Ancient Mariners (Boating)

 

IF YOU WANT TO JOIN US JUST EMAIL MARIO TO GET ON OUR EMAIL LIST

Captain – Mário Sá Couto

Email: msacouto@hotmail.com

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Introduction

On Wednesdays during our boating season our Yʼs Men fleet leaves from our local marinas and cruises to various places on the  Connecticut and New York LIS shores.  Some trips we anchor and raft up at a protected harbor and lunch aboard; other times  we  dock and visit a local restaurant. Also, once a year we plan and take a two to three day cruise to an interesting more distant harbor(s). New boats (sail and power) and crew are encouraged to join in anytime.  Minimal boating  experience is needed but some agility for deck to deck or dock is advisable. Sea stories are always encouraged.  See below for our history.

To participate any week please contact Mario Sa’Couto.  

Additionally, we still have an annual spring charter cruise usually to the BVIs.  This is organized by Gun Moen who  for many decades has assured that this is a highlight of our season.    Normally in April we charter 51ʼ/53′ sail boats (4-6 men on each boat) and sail for 7-9 days mooring/anchoring each night in a different bay/island. After the daily sail, every day all meet for “happy hour” around 6 PM followed by dinner onboard or at a beach restaurant.

Club History

Here is some fascinating history of our boating club which helps all  appreciate what we have and how we got here:

The Ancient Mariners, previously known as the Wednesday Sail Group, part of the Saugatuck River Power Squadron, began about 1982, organized by club member  Neil Croarkin. 

The club evolved from a group of Saugatuck River Power squadron sailors.  In the early 1980s Bob Bosch and Neil Croarkin on Joan II and Budge Atterbury with his twin sons on Suntop took a five day cruise to Block Island. 

That then evolved into an annual affair.  The sailors typically would leave on a Wednesday in the first week of June and return the following Sunday.  During a planning meeting a fleet captain would be elected and then ports of call selected including Duck Island Roads, Stonington, Newport, Block Island, Mystic Seaport, Watch Hill, Essex, Shelter Island and a final night at the Thimble Islands.

Typically, the fleet ranged from six to twelve boats. Almost every boat was crewed and captained by a Power Squadron member or a current or past member of the Y’s Men. 

It was an excellent way to enhance one’s boating skills under all conditions and  enjoy the fellowship.

At first the group was all sailboats and many members were still working.  When all retired and joined the Y’s Men the club adopted the ‘Ancient Mariners’ name at the suggestion of Bob Suskind.  It was then that the group started the weekly Wednesday day cruises for lunch at an agreed port of call.

Bill Reynolds made out the itinerary for the entire summer.  It was planned for favorable tides going and returning including favorite stops at Sheffield Island, Eatons Neck, Ziegler’s Cove, Captain’s Cove, East End YC, Black Rock YC, South Norwalk Boat Club, Fayerweather YC and Stamford YC.  Stamford YC was a special destination where all sported ties and jackets.

Over time many members migrated from sail to power adding to the challenge of selecting suitable lunch destinations for all.

  Boat Owners Roster

 

 

                    2016
Owner Name Type Make Model LOA Beam Draft Location Capacity Participation
Allan Stern   Power SeaRay Sundancer 28 28′ 9′ 3′ Compo Marina, Westport 06 None
Brian Strong MV Audrey Louisa Power Maine Cat P45 47′ 18′ 3′ Camden, ME 12 Low
Charles Moll Seaquester Sail Catalina 310 32′ 11′ 5′ Compo Marina, Westport 05 None
Chris Trefz Chris’Craft Power Chris Craft             Low
Dave Thompson   Power Grand Banks 42 42′         None
Frank Vener   Power Privateer   25′ 8′ 6″ 2 1/2′ Burritts Landing, Westport 08 Low
Harrison Valante Lucky Dog Power Tiara Pursuit 25′ 8′ 6″ 3″ Compo Marina, Westport   None
Jean-Pierre Montillier   Power Chaparral   23′         None
J. Marpe/John Krubski Let it be Power SeaRay Sundancer 25 25′ 8′ 6” 3′ Compo Marina, Westport 08 None
Joel Hallas Windfall Sail-Aux Ericson 25+  Sloop 25.5′ 9′ 3″ 4′ Compo Marina, Westport 06 HIGH
Joshua Schwartz Pelican Sail Pearson 31 30′ 10″ 10′ 9″ 5′ 9″ Longshore Marina, Westport 06 MID
Mario Ottaviano Elena III Power Bow Rider 25 25′     Bermuda Lagoon, own dock   None
Mario Sa Couto SAGRES III Power Regal 4260 45′ 14′ 3′ 50 Water Street Marina, Norwalk 10 HIGH
Paul Burger Friend Ship Power HydraSports 25 25′ 8′ 10″ 10″ Wilson Cove Yacht Club   None
Paul Rosenblatt Marisa Power SeaRay 420 Sedan Bridge 45 14′ 3″ 3′ 6″ Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club 08 None
Preston Koster Sundial Sail Sabre 38 38′ 11′.5 5′ Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club 04 None
Richard Burman   Power   Bow Rider 21′         None
R. Levine/J. Weiss Beau Soleil Sail Pearson 27 27′ 9′ 6″ 3′ 10″ Longshore Marina, Westport 04 Low
Ron Wallach   Sail           Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club   None
Tom Kieffer   Sail Catalina   30′     Compo Marina, Westport   None
Walter Hermann Deuces Wild Power Sabreline 42 Flybridge Sedan 44′ 14′ 10″ 3′ 8″ Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club   None
Walter Paul Nefertari Sail Stevens 47 Cutter 46′ 10″ 14′ 3″ 6′ Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club   NA
Win Allen Filet of Soul Power Cruiser 24 24′ 8′ 6″ 3 1/2′ Burritts Landing, Westport 08 None

 

 

2012 Season 

 

August 2012

Wednesday, August 22, “SAGRES III” and “Dana Louise” had a nice cruise to Port Jefferson. There were 10 Mariners in total on both boats. Some of them had a cooling swim before a very satisfying lunch at the Danford’s Marina Restaurant. Bill Caldwell and Harrison Valante, accompanied by the respective wives, also crossed the Sound on “Lucky Dog” and joined the group for lunch at Danford’s. 

 

The long Cruise of the Season will take place, weather permitting, August 27 to August 29. Two boats are participating and following is the respective sail plan:

1.Crews: 

               “Dana Louise” – Brian Strong (Captain), Bill Caldwell, Tucker Clark 

               “SAGRES III” – Mario Sa Couto (Captain), Dan Wilder, John Luscombe, Tom Johnson. 

Note: Alden Harris informed that he is not able to join the group and I am still waiting for a decision from Mario Ottaviano.

2.Departure: 

        “Dana Louise” – 9:00 am from Brian’s dock at Pine Creek. Crew should meet Brian at his home (433, Pine Creek Av., Fairfield) in time to leave at 9:00 am. Car(s) can be left in his driveway. 

        “SAGRES III” – 10:00 am from Oysterbend. Dan (203 227 0174) and Tom (203 226 8761) may want to car pool and meet me at my house (8 Guard Hill Rd., Westport.) at about 8:45 am. They can then leave the car in my yard and together we will pick up John at 9:00 am at his home and go to the Marina. My wife will pick my car up later and this way we won’t have to leave any cars at the Marina. On Wednesday we will reverse the process.

3.Itinerary and program: 

        Monday – Destination will be the Essex Yacht Club (860 767 8121). After a rendez-vous somewhere before the Connecticut River mouth we plan to continue together to be at destination around 2:00 pm. We may have a snack on board at arrival and later in the afternoon will have cocktails followed by dinner at the Griswold Inn (860 767 1776). 

        Tuesday – Breakfast at the Essex Island Marley’s Café (860 767 2489). After breakfast, go up river for lunch at the Goodspeed Opera House Restaurant. Then cruise down river and cross the Long Island Sound to dock in Greenport, NY at Claudio’s Marina . Again, cocktails on board followed by dinner at Claudio’s Restaurant. 

        Wednesday – Breakfast at one of the many breakfast places in town. Then we may want to cool off with a swim close to Orient Beach in Gardiner’s Bay and return back to Fairfield and South Norwalk. Lunch should be on board (I suggest we provision for it in Greenport before leaving). ETA home ports: between 4:00 and 5:00 pm. 

We all hope Hurricane Isaac will not make us change our plans!

 

From August 27 to August 29 , “Dana Louise” and “Sagres III” had a nice cruise to Essex and Greenport. Basically we followed the above announced sail plan with minor adjustments:

Instead of breakfast at Marley’s Café we had a very satisfactory one at Abby’s (we did not know but, for everybody’s information, Marley’s is closed on Tuesdays…).

Also, on our way back from Greenport, we anchored at Duck Island for a comforting lunch aboard.

Overall, cameraderie was excellent amongst the participating Mariners (Bill Caldwell, Brian Strong, Dan Wilder, John Luscombe, Mario Sa Couto, Tom Johnson and Tucker Clark). Of course, great food and drinks ashore and on board were certainly not strange to that…

Great photographic coverage was provided by Bill Caldwell (great job , Bill) and is now available at the Y’s Men Website under “Events Photos”. Don’t miss it!

Weather permitting we will continue with our weekly cruises on Wednesday. Fall is normally a great time for cruising  and enjoying the tree color changes.

 

September 2012

 

 

Due to unfavorable weather forecast the 9/5/12 cruise has been cancelled.

The weather was fantastic yesterday, 9/12/12 !

SAGRES III with a crew of seven (Alden Harris, Bill Caldwell, Dick Auber, Hal Erichs, Leslie Wolf, John Schachter and Mario Sa Couto) cruised on a glass-like Long Island Sound first to Eaton’s Neck Basin for a swim and some cocktails. The scenery was great, the temperature amazingly comfortable and the conversation stimulant. After that, we proceeded to Northport where most of us indulged in savoring the best lobster and mussels that we can recall ever having… The return to Norwalk was as pleasant as it could be, cruising again in flat seas with practically no wind (paradise for motor boats)!

Photos of the event, professionally taken by Bill Caldwell are available in the Y’s Men website under “Event Photos”.

September 19th .

