there ain't many signs -
you only get a few breaks.
Some get more. Some get less.
One wrong turn leads to the next.

Greg Brown

SOMETHING NEW IN NEW YORK HARBOR: CHART 12334

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NOAA has just announced that a new edition of Nautical Chart 12334 which covers New York Harbor. This latest edition includes new depth measurements and shoreline depictions.  Since it covers changes that occurred since super storm Sandy devastated the area it's probably a good idea to update as soon as possible.  I had cruised through the area just a few days before that storm hit and have not been back since. So I will definitely be updating my chart before heading there again.  It's always important to try and keep charts up to date. Here's an example. This is look at the special anchorage 20A around Ellis Island in New York Harbor from the chart 12334 edition 37:

Here is the same anchorage area from the new updated 12334 72nd edition chart:

There are changes in depth and more obstructions charted in the post Sandy chart. Also good to know is how the anchorage has changed over the years. Including the addition of a security zone around Ellis and Liberty Island which has been in effect since after 9/11 terrorist attack. Not being aware of it is sure to invite a visit from the Coast Guard, National Park Service or New York Marine Police. So you definitely want to avoid entering or anchoring inside that area. You can download a  free PDF file of the chart here  and also as free raster navigational chart here. Print on demand charts are available at your local chart supplier.

NEW YORK HARBOR SURVEY UPDATE

I mentioned a few posts back that NOAA and the Army Corp of Engineers where doing post superstorm Sandy surveys of New York Harbor.  Making sure the channels were clear of debris and shoals. I hoped that they would also do surveys of the areas around the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. I and other sailors often use these areas for anchorage as we wait for a favorable currents to help speed us up the Hudson (North) River.  I am glad to report that is the case NOAA has recently released a graphic of some recently completed surveys of those areas made in April:

As you can see the survey includes the whole area around the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and also the basin where the the Liberty Landing Marina is located. These new surveys should lead to some new chart data and comfort that there are not any new surprises waiting below the surface in these areas for smaller cruising sailboats following Hurricane Sandy.

SURVEYING AFTER SANDY

It seems the Army Corp of Engineers and NOAA have been busy the past few months re doing surveys of the major commercial waterways and channels of the New York and New Jersey waters. I hope they will also survey the basin behind the Statue of Liberty and also the area north of Ellis Island. These areas are used as anchorages for smaller boats waiting for favorable currents going up and down the Hudson (North) River. BIANKA and I used the Ellis Island anchorage a few days before Sandy raked the area last year. It would be real good if they were to be surveyed and cleared of debris post Sandy before sailors start using them again during the upcoming season.

ELECTRO SAILING AROUND NEW YORK: PART ONE

Time to get caught up on some of the blog posts after Sandy, the holidays and a freelance job interrupted my work flow here on The Bianka Log Blog.  I return now to the beautiful fall days before Superstorm Sandy raked the area with 90 MPH winds and storm waves. I was anchored up near Hook Mountain on the Hudson River admiring the fall colors. But, I had to get back to BIANKA's homeport for a dentist appointment in a few days. Of course I had my ear on the forecasts of the storm Sandy heading up to the area but, details were fluid five days out as to where it would hit. Since this was my first trip this far north on the Hudson River since I installed electric propulsion I did not know how far I would get. If things work well with the currents and winds I might make it all the way to the East River and back to Port Washington in Long Island Sound. A distance of about forty nautical miles. Shown by the red line below:

My plan B was to stop off at one of the marinas in New Jersey or the 79th Street Boat Basin on the way down for the night if it looked like the Hudson river currents were going to be turning against me. BIANKA and I would  continue up the East River and into Long Island Sound the next day. Happily, I did not have to use Plan B as the currents were favorable. The forecast winds however were pretty light (5 knots or less) which meant I would be electro sailing (motor sailing) for much of the way. But, the real nice thing about electric propulsion is that motoring with it for the forty nautical miles is nothing like motoring with a diesel engine. It is very quiet and there is almost no vibration. You can hear birds squawking over head and the sound of the trains along the shore. It makes for a much more pleasant trip.  Here's a video of the first part of this journey around Manhattan under electric propulsion:

 ELECTRO SAILING AROUND NEW YORK PART TWO CLICK HERE

ELECTRIC SAILBOAT CRUISE TO NEW YORK 2012

Before Hurricane Sandy distracted me and ended the sailing season I was going to chronicle a recent cruise I made with BIANKA.  Originally I had planned to do this cruise to New York back in September. But, a little repair snafu with the Honda Generator in September curtailed that plan. I just about gave up on doing the cruise this year but, a nice weather window opened up in late October and I thought why not head out for a fall cruise. So I did.

