CSR Northeast Flotilla 2015

Alex F

Well-Known Member
Nov 14, 2006
9,166
Miami / Ft Lauderdale
Boat Info
2005 420DB with AB 11 DLX Tender, Raymarine Electronics (2x12" MFDs) with Vesper AIS
Engines
Cummins 450Cs, 9KW Onan Generator, 40HP Yamaha for tender.
Greetings to all,

As the winter is starting to take the turn towards the end, it’s time to start planning our summer trips, as well as booking vacation time off.

Having great success with the past two official Flotillas, we’re getting ready for our 3rd Northeast Flotilla. So, let’s not delay any longer and get the CSR Northeast Flotilla 2015 thread rolling.

Here are some observations from past Flotillas:

1. In the past few years we had great success with Shelter Island (either Taylor’s Isl or West Neck Harbor) for having the feast and staying the weekend. Thus, IMO, it should be our primary candidate for starting point (port #1).

2. As we did in the past, staying in a port for minimum of 2 nights works great. This allows us to take the time and enjoy a port, instead of being in a rush. So, let’s keep the same approach going.

3. BLOCK – no question, we always had awesome time in Block. However, lately our summers are getting on the colder side, where the weather and temps in Block have been iffy. The way this winter is going, I expect the summer to be not much different (I hope I’m wrong). So, I’m open to other options where we could be closer to mainland with shallower/warmer waters. But, if the group will vote for Block, I’m game.

4. Anytime we go to Block, we end up staying there for 4 nights or more. If the group decides passing on Block and going someplace else, this opens an opportunity on having 4 ports in our itinerary.


WHEN:
The “CSR Northeast Flotilla 2015” will be held on the week of August 1st through August 9th

The “Feast of the East” is scheduled for Saturday, August 1st and will be held at Island Boatyard & Marina: http://www.islandboatyard.com/index.html


Additional Group Dinners are scheduled on:
THUESDAY AUGUST 4th, 6PM at “Red Parrot” (In Newport)
THURSDAY AUGUST 6th, (time TBD) at “Nautika” (in E.Greenwich)

ITINERARY:

Float_Plan.jpg

Port 1 Info:
IBM_Info.jpg

Port 2 Info:
NHHM_Info.jpg

Port 3 Info:
Most people will be rafted, but there are few decent marinas very close by for those who needs it. To all who's going to E. Greenwich and would like to be in a marina instead of rafting in the anchorage area, use the info below and ask to be placed in the North section. This way the group will stay together.

7dd8482e0a359254940052bd436df508.jpg



Port 4 Info:
As always, we'll have two groups. One will be rafted in the anchorage area and the other group will stay at Champlin's.

Champlins_Info.jpg

“Daily Compass” can be found here (my post #330)

http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/71232-CSR-Northeast-Flotilla-2015/page33


Let’s get this party started , Captains!!!


To bring back some great memories, here are the links to our previous Flotillas and rendezvous:


CSR Northeast Flotilla 2014 - Club Sea Ray

CSR Northeast Flotilla 2013

LI Rendezvous - 2012

LI Rendezvous - 2011

LI Rendezvous 2010

Who's signing up for our official CSR Northeast Flotilla 2015?