After the storm comes the “bonanza” as they say in Portugal (maybe also in other countries…)! That was proven once again today, with sunny skies, relatively mild wind and very comfortable temperature, leaving behind yesterday’s stormy weather. So the four of us (Alden, Gun, Tucker and Mario) took to seas at 10:00 am for another great cruise aboard SAGRES III. All of you Mariners that did not join, you don’t know what you are missing! Stamford’s Crabshell was the destination and the quality of the food was not below reputation. 

 

October 2012

 

October 24th.

Mostly due to inappropriate weather and out of town travel of the Captains, the Mariners were ashore for more than four weeks. Tired of being dry and the end of the season approaching, we decided that only very severe conditions would preempt us to miss going up the Housatonic on October 24th. And so it was. With a record crew of 11 (Alden Harris, Bill Caldwell, Dan Wilder, David Kidney, Dick Auber, Gun Moen, Joel Hallas, Les Wolf, Peter Sternbach, Tom Douglas and the Captain) and in spite of full  cloudy skies and  a threat of rain, SAGRES III took off from Oysterbend and had a nice cruise to Stratford and the Housatonic. The water was reasonably calm on the Sound and the ride up the river allowed us to have a good view of the foliage turning to the yellow to red range of colours traditional of this time of the year. To make it possible to return to the dock fairly early, lunch was on board following the usual cocktails. In summary, everybody had a nice time and now we can close the 2012 season feeling good and with a sense of mission accomplished.

2013 Season

 

May 2013

 

May 2nd.

And finally, after 6 months of weather related quarantine, we are again ready to enjoy the breeze (not much for power boats…) and accompanying salt water splashes on a nice cruise in the Long Island Sound! Some of us have already our boats in the water, may be even tried a short outing in one of these last marvellous Spring days…

So, as I announced today at our Y’s Men meeting, I am inviting all the Mariners, Captains and Crew, to join me for lunch next week in a local restaurant, most likely on Thursday, to discuss and agree on our plans for the season. Be alert and check frequently your e-mail and this website for details regarding day and place.

Can’t wait for our first cruise…

Mario.

 

May 8th.

A season planning lunch will take place tomorrow, May 9th. at Bertucci’s at 12:00 Noon open to all Mariners. As of the time of writing this piece of news there are already 21 confirmed participants. Please join the crowd! It will be fun and you can give your input to making the season even better than last year!

Mario.

May 9th.

We had a delightful and very animated lunch today at Bertucci’s. Twenty seven of us showed up, three sail boat owners, five power boat owners and 19 crew, a pretty good representation of the total group.

From the interaction we basically agreed the following:

  • The season will run for 25 weeks, from May 15th to October 30th.
  • Of the 25 weeks, we will plan and do 23 single day Wednesday cruises and 2 three to four day long cruises. West Point on the Hudson River and Essex/Greenport/Sag Harbor were proposed to be the destinations for the long cruises.
  • In addition to the long cruises, there were two very interesting suggestions requiring more than one day, for which Mariners interest will be evaluated.
    1. One by Russ Levine to have a fishing cruise to Cuttyhunk
    2. Another by Brian Strong perhaps go by car to Camden, Maine to attend the Penobscot Bay Regattas, August 15th to 18th.
  • We currently have registered 21 potentially participating boats, 8 sail and 13 power.
  • Joel Hallas, Frank Vener and Mario Sa Couto have their boats immediately operational and they will participate in next week’s cruise. Destination will be announced shortly.
  • To stimulate improved boat participation and increase the coordination of joint sail and power boat cruises we agreed to
    1. Have a Sail Fleet Captain and Joel Hallas has graciously accepted to act in that role. He will help us in planning the participation of the sail boats, the choice of destinations and rendez-vous locations and in the so necessary coordination with the power boats fleet movements.
    2. Develop a tentative cruising plan for the full season, so that all of us can schedule our participation sufficiently ahead. The plan will obviously be flexible enough so that changes can be in accordance with weather, number of boats and crew availability or any other pertinent factors.
  • The Y’s Men website (ysmenwestportweston.org) under the “activities” – “boating” buttons and regular e-mail will continue to be our preferred vehicles of communication. History of the Ancient Mariners , summaries of last season cruises and the updated boat roster are available in the Boating section of the website and soon the cruising plan will also be posted there. If you need the e-mails of our fellow Mariners, please use the Distribution List in this e-mail or go to the Y’s Men Directory also available in the Y’s Men website.\
  • Please get back to me a.s.a.p. with your interest in participating in any or both of the activities listed in the third point above. If you have any further suggestions to make our season even better, do not hesitate to call or e-mail me.

All the best and nautical greetings!

Mario.

2013 Season Cruising Plan (updated 09/02/13)

Day South   Norwalk Tide Start Type of Boat Destination Rendez-vous ETD H. Port Lunch ETA H. Port
               
5/15/2013 Flood-9:54 am Power Ziegler’s Cove   10:00 AM Harbor Lights Rest. 4:00 PM
5/22/2013 Ebb-9:37 am Power Long Island Sound   10:00 AM Rowayton Seafood 4:00 PM
5/29/2013 Flood-9:46 am Power Black Rock Hrbr. Black Rock Hrbr Entry 10:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C. 4:00 PM
    Sail Black Rock Hrbr. Black Rock Hrbr Entry 9:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C. 4:00 PM
6/5/2013 Ebb-9:59 am Power Northport   10:00 AM Local Restaurant 4:00 PM
6/12/2013 Flood-8:44 am Power Greenwhich   10:00 AM Riverside Yacht Club 4:00 PM
6/21/2013 Ebb-9:07 am Power Northport Sheffield Island 10:00 AM Feed & Grain 4:00 PM
    Sail Norwalk Islands Sheffield Island 9:00 AM Overton’s Open
6/26/2013 Flood-8:32 am Power Black Rock Hrbr. Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C. 4:00 PM
    Sail Black Rock Hrbr. Fairfield Beach Open Fayerweather Y. C. Open
7/17/2013 Ebb-6:39 am Sail Black Rock Hrbr. Black Rock Hrbr Entry 10:00 AM Captain’s Cove 4:00 PM
7/24/2013 Flood-7:19 am Power Oyster Bay North of Chimon Is. 10:00 AM Rowayton Seafood 3:00 PM
    Sail Open North of Chimon Is. 9:30 AM Open Open
7/31/2013 Ebb-7:08 am Power Port Jefferson Black Rock Hrbr Entry 10:00 AM Danford’s 5:00 PM
    Sail Black Rock Hrbr. Black Rock Hrbr Entry 9:00 AM Open Open
8/7/2013 Flood-6:32 am Power Fort Schuyler (Maritime Coll.)   9:00 AM TBD 5:00 PM
    Sail Open       Open
8/14/2013 Ebb-5:17 am Sail Black Rock Hrbr.     Fayerweather Y. C. 4:00 PM
8/29/2013 Flood-11:47 am Power Huntington     Prime Restaurant 4:00 PM
9/04/2013 Ebb-11:24 am Power Port Washington North of Chimon Is. 10:00 AM Louie’s Oyster Bar & Gr 5:00 PM
    Sail South Norwalk North of Chimon Is. 10:00 AM SoNo Restaurant 4:00 PM
9/11/2013 Flood- 10:18 am Power Black Rock Hrbr. Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C. 4:00 PM
    Sail Black Rock Hrbr.   Open Fayerweather Y. C. Open
9/18/2013 Ebb-10:57 am Power Larchmont Hrbr.   10:00 AM Larchmont Y. C. 4:00 PM
9/24-26/2013 Flood- 10:15 am Power Shelter Island/Sag Harbor   10:00 AM Various 4:00 PM
10/2/2013 Ebb-10:06 am Power Port Jefferson   10:00 AM Danford’s 4:00 PM
10/9/2013 Flood-9:06 am Power Ziegler’s Cove/Rowayton   9:45 AM Rowayton Seafood 4:00 PM
10/16/2013 Ebb-9:48 am Power No Participation        
    Sail South Norwalk   9:45 AM Sono Seafood Rest. 4:00 PM
10/30/2013 Ebb-9:27 am Power Housatonic River   9:45 AM Brewer’s Marina Outrigger’s Rest. – Stratford 4:00 PM
    Sail No Participation        

May 15th

The weather was not the best and due to other competing activities, the response to the invitation to cruise to Ziegler’s Cove was not great.

However, six of us went and returned to East Norwalk to join, for lunch at the Harbor Lights Restaurant, the crowd that participated in a tutorial about the oystering industry and visit to the Norwalk oyster beds. The company and the food were good, but the service was very, very slow…

May 22nd

Under overcast weather, Sagres III crewed by four valiant Mariners, ventured again to the seas for a short cruise in the Sound. It was short because the problems detected the prior week were not yet resolved. After cocktails on board at the Restaurant dock in the Five Mile River, we opted by a nice seefood lunch at the Rowayton Seafood Restaurant, followed by an ice dream dessert at a place nearby. At around 2:30 the sun finally came out and afterall it was a pleasant morning and part of the afternoon.

May 30th

The weather did not look so good on Wednesday again, so we changed the outing to today, Thursday, and the nine of us, eight Y’s Men and one Y’s Dog (had a great cruise to the Black Rock Harbor. Gorgeous day, enough wind allowed for a good sale and both Windfall and Sagres III rafted at one Black Rock Yacht Club mooring for cocktails at around 11:15 am. Then both vessels went to the Fayerweather Yacht Club for a nice lunch on the outside deck. After the good food and cameraderie, the two boats had a safe return to their home ports.

June 2013

 

June 5th

Windfall was not available today for the sailors. Sagres III, however, was ready and a few of us decided to go across the Sound in search of a “lobster and mussels” lunch in Northport! Not very sucssessful, though, in our efforts… The restaurant where they have that specialty only opens for lunch on weekdays starting June 19th! So, after the usual starters aboard we tried a new place, but no comparison. The weather was very nice and we had a good ride back to the Oysterbend dock.

June 12th

We almost had a joint trip with “Linda” to go to Long Island. However due to a personal need to be back punctually by 4:00 pm, Allan Stern decided to come and crew with Sagres III. In spite of the 15 to 20 knot W winds, we had a fairly smooth ride to Greenwhich and went into the Mianus River to the Riverside Yacht Club where, after the usual cocktails on board, Allan treated everybody with a very nice lunch. Thanks again, Allan. On our wayback, we cruised into the Greenwhich harbor to check on two beautiful racing sail boats owned by Allan’s friends. As nobody was aboard, we returned home and docked at Oysterbend at about 3:30 pm.