I headed early out to take advantage of the flooding current into Long Island Sound winds were light for much of the trip so I electro-sailed BIANKA for forty nautical miles. It was after sundown as I sailed into Port Washington and picked up a free town mooring. Before I did  I had a gam with a fellow sailor already on another mooring. He was a 38 year old fellow who quit his job in September bought a 24 foot boat and was heading south for the winter. He wanted to do it now since he was single and the flexibility to do it.  Certainly sounds like a plan. We had a nice discussion about life, getting through Hell Gate and other things sailors might talk about. I wished him fair winds and then  motored off in the dark to find a mooring. One nice thing about fall cruising the mooring fields are pretty empty so it was pretty easy to pick one up. The next day had some nasty weather coming through. It was windy and wet so it was a lay day for me.  Sometime during the following night the other fellow headed off to travel down the East River through Hell Gate in the middle of the night. He wanted to make it to the Sandy Hook area during the day and meet up with friends. I can only wonder if the fellow made it through Hurricane Sandy which would hit the area a little over a week later.

After the weather cleared I headed toward New York.  Upon crossing under the Throgs Neck Bridge BIANKA left Long Island Sound behind and entered the East River which is actually a tidal strait. I made a video of the trip from Port Washington to the Battery via the East River:

I rounded the Battery a little after sunset and headed over to an anchorage a little north of Ellis Island. I had never anchored there before. It was getting dark and the winds were blowing 10 to 20 knots out of the west. I got as close to western shore and dropped anchor for the night. There was a little roll from the harbor traffic at first but, it calmed down later except for a 4 am roll that woke me up for a bit. But, the holding was good plus I had a real nice view of the lights of lower Manhattan:

Though in a little over a week all these lights would be plunged into darkness after Hurricane Sandy hits the area and knocked out power to all of lower Manhattan. Though  this night it was a very pretty scene from on board.

SEPTEMBER 11,2001 8:46 AM

I was down below stowing a few things away about to get underway from New York to cruise toward Nantucket. When I suddenly heard a plane flying overhead. I thought that plane sounds like it's flying really low. Then ...

ELECTRIC SAILBOAT CRUISE TO NEW YORK 2011

I usually take at least one cruise to New York every year this year was no exception. I was looking forward to it. But, it proved to be less of a pleasure cruise than years past. The effects of Hurricane Irene were still being felt as I headed west on Long Island Sound.I needed to keep an eye out for debris washed into Long Island Sound and the Hudson River which could really ruin my day if it hit the prop. I was looking forward to a nice leisurely drift down the East River like I did last year. But, the wind was blowing 15 to 20 knots on the nose and as I tried to travel between north and South Brother Islands I found things were a little dicey. Hmmm, wind against current could it be the wind had actually been strong enough to stop or reverse the favoring current I was expecting to use for a nice leisurely trip. If that was the case it might be a long slow trip down the East River. I decided to run around North Brother Island and found the current still in my favor but, it was a bouncy rough ride through the tidal straight. But, eventually I was able to get through and headed toward the nights anchorage by the Statue of Liberty which always makes this sailor think about having the liberty and freedom to enjoy sailing these waters

The next morning I headed up the Hudson River and observed the New York skyline. the view is always impressive from the water. It is always changing too.

On this trip the Freedom Tower which is being built on the destroyed World Trade Center site is starting to take center stage among the buildings in lower Manhattan:

I expect by my next cruise here it will be finished or at least the outside will be. Eventually it will reach 1776 feet and will once be a point for sailors to take sightings off of.  Sailing further up the river I came upon one of the city's new fire boats:

A pretty serious looking boat if I ever saw one.

A little further up the river there was the Intrepid Air and Space Museum. 

Though I found the image of the Concorde on display amongst the trees a little disturbing and had me wondering what were they thinking:

Maybe it looks OK from land but, from the water it looked like the plane crashed.

I continued the delightful sail up the Hudson. Finally BIANKA docked at the 79th Street Boat Basin it's destination for the next several days:

It can be a rock and rolling place to stay made even less appealing due to the effects of Hurricane Irene.  The waters where still a dark brown with silt. So much so I could not even see the top of the rudder of BIANKA just a few inches below the surface. Debris were still scattered around the harbor flowing with the currents. A lot of them entering the the marina:

Nasty stuff  and a lot of things that can go bump in the night. Including this coffee table sized piece of wood that drifted by BIANKA one afternoon:

It's about three foot across. That would leave a scar if your boat hit it. 

Even though I lived aboard BIANKA for six years back in the late nineties. One thing I did notice on this trip to New York was how noisy the city is. I had my Honda 2000 eu generator running on the forward deck as I motored down the East River. I can usually hear it purring away but, soon after I passed through the Hell Gate bridge I noticed I could no longer hear it. The sounds of the city masked it's noise completely. After spending a few days in quiet anchorages the noise of the city was rather disturbing at first. But, you do get use to it. Still, I don't think I'd be happy living with that noise everyday at this point in my life.

