This passage took us to the western end of Long Island Sound, the East River, passing Manhattan to the Hudson River. It was all about timing as the tidal currents rip through the narrow river channel. The most notable section is called Hells Gate. We had assumed its name is derived from the current however this isn’t the case but I’ll get to that. Most of the scenery is lush and green. Once we passed the impressive homes, the river became a little industrial with an airport, prison ship and numerous chemical looking factories. It returns green along the water front and then it’s dominated by concrete and glass buildings.

Kim’s passage planning was perfect, so with precision timing we transited the East River and at times we had a favourable 2 knot current. This pushed us along at 7 to 8 knots (SOG). Our friends Larus set off at the same time as ourselves. The passage was rather uneventful, minimal traffic upstream with the only notable event being a barge that met us on a bend under a bridge…..ah plenty of space.

Hell Gate was named Hellegot by the Dutch who first navigated these waters in 1614. It was so calm that we did not even realise that we had passed through the treacherous body of water. Prior to the 1850’s, it was believed that one in fifty ships trying to run the gauntlet of Hell Gate was sunk or damaged due to the potential large whirlpools, standing waves and sharp rocks. During the late 19th Century engineers from the US Army blew up the rocks and reefs that plagued the treacherous tidal straights. As we discovered, if you time it right, it is a pleasant passage.

We passed the United Nations Building, under the Brooklyn Bridge and then the Wall Street ferry terminal and helicopter landing field.

Larus

Prison Ship

East River

Financial District

POV with the Go Pro

The Statue of Liberty was a grand sight and we passed the island keeping the regulation distance from shore. As we were in full awe of this landmark we research its history. A project and gift from the people of France that commenced around 1865, with the statue built in separate parts with the help of donations and these parts shown in both France and the USA before it was assembled and completed in 1886. We anchored behind the Statue of Liberty, opened a bottle of champagne and waited in eager anticipation for the solar eclipse. New York was expecting 70% coverage. The day did seem to dull but nothing like the eclipse what we experienced as kids. That evening, the anchorage was a bit rolley but well worth it with an unobstructed view of the Manhattan skyline. It was breath taking as the sky dimmed and the lights of Manhattan sparkled. Nothing like a billion dollar view for free.

The next morning in fog and a little haze we made our way down the Hudson and back to the Atlantic. A busy harbour that was dominated by fast moving ferries, we slipped past the many ships with almost all remaining stationary on anchor.

Morning Fog

Farewell New York!