Branford, CT to East Greenwich, RI: thoughts?

[steve poulin]

I am readying my CD 27 "Fair Winds" for her move from Branford on the CT coast up to East Greenwich, RI in Narragansett Bay. I am hoping to do this in two legs—first from Branford to Mystic/Stonington, and then from Stonington on up.

I would welcome recommendations for marinas or places to drop a hook along the way. I’ll have a tender with an outboard tagging along.

As these are new waters to me, I’d also greatly appreciate navigational tips—I’ve been reading up and reviewing the charts but am anxious to hear the experiences of CD sailors on this route.

Thanks much.

Steve

[Bill Goldsmith]

Definitely purchase Eldridge's 2018 edition. It's got a huge amount of information about the area, most importantly current and tide tables. Consider getting a Cruising Guide as well.

If you have the time, go up the Connecticut River past Old Saybrook and Essex and take a mooring or anchor in Hamburg Cove. It has the distinction of protecting the only boats to survive the Hurricane of '38 in that area. If you want a slip there are plenty in Essex and it's a great stopover with history and good food.

Other ideas are Niantic Bay, Mystic.

Stonington Harbor is a great place to stay before jumping out of LI Sound into Block I Sound. You'll definitely want to time the exit through one of the channels between Fisher's Island and Napatree Point when you have a fair current or slack.

[Jim Walsh]

I am readying my CD 27 "Fair Winds" for her move from Branford on the CT coast up to East Greenwich, RI in Narragansett Bay. I am hoping to do this in two legs—first from Branford to Mystic/Stonington, and then from Stonington on up.

I would welcome recommendations for marinas or places to drop a hook along the way. I’ll have a tender with an outboard tagging along.

As these are new waters to me, I’d also greatly appreciate navigational tips—I’ve been reading up and reviewing the charts but am anxious to hear the experiences of CD sailors on this route.

Thanks much.

Steve

You may want to consider dropping the hook at West Harbor in Fishers Island. After a long trek from Branford the desire to pop into a spot which is easy to get into, and easy to get out of, may be just what you desire. That would save you the expense of an overnight slip and winding your way up the Connecticut or Mystic Rivers. Stonington is very poor holding ground in a blow and the long, shallow, trek up the channel to the anchorage at Napatree may be more than you are ready for after a long haul.
When leaving West Harbor you can head for The Race and proceed along the south coast of Fishers Island or head into Fishers Island Sound and head east toward Watch Hill to emerge into Block Island Sound. If you are not familiar with the Watch Hill passages be VERY careful as the buoys can be confusing and the tide is as strong as The Race at times.

[Nebe]

I agree with Jim about Fishers Island... Its a great anchorage. From there, I would stop for the night in Block Island and definitely hit the Oar restaurant for some sushi and a couple mudslides. Leaving Block, I would then come into narragansett bay via the east passage and check out the Volvo Ocean regatta boats at fort adams. Theres plenty of anchorage space this time of year off of Ida Lewis yacht Club.

[Steve Laume]

Jim's suggestion of West Harbor was very good. You can dinghy in and walk to the sleepy little town from there.

If this is a delivery run then you are not going to have time to run back in too far. One other possibility is to slip in in behind Pine Island, in Groton. It is not quit as far. There are two free town moorings in there just past the old stone pier on the Eastern side. If you do have time to go ashore, Pine Island is a nice place to explore. There will be no stores or restaurants but it works well for a delivery or a quiet night without having to bother with anchoring. There is also less current there if you find it has run afoul by the time you get top Fishers Island Sound. From there is will take you just a little over one hour to get to Watch Hill Passage. you could also chose to ride the tide out through the Race and down the South side of Fishers island from there.

East Harbor on Fishers is extremely easy to get into but would be a bit farther. That puts you right up close to Wicapasset Passage around the end of Fishers. The land is all private there but you can still walk the beach if you want to stretch your legs. There will probably still be some seals in that area to provide some entertainment.

Do not attempt to make the run beyond Fishers IS if the current is not in your favor, Steve.

[steve poulin]

Thank you for these suggestions. It's always nice to have options at the end of a long day and I will keep these in mind. Those Fishers Island options sound especially appealing.

Having spent summers as a kid body surfing the big rollers at Misquamicut, and seeing the sometimes dramatic change in the marine forecasts from Fishers Island to the east, I was most concerned about that stretch of open water leading to the entrance of Narragansett Bay, but it sounds from all accounts as though timing the passage past Fishers is my biggest concern.

I've got an updated chart-plotter and the Eldridge on its way. This is a delivery, yes, and also the shake-down run for my very well-kept CD 27, and I am fortunate that the first full day will be in that most protected run from Branford, east. I've also got another pair of hands on board. Thanks again.

Steve