After some social engagements with friends in the city it was time to head BIANKA back toward the Isle of Long. But, there was a little problem when heading up the East River. Because the United Nations General Assembly was in session the U.S. Coast Guard had blocked off the west channel completely. I had come down the East River in previous years and they had allowed me to pass as long as I traveled on the extreme east side of the west channel. This time I was met by an armed Coast Guard inflatable and told the west channel was completly closed to traffic. I had never traveled down the east channel on the other side of the Roosevelt Island because a lift bridge was too low when closed for BIANKA's mast.  While I was discussing this situation with the armed Coast Guard crew I noticed a sailboat heading down the east channel. So I thought I guess it will be OK and the bridge will open on demand because if it did not there would be a whole bunch of hurt on board.

Happily, the bridge operator was very cooperative the the bridge opened  with about twenty foot of clearance. Well that was the first time I had ever traveled on that side of Roosevelt Island. Soon I passed under the Hell Gate bridge and soon was passing north Brother Island with it's still standing but, slowly crumbling hospital buildings:

Soon I turned BIANKA to the east and headed toward Long Island Sound ending the 2011 cruise to New York.

BIANKA'S CRUISE TO NEW YORK 2010

BIANKA'S CRUISE TO NEW YORK 2009 PT.1

BIANKA'S CRUISE TO NEW YORK 2009 PT. 2

BIANKA'S CRUISE TO NEW YORK 2009 PT. 3

SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

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BIANKA was docked at Chelsea Piers just up the river from the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11th 2001. I was not supposed to be there that morning. I had planned to start a two to three week cruise out toward Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket  the day before. But, I had trouble getting access to the Internet to take care of some business.   The weather report also called for severe thunderstorms on Monday afternoon ahead of a cold front that would be coming through. So I decided to postpone my departure to the next day Tuesday September 11th. Between the storms and Internet issue I thought well what's the hurry.

On the morning of September 11th there was a ...

THE SQUALL RULES!: Anatomy of a sinking.

Recently I was listening to reports on VHF radio from the Coast Guard of a sunken vessel north of Ellis Island in New York Harbor. I was wondering how that vessel got there. A post at Learning To Sail  I think has the answer to my question:

"Yesterday evening a squall rolled through the harbor with terrific force. The anemometer aboard Willy Wall, our floating clubhouse, registered a peak of Force 9--that's a "Fresh Gale" on the Beaufort Scale, meaning up to 54 mph of wind.  The Manhattan Sailing Club's Wednesday round of racing was caught squarely in the middle of it, as well as some other sailboats in the middle of what was otherwise supposed to be a splendid sunset sail."

What could go wrong here? Julian at Learning to Sail has the photos and story of the sinking along with some really good advice that all sailors should think about before and after heading out on the water like:

"Whether you are planning a long car trip, an aircraft flight, or a sailing trip, risk assessment and risk mitigation are important parts of the go/no-go decision. Weather is one of those risks that applies to all souls on the road, in the air, and on the mane. Apps abound to watch it from afar, but looking up and around is free, and there's always Hal on WX-1."

"It's better to be on the dock wishing you were out sailing, than out sailing wishing you were on the dock."

"We lost one boat last evening, and it would have been more if some frisky, on-the-ball sailors hadn't been able to STRIKE SAIL, NOW! Can't do that if your halliards are thrown down the hatch in a ball instead of figure-eight coiled on your winch. Can't do that if you hung 'em backwards."

The sinking of the Grand Republic also dramatically makes the case of why you and your crew should always  be wearing a PFD  when getting on the boat. 

DESTINATION: MANHATTAN: THE ISLAND CITY

After my City Island visit the next island I arrived at was Manhattan. There are many ways to visit New York. Planes, trains or cars. But, my favorite way is to arrive by boat.  This is how the Europeans first arrived and how those already here moved about too.  I tied BIANKA up at the 79th Street Boat Basin next to Riverside Park.

