CSR Northeast Flotilla 2014

[mjmason1]

I like option 3. Mystic, feast (didn't a club member offer his yard for the feast?) then Watch Hill then Block. A side question, isn't it buggy in Mystic?
Essex would be over 4 hour steam for me. I know it sounds selfish. Sorry.

 

[Alex F]

I know that usually a pic worth a 1000 words, so let's look at the chart with ports that were proposed so far and see what makes sense the most.

BTW, let me know if anyone would like to add another port to the picture.

Proposed itinerary so far:

1. Essex (feast) -> Mystic -> Block
2. Essex (feast) -> Shelter -> Block
3. Mystic (feast) -> Watch Hill, RI -> Block
4. Coecles Hbr -> Essex (feast) -> Block
5. Coecles Hbr -> Mystic (feast) -> Block
6. Essex (feast) -> Block -> Coecles Harbor

 

[Alex F]

As most of you know we just had a gathering at PJ and briefly discussed couple of options regarding the ports. Considering the fact that the leading candidate was Newport I got some feedback on it, as well as Norwich.

Let me start of with Norwich. I haven’t been in this port myself, so I’m simply relaying the info gathered from our discussion. It’s a quite place with very nice marina facility and as I recall from the website, they have nice restaurant on site. There’s NOTHING around, thus if we’re not interested in the casinos, then the activities are very limited. In addition, I was cautioned about navigation hazards presented by the underwater concrete structures (like underwater jetties) running just few feet from the channel, which is not visible during high tide. So, if you blink and steer just a bit out of the channel you’re at risk of loosing your running gear. So, considering that we might have 20-25 boats in a caravan, IMO, this port doesn’t sound very attractive. It appears that it’s a place you might want to visit if you just passing by and need a nice place for overnight. Thus, for the reasons above I’m retracting my vote for Norwich.

Few additional things and comments I got regarding Newport. Even though it’s very nice port, we need to keep in mind that it might present few challenges. Those that wish to grab a mooring will have to wait until at least couple of days prior the arrival, as they don’t take reservations. Those that wish to stay at a marina will be paying around $5 per foot, plus electrical service. Depending on the number of boats going to Newport we might break up in to three different group, as a single marina may not be able to accommodate everyone. So, potentially we might be looking at Group #1 which takes mooring (I usually stay on a mooring there), Group #2 which stays in marina A, and Group #3 which stays in marina B. The other point is that since it’s a popular destination with a lot of sites seeing, a lot of people visit Newport by car on number of occasions. So, when it comes to make the choice getting spending top dollar on fuel and marinas, there’s some hesitation. This is probably the reason why we only see 3 votes for Newport, so far.

Adding Sag Harbor to the mix.

 

[Greg]

Just thinking out loud here. Do we need to have the feast on land? We do some pretty big raft ups on the Hudson and party right on the boats.

We all moved about, it's not like we were stuck on our own boats. The water activities were right there for the kids.

Here is a pic of a barbeque that a friend of ours threw. He cooked all the food on his boat with a few Magma's. I think Sea Tow took this pic.

 

[christo15]

Just thinking out loud here. Do we need to have the feast on land? We do some pretty big raft ups on the Hudson and party right on the boats.

We all moved about, it's not like we were stuck on our own boats. The water activities were right there for the kids.

Here is a pic of a barbeque that a friend of ours threw. He cooked all the food on his boat with a few Magma's. I think Sea Tow took this pic.

I like the idea, but for people without generators (me) it's not as enjoyable. I would rather have that nice group atmosphere but on a 90 degree day without any AC it would be rough.

 

[Alex F]

Beautiful pic, Greg.

You definitely make a point and this is what we always do with or BBQ and cocktails parties. And we'll do the same in other ports like Block. But, I think that the biggest difference having the feast on land is to bring everyone together as a group. Otherwise, a large party (80-100 people) will be staggered in smaller groups. So, for that reason I would vote for having the feast on land.

 

[Greg]

Yeah, I guess with that many people it probably is better on land.

 

[Alex F]

I'm waiting for Mystic Seaport to call me back and tell me what options we have with their facilities.