June 20th

Some of our Mariners have been very anxious about when were we going to be able to enjoy the so much advertised lobster and clams in Northport for $12.95. We already tried it once this year and had not been successful… So, this time Peter Sternbach, the best First Mate in the business, decided to call ahead and certify himself that we wouldn’t do another Sound cross in vain. And sure enough, the Feed and Grain restaurant would be open for lunch this Thursday and the so desired special was on the menu.

So, we rendezvous with Wind Fall at Sheffield Island, had a nice happy hour with her crew aboard Sagres III and then  Joel, Micky and Dusty parted to have lunch at Overton’s in South Norwalk, while the rest of us cruised to Northport in search not of the promised  land but of the tasty lobsters.

No words can describe the feast we had. I recommend all to take a look at the photographic coverage by Peter shown at the Y’s Men website under “Photos and Videos” “Events Photos” (and since you are there it is also worthwhile to see the photos of the cruise to Greenwhich).

We had a very happy and nice return to Norwalk and docked at Oysterbend before 4:00 pm.

 

June 26th

Windfall and Sagres rendezvous in front of Fairfield Beach for cocktails. Initially we thought the weather was going to be inviting a swim, but in reality it was not oppressively hot and humid as expected. In fact there was a nice breeze and the cameraderie on board made us totally forget about the swim…

Six of us were joined by Brian Strong at the Fayerweather Yacht Club for a pretty good lunch after which both Windfall and Sagres III returned to their home ports without nothing more special to report.

July 2013

July 17th

After two weeks of interruption due to the July 4th holiday and an unexpected infection preempting Sagres III skipper to cruise, the Mariners resumed their activity under the Joel Hallas leadership. And following is his report on today’s cruise:

Hi Mario,

I hope your recovery is continuing and that you are getting better every day!

I thought you would be interested to get a report on today’s lunch cruise. We ended up with a total of 6 folks:

Dick Auber, Tucker Clark, Russ Levine, Gun Moen, Carl Volckmann (across the street neighbor) and me. It worked, but I think my target of 5 would probably be more satisfactory.

We left Compo at 10 as scheduled and had a gentle sail (not quite the 5 kt wind the forecast predicted) almost to Penfield Reef Light at which point the wind died. We motored around the obstructions and into Black Rock Harbor, intending to go to FYC. Unfortunately, their docks were full, so we continued on to Captain’s Cove. We motored to the service dock and were directed to a (tight) dockage spot that worked out well in and out. We arrived about 12:30.

We had lunch in the second floor lounge area and most enjoyed a fish and chips special, while others had lobster rolls. All enjoyed their lunch and thought it was nicely done and a good value. We left about 1:30.

There was a nice breeze as we were trying to  depart the marina, and we anticipated a nice reaching sail home. Unfortunately, as we made the turn around the Little Cows buoy, the wind died and we ended up motoring home. In spite of the diesel racket, most of the crew had a snooze and we arrived back at Compo around 4 pm.

It was a nice day on the water, and a nice lunch – even if not ideal sailing conditions!

I expect to be available next Wednesday and the currents then will be favorable to head west in the morning. Suggestions for destinations include Ziegler’s Cove, East End Yacht Club and Harbor Lights.

Respectfully submitted, Joel Hallas”

July 24th

Sagres III was back in business! However, having been sitting at the dock in brackish water for almost a month, it got a lot of barnacle in the props and shafts, seriously reducing the speed of the boat and its planing capability. So the cruise was short… The weather was good and we rendez vous with Windfall North of Chimon for the usual happy hour. The water was calm there but since we were close to land and practically without wind, we kind of suffered with the stuborn black flyes that decided to attack our exposed parts without mercy… Tired of feeding the flyes, we were forced to leave. Joel sailed back home and we continued to the Five Mile River, where had a very pleasant lunch at the Rowayton Seafood Restaurant followed by ice cream dessert at the 101. The return to the dock was slow and pleasant and we tied safely at around 3 pm.

 

July 31st

The weather could not have been more perfect for a power boat cruise than last Wednesday, July 31st!

With almost no wind and no Mariners interested in sailing, Joel decide to leave Windfall in Westport and join the Sagres III crew of six for a ride to Port Jefferson. And off we went… at a nice cruising speed of 25 knots.

Coming into the large Port Jefferson Harbor area, right after the narrow channel entrance, by Alden’s advice, we turned port and looked for a mooring at a small cove SE of Mt. Misery Pt. There we had our happy hour and three of us also dove in and enjoyed the beautifully clean and tepid waters of the bay.

Following the usual cocktails we proceded to tie up at Danford’s Marina and had a very good lunch on deck at the Marina Restaurant.

With the Long Island Sound looking like glass, the ride back to Norwalk was equally smooth and pleasant.

The only problem we had this trip, was that we got to the Washington Street Bridge in Norwalk about three minutes after 4:00 pm, it was already after mid-tide and the bridge does not open between 4:00 and 6:00 pm… So, not having enough clearance to go under the bridge, we tied at the Municipal dock and a few of us had to walk to Oysterbend Marina to pick up the cars to go home.

Peter and I stayed aboard and at six o’clock brought the boat back to the dock without any problems. Thank you Peter once again for your help and solidarity!

In addition to being a great First Mate, Peter is also a fantastic photographer. So don’t miss his coverage of this cruise at the Y’s Men website, Photos & Videos, Event Photos. Bill Balch will soon be posting there a complete set of beautiful photos.

 

August 2013

 

August 7th

This was the day a group of ten Mariners went on Sagres III to visit the Maritime College in Fort Schuyler. It was a great cruise, meticulously planned to the ultimate details by Bill Caldwell and well executed by all of us with excellent assistance by the College Staff. Thanks again Bill for your efforts in putting together this event and thanks to the Maritime College Staff for hosting us in a superb way.

We left Oysterbend a few minutes after 10:00 am and had a fairly easy ride down the Sound to Fort Schuyler where we moored at Buoy A1 by assignment of the SUNY Maritime Waterfront. A launch came to pick us up and bring us to the dock where we were greeted joyously by Joan Kreztmer, the Waterfront Assistant Director. We then were driven by van to the Fort to attend a Ship Bridge Simulator Demonstration by the respective  Head Professor. It was an amazing hour with a feeling of being in comand of a real large commercial vessel navigating in high traffic volume waters in all kinds of whether conditions.

From there we proceeded, again by van, driven by another very nice member of the College Staff, to have lunch at the Mess Deck. After lunch, we returned by van to the Fort to visit the Libray and be presented some of the Fort and College history by the Librarian and the chief historian, a fairly young fellow breathing knowledge and enthusiam about the subject like few. We finished with a tour of the Maritime Museum where most elaborate models of many well known ships were exhibited with the respective history.

As a special note of interest, I should mention that we saw models of the ships where Bill and also his Dad served in their time of service as Marine Officers!

Again by van, we returned to the Waterfront, boarded the launch and got back to Sagres III for a fairly smooth return to East Norwalk where we arrived by around 5:45 pm.

All in all, a fantastic event difficult to beat!

While we were cruising SW on the Sound, Wind Fall, with three sailors aboard, was doing her act somewhat closer. Here is a direct transcription of Joel’s report:

Wednesday Aug 7 Ancient Mariners Sailing Division Lunch at Harbor Lights

Windfall left her slip promptly at 10 am, as scheduled, with Willie Salmond, Rick Towers and Joel Hallas at the helm. While the morning forecast was for light winds and flat seas, we had about a 10 kt SE wind that had built up quite a chop by 10. We motored from Compo to Can 1 with wind and chop in our teeth, but after we finally bounced around Can 1, we were able to have a comfortable sail under just the 153% jib to the entrance to East Norwalk Channel. At that point the wind abated and we motored behind the Norwalk Islands and into the Norwalk eastern channel branch to the dock provided by Overton’s and Harbor Lights. Once again, we had no competition for dock space and had an easy landing.

We elected Harbor Lights for lunch and arrived about 11:45—ahead of a fairly  substantial private party that took over the room overlooking the water. Still,  we had good quick service and enjoyed fish and lobster salad sandwiches. We were ready to leave before 1 pm, while keeping our eyes on the cloud formations to the southwest.

The wind was blowing nicely as we left the dock, but it was in our teeth again so we raised just the main but motored out.  We made two minor diversions as we left. First we detoured to the main channel and looked over the dockage situation at SoNo Seafood. We decided that, while a bit short in the finger department, the docks could serve Windfall for a lunch tie up, probably best stern first. We then headed out and made a pass towards Cove Marina so that Rick could take a photo of their former craft, an O’Day 240 sloop, Dulcinea, which was destroyed by Hurricane Irene and then purchased and repaired by Martin van Breems to become part of his rental fleet.

Once we turned east behind the islands, we were able to sail on a close hauled course with main and about 2/3 of the Genoa until we passed Pecks Ledge Light, then it was back to motoring until we cleared East Norwalk Entrance Channel nun #2 at which point we had a nice beam to broad reach to Westport Can #1 and then a run home, arriving just after 3 pm.

All agreed that it was a very nice day.

August 14th

Sagres III could not participate, but Windfall and Beau Soleil had a nice cruise under the leadership of Joel Hallas. Here is his report:

“On Wednesday August 14, we had a flotilla of two sail craft. Beau Soleil, Captained by Russ Levine, left from Longshore/Strait Marina while Windfall left from Compo/Dimes Marina – the two meeting at Buoy 3 outside of Compo around 10 am. Also aboard Beau Soleil were Tucker Clark, Sean Jackman and Dan Wilder while aboard Windfall, in addition to Joel Hallas, were Dick Auber, Bill Caldwell, Gun Moen and Willie Salmond.

With a brisk NW wind, we had a one-tack broad reach from Can 3 past Penfield Reef light and to our turning mark at the Little Cows Buoy (LC) off Black Rock. We were lucky to find space for both boats at the main Fayerweather YC dock and tied up for a delightful lunch on the deck.