I spent a few days here. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooporate as it rained most of the time. Thanks in part to the remnants of a tropical storm that came up the coast. As the photo below shows. BIANKA's home made weather station data collection system shows how much rain occurred in one of the 24 hour periods:

Along with the rain came some very strong winds blowing up from the south. It was a rocking and rolling time for a while. So much so that the dock BIANKA was tied to began to break apart. Here was the temporary repair:

I figured it was time to leave and as soon as the weather window opened I shoved off. Heading down the Hudson known to the professionals who ply the waters as the North River. I sailed past the piers  where those floating cities aka cruise ships dock:

I am always amazed how some of the barges and other boats that work the harbor can sneak up on you. In this case I was surprised by the Driftmaster:

 A specialized vessel operated by Army Corp of Engineers that among other things picks up the large pieces of driftwood, poles and docks that create floating hazards in the harbor. With the favoring current it was a quick trip around the battery. One the historical buildings that stands out here is Pier A at the tip of the Battery:

This building has been under going restoration for long time. It remember it being worked on when I first bought BIANKA into the city in 1995 and it still is being worked on here in 2010. I won't say it is a boondoggle but, perhaps a boondockle would be more appropriate. After rounding the battery there was the obligatory sail by the South Street Seaport. To take a look at the Tall Ships docked there:

As well as 158 foot topsail schooner Clipper City:

BIANKA then continued riding the flood current up the East River bound for Hell Gate:

I still love the majestic look of the Hell Gate Railroad bridge:

Soon I sailed out past the Throgs Neck Bridge which marks the end of the East River and the beginning of Long Island Sound. I anchored at the mouth of Little Neck Bay and then sat back to enjoy the view of the bridge and sunset to the west:

Just a very nice way to end the sailing day:

DESTINATION: NEW YORK HARBOR

Assuming I can get BIANKA's wishbone rigged and sail on board today. I should be heading off to New York Harbor as the first cruise of the season by the weekend. I always enjoy the trip to New York as I always seem to find something curious and interesting somewhere along the journey. Such as the interesting sites I observed during last years sojourn as seen here and here. Though I have a special reason for heading into the Port of New York next week which I will be talking about in a future post as I get underway.  Another reason a sail to New York is so interesting is that the city and it's waterfront is constantly changing for better and for worse. Professional Mariner Capt. Bruce Brucato has some musing on this at his NY TUGMASTER blog. Here is the money quote:

It’s easily acknowledged that the city is so transient that it’s residents tend to overlook its legacy as one of the greatest ports in the world.- Capt. Brucato

Indeed those of us who approach the city by the water see changes that the pedestrians on land often miss. Plus we get to approach the city the way sailors like Hudson, Verrazano and the Native Americans in their canoes did. Using the same tidal forces to make our journey easier. It is a unique perspective and a trip that I never get tired of making. The East River transit is one of my favorites through Hell Gate and into the harbor. Capt Brucato captures that journey from a unique perch in this time lapse shoot:

Why I don't sail here in winter

First saw this a few days ago on Craft a Craft. It's a video on Kontain.com. It's a time lapse of the recovery of U.S. Air Flight 1549 which crash landed in the Hudson River in New York City a little over a year ago. What I found interesting is that because of the ice you can really see the current and tidal change of the Hudson River which is a force the prudent sailor uses to his advantage. It also shows the power of ice and currents as it jostles and moves the airliner as it hits the tail. It also dramatically shows why I don't have a desire to sail these waters in winter.

Posted on Kontain.com - [Flight 1549] from David Martin on Vimeo.

AN ELECTRIC SAILBOAT CRUISE TO NEW YORK: PART 3

After exiting the Buttermilk Channel I headed to starboard on a course to the Statue of Liberty. Out in the middle of the bay there appeared to be at least a hundred small dingy sailboats in the middle of the harbor having a race. I thought this is crazy having all these kids out here in such small boats. I was later to find that sailors on board these small sailboats were all part of the events of NY400 and consisted of the top racers from around the world and they were fast. But, from what I heard on the VHF some of the tugboat Captains were not real happy to see them out there blocking their usual transits across the harbor. Especially since they were so fast it was hard to keep out of their way.

As I approached the Statue of Liberty I thought I recognized the boat I saw in the distance.

It was the CLEARWATER. A replica of the sloops that plied the Hudson River over one hundred years ago. She makes a pretty picture when her sails are up.

That night I docked at the Liberty Landing Marina. As I came in I saw a relaxed fellow on his 24 foot sloop smoking a cigar peaceful as can be. Chatting with him later I mentioned that BIANKA used electric propulsion. He said that's why you were so quiet when you came into the dock. I just smiled.

Later that night there was a solemn reminder as the lights for the World Trade Center Memorial were turned on in preparation for the anniversary of that tragic event was coming up in a few days on September 11th.

The next day I sailed up the Hudson and docked at the 79th Street Marina. Lo and Behold I wound up being docked next to the Clearwater sloop. Below is a camera phone photo of BIANKA docked next to the Clearwater at the 79th Street Marinia.

I must say they were a busy crew as they went about chores on the deck in between excursions. I good naturedly harassed them telling them that BIANKA was greener they they were. They asked how. I said I use electric propulsion while they still had a diesel for auxilary propulsion.

PREVIOUS ELECTRIC SAILBOAT CRUISE TO NEW YORK POSTS: PART 1 PART 2