 

[Busterman]

What are the requirements for the feast? Is it something you rent a hall for? Cooking facilities etc? Since I've never been I'm wondering how I can help. If the weather is good we could potentially do it at my place, but raining is another story. No way could I get 80-100 people in the house. I also have the yacht club as an option. It's like a 1200 square foot space with a kitchen and bath etc. also it has a private and public patio. I do work for some of the marinas in the area and know most of the service managers, owners, etc so their facilities may also be an option. Especially if some you are planning on slip rental.

 

[Alex F]

Ross,

In the passed, when we did the feast in a marina (Montauk Yacht Club), all we would need is for marina to provide us an area (it could be a T dock or a lawn space) with few large tables, chairs and charcoal grill (or something similar). If there's an outlet to plug in we'd gladly use it, otherwise we'll run a small portable generator to provide the juice for Greg's slushy machine.

So, if the weather cooperates that's all we need, no special halls as it's all outdoors. If the weather doesn't look good say for Sat afternoon, then the plan B would be moving the feast for Sun. If both days don't look good, we either ask marina to allow us using a club house or some other room to hold the party. This is why when choosing a marina it's preferred that they have some kind of facility that we can use. Plan C would be postponing the feast until the next port and good weather. So, as you can see there are always options. The main thing is to be flexible and it'll make things much easier.

I'm reaching out to the marinas like Essex Island Marina and Mystic Seaport to see what they can offer. We'll need to see which place offers better arrangement and where we'd like to travel as a destination. Speaking of Mystic, I was thinking that (if majority will be in agreement going to Mystic) the seaport marina is a good option. As you know there's some anchorage room right next to it. So, even if they can't fit all 20-25 boats we can easily have 5-10 boats rafted right in front of the seaport.

However, if you have another place in mind that could work for us, let me know. If we'll be some distance away from the village we can always use dinghies to get there.

If you'd like to discuss some details, I'll PM you my cell phone #.

 

[wetpaint]

Why not do Block first? Then group A can go (CT way) and group B can go (vineyard/nantucket) and group C can go Newport way. Maybe people will meet new people in Block and join a group to next destination…….

 

[dcpringle]

Hey Guys, Please add me to the list of Maybes.. This is our first year with Diamond Girl, so we'll be breaking her in. We are located on the CT River... Only 10 mins from Essex, and we have a mooring in Hamburg Cove too.

"dcpringle": Don and Sandy, possibly my son DJ, "Diamond Girl" 480DB

 

[Alex F]

Why not do Block first? Then group A can go (CT way) and group B can go (vineyard/nantucket) and group C can go Newport way. Maybe people will meet new people in Block and join a group to next destination…….

John, it's an idea, but where would we hold the feast in Block? Considering that we'll be going there on Sat the place will be packed in the anchorage and marina. As I recall, Champlin's area with picnic tables is kind of small in there's tons of people traffic. I don't think it's the best spot for the feast. I could be wrong, so if anyone has more info I'll gladly listen.

Hey Guys, Please add me to the list of Maybes.. This is our first year with Diamond Girl, so we'll be breaking her in. We are located on the CT River... Only 10 mins from Essex, and we have a mooring in Hamburg Cove too.

"dcpringle": Don and Sandy, possibly my son DJ, "Diamond Girl" 480DB

Hi Don, I've added you to the list of maybies. Let me know when you're ready to move on to the List of Participants.

 

[Havana Shamrock]

I'm not waiting any longer so heres my vote,
P1 . Option 6
this way we arrive in Block on a weekday and not worry about availability as much, also using Coecles harbor as our last port majority of the group would be heading west after that and it's not far for the CT crews. Essex sounds accommodating for the feast with tables and chairs etc, there's an area we can dinghy to for the kids (water sports) and relax. Thoughts?

 

[cod]

Alex,
Here is another option for you to consider. West Neck Harbor on Shelter Island. The feast can be held at the Island Boat Yard. There are picnic tables and 2 BBQ's where the red arrow is. There are bathrooms right by the pool. The harbor is not a big as Coecles but should be able to handle a good size raft up. Those who wish to be at a marina can reserve a slip. You are also aloud to go tubing just outside the anchorage in the harbor. There is also a restaurant at the Marina. Marina is a 3 minute dingy ride from the anchorage.