List of Participants for the Flotilla:
[CSR name]: [crew names], [boat info], [Traveling From], [Docking in WNH], [Docking in Newport], [Docking in E.Greenwich],
[Docking in Block], [Table Offerings]
1. "Alex F": Alex and Jelena, Michelle(18), Daniel(10), "Inspiration" 420DB, LI Sound area, Marina, Mooring, Raft, Raft, Chicken Parm and Penne ala vodka and some dessert
2. "Greg": Greg and Colleen, Tiffany(17), Ashley(12), Zachary(12), "Lady TAZ" 480DB, Hudson River, TBD, TBD, Raft, Raft, Sausage and Peppers
3. "Havana Shamrock" Joe and Martha, kids TBD, Dublin (Kerry blue Terrier), "Beach Inn" 500DB, GSB, Marina, Mooring, Raft, Raft, Swedish meatballs and ceasar salad
4. "Larry": Larry and Melina, Greg (12), "Miss Melina" 330DA, Norwalk CT, Marina, Marina, TBD, Marina, Meatballs
5."rcmafgny", Ron and Wendy, "Knot For Sale" 26DA, GSB, TBD, TBD, Raft, Raft, Raft,Soft drinks, Water, and Wine
6. "h-gerry": Harold and Arlene, Daniel (6), Chelsea (Black Lab mix), "Zuzu's Petal's II" 400 EC, Oceanside NY, Marina, Marina, Raft, Raft,soft goods: dessert plates, cups, napkins, paper towels, table clothes, garbage bags. We will also pick up some assorted desserts
7. "Russ Calasant": Russ and Lisa, "Debtfinder" 460DA, Mystic CT, N/G, N/G, Raft, Raft, N/A
8. "N/A": Rich and Tracy, "Next Friday" Formula 36, Norwalk CT, TBD, TBD, TBD, TBD, N/A
9. "Busterman": Ross, Yulia, Maya(7), Eva(4), "Boat-RYME" 390EC, Mystic CT, Marina, Marina, Raft, Raft, "galuptsi", Russian stuffed cabbage, plates and plastic ware
10. "Irie308": Dean and Tammie, Michael (11), Stephanie (7), and Maxwell (4), "Arrr & Arrr" 320DA, Stratford CT, Marina, Marina, Raft, Raft, Jerk Chicken
11. "JV II": Michael and Julia, Alex(11), Lilly(4), "Julia Valentine" 48DA, Boston MA, N/G, Marina, TBD, Marina, N/A
12. "Jeremygavin": Jeremy and Stephanie, Mia (7) Lexi (5), "Flipper" 340DA, Falmouth Cape Cod, N/G, Marina, Raft, Raft, N/A
13. “Vise Aversa”: Vinny and Robin, Vincent (14), Michael (13), “Vise Aversa” 520DB, LI Sound Area, Marina, Mooring, Raft, N/G, Pulled Pork sliders with coleslaw
14. " Xplicitlnck": Jonathan & Donna, “TBD” 330EC, GSB, TBD, N/G, N/G, Raft, N/A
15. "Victorias Secret": Bill and Vicky, Joey(12), "Victoria's Secret" 44DB, Hudson River, Raft (Shelter),Mac and Cheese, salad, and wine
16. "csnaik": Sekhar and Archana, Ajay (12), Yash (8), Sanjana (4), "Summer Sealution" 460 DA, Mystic CT, Marina, N/G, N/G, Chicken Curry, Naan, and Desserts
17. "Ididntdoit": Mike and Cheryl - 2 boys 12&14, "natural high" 300DA, Mystic CT, N/G, By Car, N/G, N/A
18. "N/A": Tim and Debbie (Friends of "Beach INN" crew). Coming by car. Bringing deserts to the for the feast.
19. "Masterfab": Dale and Tina, "Mustang" 340DA, Upstate NY, TBD, N/G, N/G, N/G, homemade deviled eggs and a large chicken caesar salad

List of Maybies
1. "tdshafer": Todd, Sherri, Ryan (10), Justin(8), Sabrina (6), "Sea Ya Later" 330DA, GSB
2. "New Freedom": Marianne & Angela, Cooper (King Charles) New Freedom 420DB, Hudson River, TBD, TBD, TBD, TBD, TBD
3. "mjmason1": Mike and Pam Mason. "Someplace Else" 400DB, Newport RI area, N/G, TBD, TBD, TBD, N/A

VHF Communication:
69- primary channel to communicate with the group.
16 - is always on. This will be the channel to use in case if we don't get response on 69. Once the communication is established with a vessel we'll ask to switch to 69.

NOTE: This page will periodically get updated with important information. Please check here once in a while.