The return trip was more of a challenge. The highlight was a bag of Dan Wilder’s excellent cookies — a fine topping to a great lunch. We had wind and seas not quite in our teeth and made a close hauled course almost to Can 1 at George’s Rock. Winds were strong —  typically 20 kts, but gusts to almost 30. We took just a few splashes over the bow, but we didn’t get very wet and made it back otherwise almost unscathed. The NW wind made for easy dockage, at least for Windfall, and we were back on land before 4 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Joel Hallas

Sloop Windfall

Westport, CT “

August 29th

Sagres III, was back in business from an absence due to two weeks of her skipper family visits. The weather forecast was better and more accurate for Thursday than for Wednesday, so we opted for Thursday. With a crew of five in addition to the Captain (Alden Harris, Bill Caldwell, Dick Auber, Gun Moen and Tucker Clark) Sagres III cruised to Huntington for lunch at the Prime Restaurant (old Coco’s). The short cross of the Sound was somewhat bumpy because wind and current wer against each other, but worthwhile as the Restaurant, renovated a few years ago, is very nice and serves excellent food. After lunch, with calmer seas, we returned to the Connecticut side and moored at Ziegler’s Cove for a refreshing swim. Got back to Oysterbend before 4:00 pm.

 

 September 2013

 

September 4th

Wednesday was a gorgeous day for sailing and boating. Unfortunately, because of other Y’s Men year starting activities the participants in the cruise were limited. Windfall, with only Joel and Dusty aboard, tied up to Sagres III with a crew of four (Alden Harris, Bud Martin, Tom Douglas and Mario Sa Couto) North of Chimon Island. There we had the usually pleasant socialization during the indispensable happy hour aboard Sagres. After that, Windfall returned to Westport and Sagres proceeded to Port Washington. We had a nice ride followed by a good lunch at the Louie’s Oyster Bar and Grille deck by the water. The Restaurant has a classic ambience inside and a spacious deck overlooking Manhasset Bay and their own dock (where we were tied up). It is certainly a place to revisit.

The return to South Norwalk was smooth at 25 to 26 knots and we docked at Oysterbend at about 4:45pm.

 

September 11th

It was a great day for power and sail cruising. Sagres III with a crew of six (Alden Harris, Gun Moen, Howard Wildstein, Peter Sternbach, Sean Jackman, Tucker Clark and Mario Sa Couto) cruised first to the entrance of the Black Rock Harbor and anchored in front of Fairfield for a swim and the traditional cocktails. After that, we went to the Fayerweather Yacht Club to meet Joel Hallas and the Windfall crew (Micky Golomb, Willie Salmond and Dusty) and Bill Caldwell (who went by car) for a pleasant lunch on the deck. On our return to East Norwalk, as the temperature (air and water) was so nice, we anchored North of Chimon for another great swim. Went then back to Oysterbend where we docked around 4:00pm.

 

September 18th

With excellent weather, our original cruising plan for the day was to go either to the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club in Oysterbay or to the Feed and Grain restaurant in Northport for the Lobster and Mussels special. However, shortly before leaving the dock, we found out that both places, now on an out of season schedule, are not open for lunch during the week… So, following a very fast and effective democratic decision making process, the Sagres III crew (Alden Harris, Bill Caldwell, Peter Sternbach, Tucker Clark and Mario Sa Couto) quickly agreed to explore new places and chose Larchmont Harbor as today’s destination and the Larchmont Yacht Club as our venue for lunch. And it was all worth the trip… Upon our arrival in front of the majestic Club House building, we were directed by the Club Harbor Master to one of the out mooring buoys for a tie. We had our usual cocktails there and at 12:30 the Club Launch came to pick us up and took us to the Club House for lunch at the outside covered veranda overlooking the harbor. What a classy and impressive facility they have. The rooms inside are very spacious and well decorated with the appropriate good taste classic motifs for a Yacht Club. The service at the restaurant was very good and the food excellent. On our way out we interacted with some very pleasant senior Club members who welcomed us and wished for our return. With 650 senior members and another 650 younger members and associates, the Club has quite an history of sailing race successes, including several Bermuda Race Winners in different categories in many years of participation and is possibly second only to the New York Yact Club in our region. Certainly a destination to keep in mind for future cruises.

 

September 24th to 26th

Under fantastic weather conditions, the season long cruise finally took place. Bill Caldwell, John Luscombe and Mario Sa Couto took off Eastbound aboard Sagres III for a three day voyage. Due to seas less than comfortable at the Block Island Sound, the decision was to stay in and around Long Island, so we left Norwalk at about 10:00 am and cruised to Shelter Island to dock at the Piccozzi Marina in Dering Harbor. Had lunch on board. At the end of the day and after the indispensable cocktails we tried the “Sweet Tomatos” restaurant for dinner. Nice italian food, it did not disappoint… 

The following day we left at 10:00 am and cruised through the Shelter Island Sound and the Noyack Bay to Sag Harbor. Docked at the Town Dockand went for a walk through Town and lunch at “The Corner”. Nice place with decent food at very reasonable price. The Town is relatively large, very neat and has the feeling of a colonial seaside resort. At night, after the usual cocktails, we had dinner at the top Restaurant in Town, The American Hotel. Classy place with several very well decorated rooms. Good food and good service at prices naturaly above average.

Finally on Thursday we had a nice ride back to the Norwalk Islands, anchored North of Chimon Is. and had lunch on board, after which we returned comfortably to Oysterbend.

 

October 2013

 

October 2nd

Having brought down to Connecticut his new vessel, the Audrey Louisa, a beautiful 47′ power Cat, Brian Strong invited the Mariners to join him in his first cruise in the area aboard the new boat. So with a crew of eleven (Alden Harris, Bill Caldwell, Brian Strong, Bud Martin, Gun Moen, Harrison Valante, Joel Hallas, John Marth, Mario Sa Couto, Richard Ellis and Willie Salmond), we left Longshore Marina at about 10:00 am and there we went across the Sound to Port Jefferson. The ride was superb and the boat is gorgeous, meticulously designed and equipped with the most sofisticated electronics in the industry.

Following cocktails on board, we had a very nice lunch at Danford’s, after which we had another very pleasant ride back to Westport.

Thanks Brian for the invitation and for your excellent hospitality.

 

October 9th

The plan was for Sagres III and Audrey Louisa to rendezvous at the mouth of the Housatonic River and then cruise up the river to watch the foliage colors characteristic at this time of the year.

However, the condition of the water, with 3 ft. waves on the bow, made it very uncomfortable for Sagres III to make the trip and, after trying for awhile, her skipper decided to abort her part of the plan and change course for a calmer ride.

Audrey Louisa, though, taking seas in a much easier manner, proceeded with the original plan and I am told that her crew (the Y’s Men coffee team, skipper Brian Strong, Jeff Hare, John Luscombe, Neil Croarkin and Tucker Clark), enjoyed very much the scenery inside the Housatonic.

As to Sagres III and her crew (Alden Harris, Dan Wilder, Gun Moen, Mario Sa Couto, Peter Sternbach and Richard Ellis), they cruised to Ziegler’s Cove for cocktails followed by an excellent lunch at the Rowayton Seafood Restaurant in the Five Mile River.

Both vessels returned safely to their home ports before 4:00 PM.

 

October 16th

The weather was overcast with temperatures starting to come down and some 5-10 knot winds. I guess not surprisingly, not many Mariners showed interest in going out. So Joel Hallas gratiously invited the other three of us that were ready to do it (Gun Moen, Willie Salmond and Mario Sa Couto) to sail aboard “Wind Fall” and take advantage of favorable winds to go to Norwalk for a nice lunch at the Sono Seafood Restaurant and back to Westport. We sailed most of the time and enjoyed the light rumor of the water against the hull (not the loud roar of the power boat engines…). We were also able to talk without yelling almost all the time and, obviously, we resolved most of the problems of our world. Now we only need skillful implementation of all our ideas developed in a perfectly bipartisan agreement… Returned happily to home port as usually around 4:00 PM.

 

October 30th

We closed the 2013 season with a golden key! Eight valiant Mariners (Alden Harris, Howard Wildstein, Gun Moen, Joel Hallas, Les Wolf, Peter Sternbach, Tucker Clark and Mario Sa Couto) were not dissuaded by an overcast weather and temperature in the fifties and jumped aboard Sagres III for a cruise up the Housatonic River to enjoy the gorgeous foliage colors. After the atempt to do it three weeks ago aborted by bad weather, this time we enjoyed a very pleasant ride with no wind and flat waters. So we cruised at 25 to 27 knots between Norwalk and Stratford and went up the Housatonic until the Merritt Parkway and back, very calmly at about 6 to 8 knots, allowing us perfect speed and timing to appreciate particularly the west bank foliage which was very close to peak Fall colours.

On our way back, after the usual cocktails aboard, we tied up at the Brewers Marina in Stratford and had great food for lunch at the Marina Outriggers Restaurant. Returned fully satisfied to Oysterbend where we docked at about 4:30 PM.

 

2014 Season

May 2014

 

 

May 8th

We had a nice Season opening lunch at Bertucci’s. Thirthy nine of us showed up, fifteen Caps and 24 Crew, a very good turnout and representation of the total group, also indicative of a lot of enthusiasm and hopefully desire to go back to be on the water.

From the interaction we basically agreed the following:

  • The season will run for 25 weeks, from May 14h to October 30th.
  • Of the 25 weeks, we will plan and do 24 single day Wednesday cruises and one three day long cruise.
  • In addition to the long cruise and given last year’s success in the visit of the Maritime College in Fort Schuyler, we also decided to do that again. Capt. Bill Caldwell volunteered once more to organize and lead us on that trip.
  • We will participate in a Y’s Men visit to Port Jefferson on 6/19, organized by T&E. Allan Stern, Bill Caldwell, Brian Strong, Frank Vener and Mario Sá Couto committed to provide transportation for the group aboard the respective vessels.
  • When we know in advance that a day cruise will have to be cancelled due o weather, there was a suggestion that we might try this year to organize instead a lunch and invite a speaker on a marine related subject.
  • We currently have registered 22 potentially participating boats, 9 sail and 13 power.
  • Frank Vener and Mario Sá Couto have their boats immediately operational and ready to participate in next week’s cruise. Destination will be announced shortly.
  • To stimulate improved boat participation and increase the coordination of joint sail and power boat cruises we agreed to:
    1. Have Joel Hallas as the leader of the Sail Fleet. He will help us in planning the participation of the sail boats, the choice of destinations and rendez-vous locations and in the so necessary coordination with the power boats fleet movements.
    2. Again develop a tentative cruising plan for the full season, so that all of us can schedule our participation sufficiently ahead. The plan will obviously be flexible enough so that changes can be made in accordance with weather, number of boats and crew availability or any other pertinent factors.
  • The Y’s Men website (ysmenwestportweston.org – “activities” – “boating”) and regular e-mail will continue to be our preferred vehicles of communication. History of the Ancient Mariners , summaries of last seasons cruises and the updated boat roster are available in the Boating section of the website and soon the new cruising plan will also be posted there. If you need the e-mails of our fellow Mariners, please use the Distribution List in my e-mails or go to the Y’s Men Directory also available in the Y’s Men website.
  • Please get back to me a.s.a.p. with your interest in participating in any or both of the activities listed in the third point above. If you have any further suggestions to make our season even better, do not hesitate to call or e-mail me.

