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August 26, 2005
N40.3 W74.0 Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey
We are learning how to interpret US weather forecasts. No matter what direction you are heading, that is where the winds blow from. Going NE, the winds will blow from the NE. If they predict 5-10 knots, add them together. So, 15 knots.
We left Atlantic City at 5am with no wind and gentle seas. And a spectacular sunrise. The wind slowly started to pick up. Forecast SE 5-10 knots. Actual wind NW less than 5 knots. We motorsailed north, trying to make the Lower Bay of New York harbour, to a place called Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey.
Cruising up the Atlantic coast of New Jersey, the winds shifted and started to increase. Now, we were sailing downwind with south winds blowing 25 knots. Forget the forecasts. No interpretation needed. The most remarkable thing appeared in the haze – Manhattan. We could make out the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, the Empire State Building, etc.
We pulled around Sandy Hook, and headed south into the harbour to pick up a mooring. We made it just before sunset, and fell asleep.
My brother and my sister-in-law are spending their wedding anniversary with us in Manhattan for the Labour Day weekend. I called Jeff to say that we were now within eye-sight of our destination. He was excited. This is the furthest north we will take Platina. We will head south on September 27th, after a much-needed break. 8,000 nautical miles, and counting.
We are very excited about seeing NYC from a totally different perspective. It is one of our favourite places, that we will enjoy with Jeff and Heather (who have never been before), and with our best friends, Jim and Luc, with whom we have enjoyed it immensely in the past.
Posted by dave at August 26, 2005 01:21 PM