FAQ (this is mostly for new people who didn’t have a chance to join us in the past)

Q1: How do I sign up?
A1: Simply post in this thread or PM me stating that you wish to participate. We'll need the following basic info, which will be placed on the first page in the list of the participants (table offerings can be left alone for now, as it will be addressed much closer to the Flotilla date):
[CSR name]: [crew names], [boat info], [Traveling From], [Docking in Port1], [Docking in Port2], [Docking in Port3],[Table Offerings]

Example:
"Alex F": Alex and Jelena, Michelle(17), Daniel(9), "Inspiration" 420DB, LIS area, Raft, Marina, Raft, TBD

Q2:
How’s a Flotilla different from a regular Rendezvous?
A2: The group will not just meet up at a marina, but we will travel from port to port as a group and our destinations will be mixed between marinas, mooring and/or just anchorage in a beautiful cove or designated anchorage area.

Q3: Am I obligated to stay with the flotilla the whole week?
A3: Absolutely not. Anyone should feel free to join the flotilla and take off anytime they desire, or their schedule allows. We perfectly understand that you have other commitments/obligations.

Q4: Do we have to travel together from port to port?
A4: No. It’s obviously a lot more fun (and not to mention safer) to travel as one caravan, but if you wish to run on your own schedule (e.g. arrive to a destination earlier or later), feel free to do so and we’ll see you there.

Q5: What we do (activities wise) once settle in a port?
A5: We always try to come up with a list of fun activities that might interest most people. But, don’t forget that this is your vacation time and if you wish to do something totally different, by all means, we’ll sea ya later.

Q6: How’s dining arranged for the rest of the trip (after the official feast)?
A6: In the course of the whole week we’ll have mixed ways of dining. There are nights when we just want to have BBQ party (either on the rafted boats or a marina), but for the most part we’ll dine out as a group in fine local restaurants that will be able to accommodate our group. Thus, advanced reservations (at least one day in advance) will be necessary. But, as always, if you’d like to have your own arrangement, feel free to do so. No hard feelings.

Those are just few that came from the top of my head. Have more questions? Feel free to ask.

Cheers,
Alex.
 
Last edited:
Alex,
We had a great time meeting everyone last year. We would love to meet up again this year. It will be dependent on the ports you choose and when we are taking vacation this summer so for that reason please put us on the list of maybies. Our vote for at least one port to be block island or another port that is within range of us. Here is our info:

"Jeremygavin": Jeremy and Stephanie, Mia (7) Lexi (5), "Flipper" 340DA, Falmouth Cape Cod,
 
Alex,
We had a great time meeting everyone last year. We would love to meet up again this year. It will be dependent on the ports you choose and when we are taking vacation this summer so for that reason please put us on the list of maybies. Our vote for at least one port to be block island or another port that is within range of us. Here is our info:

"Jeremygavin": Jeremy and Stephanie, Mia (7) Lexi (5), "Flipper" 340DA, Falmouth Cape Cod,

Same here, Jeremy. It was great meeting you and the crew. I'm glad you could be part of the Flotilla. I hope you can make it this year as well.

I updated first page with your info.

Just a friendly reminder, Shelter Isl and surrounding areas where we're looking to cruise is just under 40NM from Block. That's about 1.5-2hrs cruising on your 340DA. If you have never been in Shelter, you'd love it.
 
Same here, Jeremy. It was great meeting you and the crew. I'm glad you could be part of the Flotilla. I hope you can make it this year as well.

I updated first page with your info.

Just a friendly reminder, Shelter Isl and surrounding areas where we're looking to cruise is just under 40NM from Block. That's about 1.5-2hrs cruising on your 340DA. If you have never been in Shelter, you'd love it.

Alex,
You make a good point. I will keep that in mind as the plans progress.
 
To get the discussion started, I want to throw this out to the group: Is a couple of nights in Newport a feasible option within the timeframe of this week-long trip? My estimate puts Newport at approximately 73 miles from Essex, assuming that is port #2. Is this too long of a run for a single day? Would a stop-over in Block make a run to Newport feasible? Having never been to Newport, is it worth the trip? According to my boat's prior owner, my boat has been to Newport, so I know it can be done, just not sure if this is the time. Thoughts?.......
 
I think we need info on what ports have what? If the guys that have traveled to these ports could chime in and let us know then we could narrow down the ports.
 
We had a great time and would like to attend again this year. At least we're planning it.

We ended our trip last year with a 3 day stop in Newport and will likely do it again this year. So, it you all want to make Newport a stop, we'll be there. Looking forward to a lower fuel bill this year!