 

2014 Season Cruising Plan (May through October)

 

Day So. Norwalk Tide Start Type of Boat Destination Rendez-vous ETD H. Port Lunch ETA H. Port
               
5/14/2014 Ebb – 11:54 am Power Huntington Hrbr.   10:00 AM Tutto Pazzo 4:00 PM
  Flood – 6:04 pm Sail No participation        
5/21/2014 Flood – 11:56 am Power Black Rock Hrbr. Fayerweather Y. C. 10:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C. 4:00 PM
  Ebb – 6:01 pm Sail Black Rock Hrbr. Fayerweather Y. C. 9:45 AM Fayerweather Y. C. 4:00 PM
5/29/2014 Flood – 6:44 am Power Stamford Chimon Island 10:00 AM Crab Shell 4:00 PM
  Ebb – 12:42 pm Sail Norwalk Islands Chimon Island 9:00 AM Overtone’s 3:45 PM
6/4/2014 Flood – 10:56 am Power No participation        
  Ebb – 5:06 pm Sail Black Rock Hrbr.   9:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C. 4:00 PM
6/11/2014 Ebb – 10:39 am Power Rowayton Ziegler’s Cove 10:00 AM Rowayton Seafood 5:00 PM
  Flood – 4:49 pm Sail Rowayton Ziegler’s Cove 9:00 AM Rowayton Seafood Open
6/19/2014 Flood – 11:34 am Power Port Jefferson Port Jefferson 10:00 AM Danford’s 5:30 PM
6/18/2014 Ebb – 5:41 pm Sail Open        
6/25/2014 Ebb – 11:37 am Power Northport   10:00 AM Feed & Grain 4:00 PM
  Flood – 5:45 pm Sail Open        
7/2/2014 Flood – 9:34 am Power Oyster Bay Ziegler’s Cove 10:00 AM Seawanhaka Cor. Y.C. 4:00 PM
  Ebb – 3:42 pm Sail Open        
7/9/2014 Ebb – 9:16 am Power Black Rock Hrbr. Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C. 4:00 PM
  Flood – 3:27 pm Sail Black Rock Hrbr. Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C. Open
7/17/2014 Flood – 10:14 am Power Port Washington Chimon Island 10:00 AM Larchmont Y.C. 5:00 PM
  Ebb – 4:19 pm Sail Norwalk Islands Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open Open
7/23/2014 Ebb – 9:39 am Power Fort Schuyler (Maritime Coll.) 9:00 AM College Mess 5:00 PM
  Flood – 3:51 pm Sail Open   Open Open Open
7/30/2014 Flood – 8:23 am Power Larchmont Hrbr. Chimon Island 10:00 AM Larchmont Y.C. 4:00 PM
  Ebb – 2:27 pm Sail Norwalk Islands Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open Open
8/6/2014 Ebb – 7:48 am Power No participation        
  Flood – 2:03 pm Sail Open        
8/13/2014 Flood – 8:05 am Power No participation        
  Ebb – 2:07 pm Sail Open        
8/20/2014 Ebb – 8:19 am Power Huntington Hrbr. Chimon Island 10:00 AM Prime 4:00 PM
  Flood – 2:34 pm Sail Norwalk Islands Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open Open
8/27/2014 Flood – 7:15 am Power Oyster Bay Ziegler’s Cove 10:00 AM Jack Halyard 5:00 PM
  Ebb – 1:17 pm Sail Ziegler’s Cove Ziegler’s Cove 9:00 AM Open Open
9/3/2014 Ebb – 6:22 am Power Black Rock Hrbr. Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C. 4:00 PM
  Flood – 12:39 pm Sail Black Rock Hrbr. Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C. Open
9/10/2014 Flood – 6:50 am Power Northport Chimon Island 10:00 AM Feed & Grain 4:00 PM
  Ebb – 12:52 pm Sail Norwalk Islands Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open Open
9/17/2014 Ebb – 6:50 am Power Port Jefferson Port Jefferson 10:00 AM Danford’s 5:00 PM
  Flood – 1:08 pm Sail Black Rock Hrbr. Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C. Open
9/24/2014 Flood – 6:07 am Power Stamford Chimon Island 10:00 AM Crab Shell 4:00 PM
  Ebb – 12:09 pm Sail Norwalk Islands Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open Open
10/1/2014 Flood – 11:18 am Power Oyster Bay Ziegler’s Cove 10:00 AM Seawanhaka Cor. Y.C. 4:00 PM
  Ebb – 5:22 pm Sail Norwalk Islands Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open Open
10/8/2014 Ebb – 11:40 am Power Housatonic River Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Brewers Outriggers 4:00 PM
  Flood – 6:11 pm Sail Black Rock Hrbr. Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C. Open
10/15/2014 Flood – 11:33 am Power No participation        
  Ebb – 5:37 pm Sail          
10/22/2014 Ebb – 10:59 am Power No participation        
  Flood – 5:23 pm Sail          
10/29/2014 Flood – 10:02 am Power No participation        
  Ebb -4:04 pm Sail          

 

May 14th

Six of us (Alden Harris, Gun Moen, Peter Sternbach, Skip Weverbergh, Tucker Clark and Mario Sá Couto) boarded SAGRES III and to inaugurate the season we cruised nicely accross the Sound to Huntington. Tied to the town dock, we had our traditional cocktails on board and followed with a nice lunch at Tutto Pazzo, a very plasant italian restaurant with great food and service. We then returned to South Norwalk and tied to the dock at 50 Water Street.

May 21th

After all the enthusiasm displayed during the May 8th Mariners lunch, it was a disapointment to have only three Crew (Alden Harris, Bernie Liberman and Tucker Clark)  for the second outing of the season. The weather was nice and we had a nice ride to Black Rock Harbor. Joel joined us alone(!?) in Windfall. After cocktails aboard SAGRES III, we had lunch, a great value, outside on the porch of the Fayerweather Yacht Club, after which we returned safely to our home ports.

May 29th

The decision to move the cruise this week from Wednesday to Thursday proved to be the right one. We had terrific weather and better participation than last week. Bill Caldwell, Richard Ellis, Gun Moen and Skip Weverbergh joined me in SAGRES III and Joel had Dan Wilder, his friend Bruce Moor and Dusty with him aboard Windfall.

We had a rendezvous at Chimon where we rafted and had great socialization and our “eleveners” from 11:00 to 12:00. After that we parted to our lunch destinations. SAGRES III proceeded to Stamford for a nice meal at The Crabshell and Windfall went to Norwalk harbor for theirs (see below). The ride to Stamford was very good as the water was calm and the company even better. For lunch, some of us had the specialty of the house, the crabshells with seafood, which were superb in taste and calories (the hell, it is only once…). The cruising back was again pretty enjoyable and we tied at the dock in Norwalk before 4 pm.

Here is Joel’s report on the continuation of their cruise:

Mario,

Thanks again for your delightful hospitality aboard Sagres this morning! The mariners from Windfall very much appreciated our time with you and your crew.

Our crew consisted of yours truly, Y’s Men Member and Bandersnatch Captain Dan Wilder, friend,  retired salt-water sailor and Fayerweather YC member Bruce Moore and Y’s Dog member Dusty. We had a nice day on the water aboard Windfall before and after our time together.

On the way from Westport’s Compo/Dimes Basin around Cockenoe to our rendezvous,  we had cool but pleasant weather, with just a bit less breeze than would get us to our meeting on time, so we mostly went under diesel, although the sails provided an assist much of the way.

Following our departure from Sagres, we motored into South Norwalk and tied up at the dockage provided by Harbor Lights and Overton’s. As has generally been the case, we had the whole dock to ourselves. Since Harbor Lights did not have accommodations for Dusty, we “dined” on the waterfront patio of Overton’s, although we did take advantage of Harbor Lights’ indoor plumbing, with Dusty preferring the trees in the parking lot across the way.

We hoisted our main as soon as we got to the main Norwalk channel and sailed with main and small jib almost back to our rendezvous point as far as buoy 11. We tacked with the hope that we could make the channel behind the islands on a close hauled course, but it was too tight, so we motored until we got past Peck’s Ledge Light. At that point, we fell off on to a close reach out the channel. We were fortunate in that wind shifts were favorable so that we were able to sail all the way past nun 2, to nun 24 and then George’s Rock (can 1) on the same tack, still on a close reach and generally making 5 kts or more. After we rounded can 1, we fell off to a broad reach and then run heading back to Compo. We arrived back on the slip by about 3:45, as anticipated, and had an uneventful landing in spite of the off-slip wind.

We all agreed that it was a delightful day, but agreed that 10 degrees warmer would have made it even better. What a wonderful way to spend a Wednesday, or Thursday in this case – thanks to all for their flexibility, and thanks again to you, Mario, for making it all possible!

Regards, Joel Hallas

Sloop Windfall

June 2014

 

June 4th

SAGRES III could not cruise this week. However Windfall had a good cruise to the Black Rock Harbor and following is Joel’s report on it:

Mario,

Today, Dick Auber, Dusty and I sailed and motored to FYC for a nice lunch on the deck. The forecast had been back and forth on the possibility of showers, but we didn’t have any. We also had less wind than we expected, but there was enough from the SE for a very pleasant close reach from Westport almost to Nun 22 off Fairfield Beach. We couldn’t quite make the course from there around Penfield Reef Light and Little Cows, so motored from there around the obstacles and into FYC, where we tied up at the dock for a very pleasant lunch.

The return trip was a bit disappointing since the wind was from a favorable direction for a broad reach to home, once we passed the lighthouse, but it wasn’t enough to keep the boat sailing in the presence of swells that kept us rolling. Of course the wind came up in time to push us off the slip, but we had an uneventful landing and were glad for the nice day on the water, the good company and the great lunch!

