Looking back on the 2023 Cruising Season
In 2023, the CIYC Cruising Committee led club cruises to exciting new destinations on Long Island Sound. A week-long wine cruise to the North Fork was a highlight, and the club enjoyed a visit to Oyster Bay’s Sagamore Yacht Club (SYC).
A weekend sail to Sagamore Yacht Club
On a beautiful mid-June weekend, six boats left for an overnight in Oyster Bay: Kestrel, Leandra, Neaera, Restless, Sarah, and Three Sheets. Light winds in the morning meant a fair amount of motoring for many boats on the roughly four-hour trip. In Oyster Bay, the group arranged guest moorings with SYC, using the opportunity to explore the town, which is a ten-minute walk from the dock. The group enjoyed drinks and dinner at the SYC clubhouse. On Sunday the group took advantage of downwind sailing on a beautiful sunny day to return to City Island.
Cruising to the North Fork Wineries
In July, the Cruising Committee, in coordination with the Harlem Yacht Club (HYC), took on the challenge of a seven-day cruise on the Long Island Sound, with the North Fork’s wine country as the primary destination.
On Day 1, four boats departed for Northport, 23 nautical miles from City Island: Ilene out of HYC, Neaera, Restless, and Sarah. The boats had to tack their way through 10 knot winds out of the northeast and against the tide. When the wind died in the afternoon, most boats were able to switch to engines and motor into moorings at Centerport Yacht Club (CYC); Ilene was becalmed with engine issues but was able to expertly maneuver into Northport Bay and drop anchor for the night. For the others in the harbor, the CYC launch delivered the crews to the Northport town park, where they were joined by more CIYC members sailing on Moody Blue out of Greenwich, CT. The group enjoyed dinner at a restaurant in town and a quiet evening on the CYC moorings.
On Day 2, Ilene, Neaera, and Sarah sailed for Port Jefferson. Strong winds out of the south made for a fast 22 nautical mile passage, and some passing showers washed the salt off the boats as they arrived at the anchorage just inside Port Jefferson Harbor. A generally damp evening was less-than-ideal, but the crews were able to cook onboard and experience a peaceful night in a protected bay.
Day 3 began with calm, hot, and sunny weather, which made for a long day motoring the 28 nautical miles to Mattituck. Sarah was forced to return to City Island due to transmission problems. Despite some nervousness with the shallow Mattituck Inlet, Ilene and Neaera successfully navigated the narrow channel and anchored in the well-protected anchorage. The free town dock leads to a well-maintained public bathroom with showers, just across a busy highway from the charming village of Mattituck. The crews enjoyed a walk through town and dinner at the restaurant Windamere, part of the Strong’s Water Club and Marina facilities adjacent to the anchorage.
Day 4 was intended as a day for exploring vineyards on the North Fork. While Ilene set off on a trip to Canada, Neaera’s crew visited Rose Hill vineyard a short cab ride out of Mattituck. Neaera docked at Strong’s marina and topped up the fuel tank.
Day 5 was Neaera’s turn for engine problems, which translated to an extra day enjoying local attractions, including the Macari and Ev&Em vineyards. Neaera took advantage of Strong’s services, including their diesel mechanic.
Day 6 was the “cross-the-sound” day, with a contingency destination of Black Rock Yacht Club (BRYC), near Bridgeport, CT. (The original Seven Day Wine Cruise itinerary called for the destination on Day 5 to be Milford, CT, then Day 6 to the anchorage of Ziegler’s Cove.) Two squalls kept Neaera’s crew awake on the nine-hour, 33 mile passage. BRYC’s pool and restaurant were major attractions, along with its location exactly midway between Mattituck and City Island. Day 7 brought the cruise to an end, with shifty but strong winds providing a challenging and invigorating 35-mile sail home to City Island.
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