-Mike
 
We are in the the pack as usual, just questioning what happened to a ride up the hudson?
Two years ago, we opted out of Newport, but if definitely are interested in that port - Even if Joe has to tow us
 
To get the discussion started, I want to throw this out to the group: Is a couple of nights in Newport a feasible option within the timeframe of this week-long trip? My estimate puts Newport at approximately 73 miles from Essex, assuming that is port #2. Is this too long of a run for a single day? Would a stop-over in Block make a run to Newport feasible? Having never been to Newport, is it worth the trip? According to my boat's prior owner, my boat has been to Newport, so I know it can be done, just not sure if this is the time. Thoughts?.......

Harold,

Newport was on the itinerary two years ago. Only Neil, myself & the Hudson River group went there. I have to say that it was my favorite port! We stayed at the Newport Harbor hotel & marina I believe. It had an indoor pool which was great for the kids. The town is awesome. George Thorogood was playing at the harbor civic center. They had an awesome arcade, minor league ballpark & Starbucks (a personal favorite) all a short walk from the marina. I would recommend it if you can make it happen!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Todd
 
Todd, is there any outdoor attractions? I'm not making that trip to sit inside. I'll skip it.
 
To get the discussion started, I want to throw this out to the group: Is a couple of nights in Newport a feasible option within the timeframe of this week-long trip? My estimate puts Newport at approximately 73 miles from Essex, assuming that is port #2. Is this too long of a run for a single day? Would a stop-over in Block make a run to Newport feasible? Having never been to Newport, is it worth the trip? According to my boat's prior owner, my boat has been to Newport, so I know it can be done, just not sure if this is the time. Thoughts?.......

Harold, let me share my thoughts on your post.

I'll start with minor correction. Essex to Newport is around 60NM. So, no question, it's doable in one day with ease. Newport is one of our favorite destinations. If you haven't been there, especially by boat in pick season, it's a MUST visit destination. I would definitely vote for going to Newport. Going there for just two nights, you'll run out of time real fast with all activities. Just few activities of the top of my head: Tour the Mansions, rent bikes/scooters or 3-wheel "car" and go for a ride on Ocean drive. Walk the town, there are tons of very cool shops and great dining options. We'll need to check Newport's calendar of events, they usually have something going on. If art festival is there during our stay, then you'll need a car (it's a multi-town event), very cool one. A quick google search will get you rolling. Here's one link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g60978-Activities-Newport_Rhode_Island.html

A dinghy ride after dinner at night is just awesome.

Something worth mentioning, due to demand, Newport one of the most expensive destinations in the NE. Marinas will have min 2 nights on the weekends at ~$5 p/f. Mooring is $45-$60 per night, and it's first come first serve basis (no reservations). There's no anchorage where we could raft up. Anchoring is an option, but you have to be very careful. The holding is not very good, it's deep water (17'-20') and very crowded. If the wind shifts 180 deg, there's very good chance on dragging. You need to stay with the boat. If going there midweek, you might find room, but on the weekend, don't count on having good anchorage option, and probably mooring as well.

Final conclusion, awesome port, but for a group of 10-20+ boats we need some good and fast planning. You snooze you loose. The marinas are getting packed fast (even at that rate). Those that wish to stay on a mooring (I would), need to be flexible and have good plan B.

Stop at Block and then go to Newport? No way, we've tried it before, it just doesn't work. After landing in Block, people just don't want to leave....LOL. So, we've learned that Block can only be our last port....LOL
 
We've been to Newport twice and like Alex said it's a beautiful port. We've never been via boat however we were looking to make it a stop on one of our trips this summer. Newport has our vote if it's an option.
 
I would like to attend this year. I have been following the previous years trips but felt odd jumping in. I think this is the year . My boat (AJ290 " Sunshine Daydream") and my dock neighbor (370DA "Hydro Therapy") are strong maybes at this point. Traveling in a group is very appealing to me as I have high anxiety of making a multi leg 200 NM trip solo. We are both sailing out of Senix Marina in Center Moriches. Please let me know how to proceed as the 2015 trip starts to evolve. Thanks!!
 