Regards, Joel Hallas

Westport, CT

June 11th

We had an exciting Mariners day today. Four boats volunteered to sail (Bandersnatch, Pelican, Sagres III and Windfall), although only two finally did it after agreement between three sailing vessel Captains (Dan Wilder, Joel Hallas and Joshua Schwartz) to sail on Dan Wilder’s Bandersnatch. Eight other Mariners crewed SAGRES III (Alden Harris, Bill Caldwell, Gun Moen, Les Wolf, Mario Sa Couto, Richard Ellis, Skip Weverbergh and Tucker Clark). The weather turned out to be as expected, however the sea conditions were a lot worse than forecasted, with winds from the East at around 15 mph raising unconfortable surf to cruise to Port Washington.

So after a very pleasant  rendezvous at Ziegler’s Cove for the customary pre-lunch cocktails, both boats went to Rowayton Seafood for an excellent lunch and continued socialization. The return of Bandersnatch to Home Port, I was told later, was somewhat wet for her occupants as they sailed a good part of the route against the wind and the waves. However, they arrived safe, in good health and with a salty taste…

June 18th

Mario,

We had a short lunch sail aboard Windfall today, in appreciation of the blustery winds. Josh Schwartz, Captain of the Pelican II joined me for a sail to Southport. It was all a beam reach making close to 6 kts at times just on the Genoa jib. We tied up at the town dock, just beyond the bluff with the flagpole as you enter the harbor, and had lunch that we brought on the picnic table that is provided on top of the bluff. Nice spot and nice view of the harbor.

As we left the dock, we continued into the harbor and enjoyed looking at the homes and gardens along the shore, as well as the nice boats at their moorings. The trip back was a close reach to close hauled course, again with just the jib and still making good speed. We enjoyed the time on the water and agreed that it was just about the right length of a trip, given the wind conditions.

Respectfully submitted,

Joel Hallas, Captain

Sloop Windfall

Westport, CT

June 19 th

Together with the T&E team, a Y’s Men cruise to Port Jefferson was organized for today. After a reasonable previous forecast, it poured from 4:00 am to around our ETD at 10:00 am, but that was not bad enough to dissuade the twenty four of us that ended up by having a great time going and having lunch at Danford’s Restaurant…

Three boats participated in the trip: Audrey Louisa (Brian Strong – Capt.; Crew – Bill Caldwell, Tucker Clark, Jeff Hare, Tom Johnson, Ralph Levitan, Peter Nathan, Lou Rolla, Allan Stern and Harrison Valante), Chris’ Craft (Chris Trefz – Capt.; Crew – Richard Bliss, Austen Doolittle, Ted Garity, Harold Purcell and Frank Vener) and Sagres III (Mario Sa Couto – Capt.; Crew – Alden Harris, Allan Landis, Larry Lich, Gun Moen, Mario Ottaviano, Joe Schachter and Peter Sternbach).

After leaving the home ports at about 10:00 am, the three boats had a rendezvous in the Port Jefferson Harbor. Sagres III picked up a mooring buoy and the other two vessels rafted with her, one on each board, for cocktails and great socialization. Then all proceeded to Danford’s Marina to dock and had a good lunch at the Marina Restaurant. Unfortunately all tables and chairs on the outside deck were wet and we had to sit inside. However, that did not really take away from the success of the event as we had a full room for ourselves, the place is very well cared and nice and the service was pretty good and fast.

All the vessels returned to the respective home ports well and within the expected ETA.

Excellent pictures were taken by Bill Caldwell and Peter Sternbach and can be seen in the Y’s Men website.

 

July 2014

 

July 2nd

The weather was great and a group of Mariners (Alden Harris, Gun Moen, Lou Rolla, Mario Sa Couto, Peter Sternabach, Richard Auber and Skip Weverbergh) cruised calm waters aboard Sagres III to Oyster Bay and moored in front of the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club. After some of us cooled off with a nice swim and cocktails, the harbormaster picked us up in his launch and we all went for lunch at the Club veranda, enjoying the light breeze, good food and a gorgeous view over the harbor while in the discussion everybody made significant contributions to solve the problems of the world… Completing the lunch with coffee and cookies on board, we then returned to South Norwalk again calmly as the wind was on our stern.

July 9th  

With fair weather and fresh wind from the South West, we decided to go first to Fairfield Beach for a swim and cocktails. Alden Harris, Bill Caldwell, Gun Moen, Richard Ellis and Skip Weverbergh joined Mario at Sagres III for the cruise. Fayerweather Yact Club, at the Black Rock Harbor, just remodeled their dock and facilities, so we decided to go there for lunch. As usual the food was pretty good, quality and value, and we had a nice time eating outside. Had a good return to Water Street Marina where we docked around 4:00 pm.

 July 17th

Wednesday forecast being rainy in the morning, it was decided to change the cruise to Thursday, expected to have better weather. And so it happened. However, the change had an impact in the size of the crew, as fom the original seven interested Mariners, only four made it due to the others having committments on Thursday not possible to change. With sunny skies, no wind and flat seas this was though a perfect day to cruise. So Alden Harris, Gun Moen, Howard Wildstein and Mario Sá Couto went to Port Washington and after the usual cocktails aboard Sagres III, all had a very nice lunch at Louie’s Bar and Grill outside porch overlooking the harbor. Some undesirable wait for the table, but it was worthwhile as the food was very good and the ambiance very pleasant. Returned to South Norwalk with calm water and docked at Water Street Marina at about 5:30 pm.

July 23rd

Given last year’s success in the visit to the Suny Maritime College at Fort Schuyler and the interest manifested by several Mariners to participate this year if we would do it again, Commander Bill Caldwell organized a second visit to his Alma Matter and, believe it or not, this one was even better than the first. Leaving the dock in South Norwalk at 9:30 am sharp, with great weather (some fresh wind but calm water and sunny skies) ten of us – Alden Harris, Bill Caldwell, Frank Vener, Howard Wildstein, Lou Rolla, Peter Sternbach, Richard Ellis, Skip Weverbergh, Stew Weisberg and Mario Sá Couto – arrived at the College mooring at 11:00 am where the launch was already waiting to bring us to the Campus Waterfront. Greeted by the Waterfront Director we were given a short presentation on the activities conducted there during the summer. We proceeded to have lunch at the Cafeteria and then were transported to the Fort where we went through the interesting museum, spend time at the Bridge Simulator (where some of us tested our navigation skills doing tough exercises in very live feeling adverse conditions…) and finally received another presentation on their historical archives at the beautiful library. All in all, a very well spent day. Again, our thanks to Bill for his unparalleled meticulous planning and organization and his dedication to make it happen in a faultless manner. Returned to the Water Street Marina in Norwalk with current and wind in our stern at a beautiful 28 knots and docked just around  5 pm.

Peter Sternbach made a great documentary of the whole cruise. To watch it, please go to:

http://vimeo.com/album/2825117/video/101795790

July 30th

The day was perfect, sunny, light wind and temperature in the low 80’s… Sagres III (with Bill Caldwell, Gun Moen, Les Wolf, Peter Kolbrener, Peter Sternbach, Richard Auber and Tom Douglas on board in addition to her skipper) first rafted with Windfal (with Joel Hallas, Bruce Moore and Dusty aboard) North of Chimon Island for the traditional happy hour. Then, at about 12:00 noon, the two vessels parted their own way for the rest of the day. Windfall proceeded to South Norwalk for lunch in a local restaurant, and Sagres III continued to Larchmont Harbor for lunch at the Larchmont Yacht Club. Unfortunately we could not sit at their porch and enjoy the beautiful view because there is a requirement for colared shirts and some of us were not wearing one. However we enjoyed their good food and service at a nice round table in the bar. We had a nice return cruise to South Norwalk and tied up at Water Street Marina around 5:00 pm.

 

August 2014

 

August 6th

Due to other engagements, neither Sagres III nor Windfall were available to sail today. However Josh Schwartz took the baton and went out for a short sail in the morning in his Pelican II, a Pearson 31, with an early return to the Westport Longshore home port. Here is his report:

“Gun Moen and I enjoyed an excellent sail, with flat seas, and winds of less then 10 kts.  No threat of rain, after all that worry.  We elected to have lunch aboard, sailing under main only to keep things more level.  We returned to the dock about 1:45 PM.

Too bad the others opted out; they missed a perfect day.

Josh”

August 14th

Sagres III was not available to cruise. The weather on August 13th was not good and so Joel Hallas decide to take Windfall for a sail on Thursday. With Gun Moen, Rick Towers and Bruce Moore as crew, he sailed westwards to the Norwalk Islands. Here is a a couple of linesf rom his report:

“I am back in commission, but had some halyard problems on Thursday that may require a trip back to the Norwalk Cove rigging pit tomorrow.

On Thursday we had an unscheduled stop at the rigging pit to clear a jammed halyard. It actually turned out well, since we had a nice lunch at Sunset Grill (avoiding Cove’s $3.50/ft transient charge!) while the riggers cleared things.

Unfortunately we had some more trouble on the way home, so I think action is required before I subject our passengers to possible unscheduled “all hands on deck” activity.”

August 20th

Sagres III and Windfall are back in full commission… On a beautiful day, both first rafted North of Chimon Island for some swimming and the usual Happy Hour. Alden Harris, Bill Caldwell, Dan Wilder, Gun Moen, Peter Sternbach, Richard Ellis, Skip Weverbergh and Tucker Clark joined Mario Sá Couto on Sagres III and Micky Golomb and Dusty crewed for Joel on Windfall. After nice socialization, Windfall continued to Overton’s for lunch and Sagress III cruised to Huntington for lunch at Prime where Paul Burger also joined us in his boat. Good food, although somewhat pricy, great company and a lot of fun. Had a nice ride back to South Norwalk and docked at 50 Water Street by about 4:00pm.

August 27th

Another spectacular day. The weather was just perfect with mild winds, temperature in the 80’s and lots of sun. Sagres III, having lost her anchor on the previous cruise, decide to go first for a mooring buoy at Ziegler’s Cove for swimming and our regular social. Dan Wilder on Bandersnatch joined us there and we spent quite a good time together. Bandersnatch then continue to sail in the Sound and Sagres III crewed by Alden Harris, Gun Moen, Skip Weverbergh and Tucker Clark cruised to Oyster Bay and explored Oyster Bay Town. Old, traditional seaside town. Following locals recommendation we ended up at Jack Halyard for lunch and deeply enjoyed excellent oysters and lobster, shrimp and crab bisque. Not bad and at the right price and great service… Returned to South Norwalk on flat seas and docked at Water Street Marina at around 5:00 pm and without any issues.