 

[Alex F]

Steve,

Thanks for your suggestion. This is exactly what I proposed last year and folks were concerned that anchorage is too small. For this reason we moved to Coecles Harbor. I love West Neck Harbor. It's very peaceful and cozy. Good sightseeing by dinghy. The interesting thing about that marina is that it's adjacent to a small winery (we had very nice wine tasting there).

Anyway, I'd be happy to consider this option, but we have to be aware that the anchorage area is limited on the weekends. I'll try finding some pix and will post later.

 

[cod]

Agreed..... but I thought you were schedule to arrive on a Friday. I don't think it would be a problem if a certain percentage of boats stay at the marina. You didn't have that option in Coecles

 

[tdschafer]

That seems like a pretty cool option!

 

[Havana Shamrock]

The place seems really nice its .50 mile to the anchorage. Activecaptain reviews are good but all say the anchorage gets crowded on weekends with large yachts. There is an indoor events room if the weather isn't cooperating for the feast. I like this option here are some prices and info
Cancellations - if given within 48 hours will result in a dockage credit good anytime within a one-year period. Reservations will still need to be made to ensure slip availability.


Rates - Thursday through Sunday - $4.50 per ft. with family pass for pool.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday - $3.50 per ft. with family pass for pool.


Holidays Weekends minimum three nights stay.


Electric - $10 per day for 30 amp electrical service.
$15 per day for twin 30 amp service or single 50 amp service.


Dinghy/Tender - Included with transient dockage, all other dinghies/tenders will be charged a $25 fee for the use of services. You must check in and identify the dinghy so it can be tagged. Please note that the pool is not included and is $10 per person.

 

[Alex F]

Steve, looks like you've got my wheels spinning.....LOL.....I'll explain in a min.

Yes, you're right. I always try to get there in advance to get things settled. So, Fri early afternoon (or even earlier if possible) would be my target ETA.

My biggest concern was the anchorage is tight and sometime there's a patrol in the area and I didn't know if there are any restrictions in regards to rafting (but I was told by the dockmaster that there are no restrictions that he's aware of). So, here are few finding based on my preliminary homework.

I spoke with marina's dockmaster and we might make it work. I'll start off with the basic info. The rate is $4.50 p/f, but they only have 20 transient slips. Since it's a small marina, obviously there are very few larger slips and smaller boats have more chance to get in. In a way we don't care as majority do prefer anchoring in the raft. They have pool and picnic area by the pool, they can provide tables and chairs. They also have a patio/deck with canopy to keep us covered from sun or rain. So, we're somewhat covered for plan B (in case the weather is not on our side).

So, if you guys don't mind, I think the way to make this work we'll need to split in to two groups. One group goes to the marina and another group goes to anchorage. In the way this would a perfect solution as both (marina and anchorage) are somewhat limited. Dockmaster told me that the group from the anchorage area would be welcome to the marina property so we can have our feast. He said that this what they've done in the past with larger groups. In addition to all the amenities they have a shuttle that takes people to town. So, if someone is in a mood to explore SI on land you've got transportation.

So, I'm actually excited about this option and it'll be my P1 :thumbsup: For those that have never been in West Neck Harbor, I'm positive you'll like it. It's also very sheltered, it's just much smaller than Coecles Harbor, but it has it's own charm. There's an area for water activities, the beach will be right next to the raft. I think it's a perfect spot for a weekend and have our feast. If we'd like to get more night action, as I mentioned earlier, we can take couple of big boats to Sag.

Here's what the place looks like. Most likely, we'll have to line up the raft along the beach. The anchorage area is marked by buoys, so we kind of forced to stay closer to the beach.



The raft most likely be positioned in the area we see in the pic between the sailboats and my boat.



Here you can see that there's no much room between the shore and the buoys marking the anchorage area.



So, what you say guys? If we get this settled, then we'll be back to the case of having to choose only one port (port #2) between Shelter Island and Block Island.