Thanks for the feedback everyone. If the group agrees, I think Newport is a destination to consider. It would add time and expense to the trip for us, but sounds worth it.

On the other hand, like Ron questioned, we did toss around the idea of a run up the Hudson. Is anyone interested in that?
 
Last edited:
While we're on the subject of Newport, I would propose another near by port East Greenwich (Greenwich Bay). This could be very good stop to throw in the mix. There's an excellent anchorage where we can raft as many boats we need in protected cove right next to a park. Great dining in the town. Just a perfect spot to take a group to. Shallow and MUCH warmer water, perfect for swimming and do any kind of water activities. It'll be very nice contrast after doing some "running around" Newport.

Hudson - Last time we talked about it, we considered going all the way to Canada (1000 Islands). This sounded like an excellent trip, but we've also hit some "roadblocks". Some that I recall were:

1. Bridge boats can't do the loop from Lake Ontario to Lake Champlain. This is due to the low (around 16') fixed bridges on the Champlain side (northern part).
2. Time required for the trip will be more than most people are willing or can take off.
3. Traveling distance is too much for many people.

So, let's get the ideas going in reference to the Hudson trip. It's not out of the radar. What ports do you have in mind and how far up the river/locks you want to go?

P.S. I will definitely do the 1000 islands loop, I just don't know when.
 
Last edited:
I would like to attend this year. I have been following the previous years trips but felt odd jumping in. I think this is the year . My boat (AJ290 " Sunshine Daydream") and my dock neighbor (370DA "Hydro Therapy") are strong maybes at this point. Traveling in a group is very appealing to me as I have high anxiety of making a multi leg 200 NM trip solo. We are both sailing out of Senix Marina in Center Moriches. Please let me know how to proceed as the 2015 trip starts to evolve. Thanks!!

Welcome aboard!

The sign up is very simple, just give me your info in the following format:

[CSR name]: [crew names], [boat info], [Traveling From], [Docking in Port 1], [Docking in Port 2], [Docking in Port 3], [Table Offerings]

For example:
"Alex F": Alex and Jelena, Michelle(18), Daniel(10), "Inspiration" 420DB, Norwalk CT


Leave the fields marked in blue blank for now. We'll get back to them when we'll finalize our itinerary.
 
While we're on the subject of Newport, I would propose another near by port East Greenwich (Greenwich Bay). This could be very good stop to throw in the mix. There's an excellent anchorage where we can raft as many boats we need in protected cove right next to a park. Great dining in the town. Just a perfect spot to take a group to. It'll be very nice contrast after doing some "running around" Newport.

Alex,
East Greenwich looks interesting. Looking at my iPad Maps app, there seems to be a bunch of restaurants on Main St, a Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, and an Irish Pub (this if for you Joe) near the presumed place for a raft up by Goodard State Park. For the Admirals, I also saw an Alex and Ani store on Main Street too.
 
So, let's get the ideas going in reference to the Hudson trip. It's not out of the radar. What ports do you have in mind and how far up the river/locks you want to go?.

Not knowing many places up the Hudson, Haverstraw and Kingston would seem like two of the main stopping points with something to do on land.
 
Alex,
East Greenwich looks interesting. Looking at my iPad Maps app, there seems to be a bunch of restaurants on Main St, a Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, and an Irish Pub (this if for you Joe) near the presumed place for a raft up by Goodard State Park. For the Admirals, I also saw an Alex and Ani store on Main Street too.

Just about less than a mile away, the waterfront dining is very good. Excellent place to do a dinghy caravan ride for dinner and/or just explore. It will remind a bit of a Shelter Isl. The bay is just about under 20NM from Newport.We like jogging in the park. It has awesome view of the anchorage area.
 
Last edited:
Not knowing many places up the Hudson, Haverstraw and Kingston would seem like two of the main stopping points with something to do on land.

The main question is what are the good ports past Kingston? I've been in Haverstraw. It could be a good jumping off point. Kingston is definitely a good stop, but I wouldn't treat it as a destination.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
112,945
Messages
1,422,752
Members
60,928
Latest member
rkaleda
Back
Top