 

September 2014

 

September 3rd

Very nice weather again! Current and wind directions perfect for an Eastward cruise, Sagres III and Windfall rafted together in front of Fairfield Beach for swimming and socialization. Alden Harris, Gun Moen, Harold Salm, Howard Wildstein,Joe Schachter, Richard Ellis, Skip Weverbergh and Tucker Clark joined Mario Sá Couto on Sagres III and Micky Golomb, Rich Auber and Willie Salmond crewed Windfall with Joel Hallas. Here is Joel’s report on the day:

Windfall left Compo/Dimes Marina shortly after 9:15, as scheduled, with Richard Auber, Mickey Golomb and Willie Salmond as crew. A good number for the boat, we decided, but no room for a dog. We had a nice SW wind that moved  us at about 5 kts going toward Penfield Reef Light.  We could have sailed the entire way, but not made our rendezvous with Sagres, as the wind dropped off such that we were only moving at about 3 kts as we passed Southport. We motorsailed and then motored past Penfield Reef and Little Cows to meet Sagres III off Fairfield Beach where we tied up and enjoyed our social hour with Mario as our gracious host.

After noon, we split up and made for the docks in front of Fayerweather YC, where we had no trouble finding tie-up space. We all had a delightful lunch on the deck overlooking the harbor and left somewhat after 1 pm.

Windfall motored out of the harbor into the wind until we passed Little Cows. We then sailed, first on a close reach and then, after the light house, on a brisk close hauled course the whole way back. We were making close to 6 kts most of the way, with the wind holding until we got close to the spot to dump the sails, and motored in from there, to arrive about 3:45. It was one of the best and steadiest sails I’ve had in some time – and everything worked flawlessly!

Respectfully submitted,

Joel Hallas,

Captain, Windfall”

Sagres III also returned sound and safe to her home port in South Norwalk.

 

September 10th

The weather forecast has been dubious in the last few days and because of that Windfall Captain decided not to cruise this week. Sagres lll Captain, however decided to proceed with the plan to go to Northport for a most probable last Lobster and Mussels lunch of the Season. So, Alden Harris, Harold Salm, Peter Sternbach and Tucker Clark joined Mario Sa Couto in crossing the Long Island Sound in search of the Feed and Grain for another great meal. After a somewhat choppy cruise, at 12:50 Sagres lll tied up to the Northport Municipal dock for cocktails aboard, followed by the traditional special, which by the way, was as good as it could be.

The return ride to South Norwalk was much calmer in a beautifull sunny afternoon. Tied back to the 50 Water Street Marina at about 5:30 pm.

 

September 17th

In very pleasant weather and with Alden Harris, Carl Frey, Harold Salm, Peter Sternbach, Skip Weverbergh and Tom Douglas aboard, Sagres lll left the 50 Water Street Marina at 10:00 am to go first to anchor in front of Fairfield beach. There, Windfall rafted to Sagres lll for the usual happy hour. After taht, both vessels parted to their own lunch destinations, Windfall to the Fayerweather Y.C. and Sagres lll to Port Jefferson where Paul Burger joined in his boat for an excellent lunch at Danford’s.

Had a great cruise back to South Norwalk where we docked a little after 4:00 pm without any incidents to report.

 

 

2015 Season

Ancient Mariners –   2015 Cruising Plan
               
Day South Norwalk Tide Start Type of Boat Destination Rendez-vous ETD H. Port Lunch ETA H. Port
               
6/3/2015 Flood – 6:49 am Power Northport Chimon Island 10:00 AM Feed & Grain 4:00 PM
  Ebb – 12:50 pm Sail Norwalk Islands Chimon Island 9:00 AM Overtone’s 4:00 PM
6/11/2015 Ebb – 7:21 am Power Thimble Islands   8:00 AM Lenny’s 7:00 PM
  Flood – 1:44 pm Sail Open        
6/17/2015 Flood – 6:50 am Power Stamford Chimon Island 10:00 AM Crab Shell 4:00 PM
  Ebb – 12:47 pm Sail Norwalk Islands Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open 4:00 PM
6/24/2015 Ebb – 5:43 am Power Bridgeport Hrbr. Dolphin Cove Marina 10:00 AM Dolphin Cove Marina 4:00 PM
  Flood – 12:02 pm Sail Bridgeport Hrbr. Dolphin Cove Marina 9:00 AM Dolphin Cove Marina 4:00 PM
7/2/2015 Flood – 5:40 am Power Oyster Bay Chimon Island 10:00 AM Seawanhaka Cor. Y.C. 4:00 PM
  Ebb – 11:39 am Sail Norwalk Islands Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open 4:00 PM
7/8/2015 Ebb – 5:00 am Power Bridgeport Hrbr. East Side Y.C. 10:00 AM East Side Y.C. 4:00 PM
  Flood – 11:25 am Sail Bridgeport Hrbr. East Side Y.C. 9:00 AM East Side Y.C. 4:00 PM
7/15/2015 Flood – 5:45 am Power Rowayton Ziegler’s Cove 10:00 AM Rowayton Seafood 4:00 PM
  Ebb – 11:41 am Sail Rowayton Ziegler’s Cove 9:00 AM Open 4:00 PM
7/22/2015 Ebb – 4:13 am Power Port Jefferson Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Danford’s 5:30 PM
  Flood – 10:30 am Sail Black Rock Hrbr. Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Open 4:00 PM
7/29/2015 Ebb – 10:22 am Power Northport Chimon Island 10:00 AM Feed & Grain 4:00 PM
  Flood – 4:34 pm Sail Norwalk Islands Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open 4:00 PM
8/5/2015 Flood – 10:07 am Power Port Washington Chimon Island 10:00 AM Louies Oyster Bar & Gr. 5:30 PM
  Ebb – 4:13 pm Sail Norwalk Islands Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open 4:00 PM
8/12/2015 Ebb – 10:34 am Power Kings Point (US Merchant Marine   Academy) 9:00 AM TBD 5:30 PM
  Flood – 4:49 pm Sail Open        
8/19/2015 Flood – 9:09 am Power Larchmont Hrbr. Chimon Island 10:00 AM Larchmont Y.C. 4:00 PM
  Ebb – 3:15 pm Sail Norwalk Islands Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open 4:00 PM
8/26/2015 Ebb – 8:59 am Power Port Jefferson Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Danford’s 5:30 PM
  Flood – 3:14 pm Sail Black Rock Hrbr. Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Open 4:00 PM
9/2/2015 Flood – 8:50 am Power Northport Chimon Island 10:00 AM Feed & Grain 4:00 PM
  Ebb – 2:54 pm Sail Norwalk Islands Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open 4:00 PM
9/9/2015 Ebb – 9:23 am Power Black Rock Hrbr. Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C. 4:00 PM
  Flood -3:41 pm Sail Black Rock Hrbr. Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C. 4:00 PM
9/18-19/2015 Flood -9:15 am/10:00 am Power West Point Academy   10:00 AM TBD TBD
  Ebb – 3:19 pm/4:04 pm Sail Open        
9/23/2015 Ebb – 7:33 am Power Huntington Hrbr. Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Prime 4:00 PM
  Flood – 1:51 pm Sail Black Rock Hrbr. Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C. 4:00 PM
9/30/2015 Flood – 7:35 am Power Northport Chimon Island 10:00 AM Feed & Grain 4:00 PM
  Ebb – 1:38 pm Sail Norwalk Islands Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open 4:00 PM
10/7/2015 Ebb – 8:02 am Power Port Jefferson Port Jefferson 10:00 AM Danford’s 5:30 PM
  Flood – 2:24 pm Sail Black Rock Hrbr. Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C. 4:00 PM
10/14/2015 Flood – 6:51 am Power Stamford Chimon Island 10:00 AM Crab Shell 4:00 PM
  Ebb – 12:53 pm Sail Norwalk Islands Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open 4:00 PM
10/21/2015 Ebb – 6:06 am Power Black Rock Hrbr. Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C. 4:00 PM
  Flood – 12:26 pm Sail Black Rock Hrbr. Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C. 4:00 PM
10/28/2015 Flood – 6:22 am Power Rowayton Ziegler’s Cove 10:00 AM Rowayton Seafood 4:00 PM
  Ebb – 12:25 pm Sail Rowayton Ziegler’s Cove 9:00 AM Open 4:00 PM
11/4/2015 Ebb – 5:30 am Power Housatonic River Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Brewers Outriggers 4:00 PM
  Flood – 11:54 am Sail Black Rock Hrbr. Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C. 4:00 PM
11/11/2015 Flood – 4:45 am Power Open        
  Ebb – 10:48 am Sail          

 

2016 Season

 

Ancient Mariners – 2016 Cruising Plan
                 
Date So. Norwalk  Tide Start Type of Boat Destination Round Trip Miles Rendez-vous ETD H. Port Lunch ETA H. Port
                 
5/18/2016 Ebb – 10:04 am Power Black Rock Hrbr. 26.2 Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C.  4:00 PM
  Flood – 4:14 pm Sail Black Rock Hrbr.   Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C.  4:00 PM
5/25/2016 Flood – 8:44 am Power Huntington Hrbr. 25.6 Chimon Island 10:00 AM Prime 4:00 PM
  Ebb – 2:47 pm Sail Norwalk Islands   Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open 4:00 PM
6/1/2016 Ebb – 8:35 am Power Port Jefferson 38.0 Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Danford’s 5:30 PM
  Flood – 2:54 pm Sail Black Rock Hrbr.   Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Open 4:00 PM
6/8/2016 Flood – 8:52 am Power Northport 27.2 Chimon Island 10:00 AM Feed & Grain 4:00 PM
  Ebb – 2:52 pm Sail Norwalk Islands   Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open 4:00 PM
6/15/2016 Ebb – 8:37 am Power Bridgeport Hrbr. 28.5 East Side Y.C. 10:00 AM East Side Y.C. 4:00 PM
  Flood – 2:48 pm Sail Bridgeport Hrbr.   East Side Y.C. 9:00 AM East Side Y.C. 4:00 PM
6/22/2016 Flood – 7:41 am Power Oyster Bay 26.2 Chimon Island 10:00 AM Seawanhaka Cor. Y.C. 4:00 PM
  Ebb – 1:42 pm Sail Norwalk Islands   Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open 4:00 PM
6/29/2016 Ebb – 7:12 am Power Thimble Islands 67.6   9:00 AM Lenny’s 6:00 PM
  Flood – 1:33 pm Sail Open          
7/6/2016 Flood – 7:40 am Power Stamford 22.8 Chimon Island 10:00 AM Crab Shell 4:00 PM
  Ebb – 1:39 pm Sail Norwalk Islands   Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open 4:00 PM
7/13/2016 Ebb – 7:00 am Power Black Rock Hrbr. 26.2 Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C.  4:00 PM
  Flood – 1:13 pm Sail Black Rock Hrbr.   Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C.  4:00 PM
7/20/2016 Flood – 6:34 am Power Port Washington 48.2 Chimon Island 10:00 AM Louies Oyster Bar & Gr. 5:30 PM
  Ebb – 12:35 pm Sail Norwalk Islands   Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open 4:00 PM
7/27/2016 Ebb – 5:53 am Power Out of Town on Family Cruise        
  Flood – 12:13 pm Sail Open          
8/3/2016 Flood -6:32 am Power Out of Town on Family Cruise        
  Ebb – 12:29 pm Sail Open          
8/10/2016 Ebb – 5:23 am Power Port Jefferson 38.0 Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Danford’s 5:30 PM
  Flood – 11:36 am Sail Black Rock Hrbr.   Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C.  4:00 PM
8/17/2016 Flood – 5:21 am Power Greenwich Gr. Capt. Is. 28.6 Chimon Island 10:00 AM Gr. Capt. Is. (Pick-nick) 5:30 PM
  Ebb – 11:22 am Sail Open   Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open 4:00 PM
8/24/2016 Ebb – 4:36 am Power Black Rock Hrbr. 26.2 Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C.  4:00 PM
  Flood – 10:56 am Sail Black Rock Hrbr.   Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C.  4:00 PM
8/31/2016 Flood – 5:25 am Power Northport 27.2 Chimon Island 10:00 AM Feed & Grain 4:00 PM
  Ebb – 11:22 am Sail Norwalk Islands   Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open 4:00 PM
9/7/2016 Flood – 10:05 am Power SmithTown Bay 34.2 Chimon Island 10:00 AM Stony Brook Y. C. 4:00 PM
  Ebb – 4:12 pm Sail Norwalk Islands   Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open 4:00 PM
9/14/2016 Ebb – 10:03 am Power Stratford 33.2 Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Brewers Outriggers 4:00 PM
  Flood – 4:21 pm Sail Black Rock Hrbr.   Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C.  4:00 PM
9/21/2016 Flood – 9:39 am Power Huntington Hrbr. 25.6 Chimon Island 10:00 AM Tutto Pazzo 4:00 PM
  Ebb – 3:43 pm Sail Norwalk Islands   Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open 4:00 PM
9/28/2016 Ebb – 10:15 am Power Milford Hrbr. 46.0 Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Milford Landing 4:00 PM
  Flood – 4:37 pm Sail Black Rock Hrbr.   Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C.  4:00 PM
10/5/2016 Flood -8:46 am Power Stamford 22.8 Chimon Island 10:00 AM Crab Shell 4:00 PM
  Ebb – 2:50 pm Sail Norwalk Islands   Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open 4:00 PM
10/12/2016 Ebb – 8:40 am Power Black Rock Hrbr. 26.2 Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C.  4:00 PM
  Flood – 3:01 pm Sail Black Rock Hrbr.   Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C.  4:00 PM
10/19/2016 Flood – 8:23 am Power Rowayton 13.0 Ziegler’s Cove 10:00 AM Rowayton Seafood 4:00 PM
  Ebb – 2:26 pm Sail Rowayton   Ziegler’s Cove 9:00 AM Open 4:00 PM
10/26/2016 Ebb – 9:02 am Power Housatonic River 49.4 Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Brewers Outriggers 4:00 PM
  Flood – 3:28 pm Sail Black Rock Hrbr.   Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C.  4:00 PM

 

  2017 Season

 

Ancient Mariners – 2017 Cruising Plan
                   
Date So. Norwalk  Tide Start Current direction (Leave/Return) Type of Boat Destination Trip Miles Rendez-vous ETD Home Port Lunch ETA Home Port
                 
5/3/2017 Ebb -6:44 am E/W Power Black Rock Hrbr. 27.0 Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C. 3:30 PM
Flood – 12:43 pm Sail Black Rock Hrbr. Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C. 3:30 PM
5/10/2017 Flood – 6:17 am W/E Power Huntington Hrbr. 26.4 Chimon Island 10:00 AM Prime 4:00 PM
Ebb – 12:50 pm Sail Norwalk Islands Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open 3:30 PM
5/17/2017 Ebb – 4:56 am E/W Power Port Jefferson 38.8 Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Danford’s 3:30 PM
Flood – 11:03 am Sail Black Rock Hrbr. Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Open 3:30 PM
5/24/2017 Flood – 5:01 am W/E Power MSC Not Available
Ebb – 11:36 am Sail Open
5/31/2017 Ebb – 5:17am E/W Power Bridgeport Hrbr. 29.3 Dolphin’s cove 10:00 AM Dolphin’s cove 3:30 PM
Flood – 11:15 am Sail Bridgeport Hrbr.   Dolphin’s cove 9:00 AM Dolphin’s cove 3:30 PM
6/7/2017 Flood – 5:13 am W/E Power MSC Out of Town  
Ebb -11:45 am Sail Open
6/14/2017 Flood – 9:43 am W/W Power Northport 28.0 Chimon Island 10:00 AM Feed & Grain 3:30 AM
Ebb – 4:21 pm Sail Norwalk Islands Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open 3:30 PM
6/21/2017 Ebb – 10:20 am E/E Power Milford Hrbr. 44.0 Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Milford Landing 4:00 PM
Flood – 3:54 pm Sail Black Rock Hrbr. Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Open 3:30 PM
6/28/2017 Flood – 9:52 am W/W Power Port Washington 49.0 Chimon Island 9:30 AM Louies Oyster Bar & Gr. 3:30 PM
Ebb – 4:36 pm Sail Norwalk Islands Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open 3:30 PM
7/5/2017 Ebb -10:32 am E/E Power Stratford 40.0 Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Brewers Outriggers 4:00 PM
Flood – 4:03 pm Sail Black Rock Hrbr. Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Open 3:30 PM
7/12/2017 Flood – 8:34 am W/W Power Stamford 23.6 Chimon Island 10:00 AM Crab Shell 3:30 AM
Ebb – 3:10 pm Sail Norwalk Islands Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open 3:30 PM
7/19/2017 Ebb – 9:00 am E/W Power Smith Town Bay 35.0 Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Stony Brook Y. C. 4:00 PM
Flood – 2:35 pm Sail Black Rock Hrbr.   Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Open 3:30 PM
7/26/2017 Flood -8:36 am W/W Power Oyster Bay 27.0 Chimon Island 10:00 AM Seawanhaka Cor. Y.C. 3:30 PM
Ebb – 3:16 pm Sail Norwalk Islands Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open 3:30 PM
8/2/2017 Ebb – 9:07 am E/E Power Port Jefferson 38.8 Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Danford’s 4:00 PM
Flood – 2:41 pm Sail Black Rock Hrbr. Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Open 3:30 PM
8/9/2017 Flood – 7:28 am W/E Power Larchmont 41.6 Chimon Island 9:30 AM Larchmont Y. C. 3:30 PM
Ebb – 2:03 pm Sail Norwalk Islands   Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open 3:30 PM
8/16/2017 Ebb – 7:36 am E/W Power Black Rock Hrbr. 27.0 Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C. 3:30 PM
Flood – 1:15 pm Sail Black Rock Hrbr. Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C. 3:30 PM
8/23/2017 Flood – 7:24 am W/E Power Playland 37.6 Chimon Island 10:00 AM Playland Restaurant 3:30 PM
Ebb – 2:03 pm Sail Norwalk Islands Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open 3:30 PM
8/30/2017 Ebb – 7:30 am E/W Power Milford Hrbr. 44.0 Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Milford Landing 3:30 PM
Flood – 1:07 pm Sail Black Rock Hrbr. Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Open 3:30 PM
9/6/2017 Flood – 6:20 am W/E Power Huntington Hrbr. 26.4 Chimon Island 10:00 AM Tutto Pazzo 3:30 PM
Ebb – 12:55 pm Sail Norwalk Islands Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open 3:30 PM
9/13/2017 Flood – 11:53 am E/W Power Bridgeport Hrbr. 29.3 Dolphin’s cove 10:00 AM Dolphin’s cove 3:30 PM
Ebb – 6:41 pm Sail Bridgeport Hrbr.   Dolphin’s cove 9:00 AM Dolphin’s cove 3:30 PM
9/20/2017 Flood -6:17 am W/E Power Northport 28.0 Chimon Island 10:00 AM Feed & Grain 3:30 PM
Ebb – 12:54 pm Sail Norwalk Islands Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open 3:30 PM
9/27/2017 Flood -11:25 am E/W Power Black Rock Hrbr. 27.0 Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Captain’s Cove 3:30 PM
Ebb – 6:06 pm Sail Black Rock Hrbr. Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Captain’s Cove 3:30 PM
10/4/2017 Ebb -11:44 am W/E Power Mamaroneck Hrbr. 45.6 Chimon Island 10:00 AM Open 4:00 PM
Flood – 5:30 pm Sail Norwalk Islands Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open 3:30 PM
10/11/2017 Flood – 10:33 am E/W Power Black Rock Hrbr. 27.0 Fairfield Beach 10:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C. 3:30 PM
Ebb – 5:17 pm Sail Black Rock Hrbr. Fairfield Beach 9:00 AM Fayerweather Y. C. 3:30 PM
10/18/2017 Ebb – 11:48 am W/E Power Greenwich Hrbr. 29.4 Chimon Island 10:00 AM Indian Harbor Y.C. 4:00 PM
Flood – 5:38 pm Sail Norwalk Islands Chimon Island 9:00 AM Open 3:30 PM
10/25/2017 Flood – 9:52 am W/W Power Housatonic River 46.3 Fairfield Beach 9:30 AM Brewers Outriggers 3:30 PM
Ebb – 4:27 pm Sail Open