We had a wonderful eight days along the South Coast and Long Island with Jake Peggy.
If you cruise Buzzards Bay and the islands, you should definitely make this trek.
While everything is still fresh in my mind, I thought I’d write a report to my future self capturing my takeaways.
Prevailing Weather
Weather-wise, mid-August is always the best time to plan a major cruise in New England. We did have two hurricanes pass in the days leading up to the trip, but both missed us by 500 miles.
Hurricanes passing that close always seem to screw up the weather forecasts for the weeks that follow, but not so much last week.
Ernesto passed Saturday night and the forecasts for Sunday through Tuesday were wrong, but wrong in a good way.
The actual weather on all three days was better than the forecast. The weather the rest of the week was almost exactly as forecast.
Trip Planning
The prevailing wind is out of the southwest. In terms of trip planning, the longest leg into the wind was Onset to Newport – about 60 miles. We ended up doing it on a smooth Sunday afternoon despite forecasts to the contrary.
If the seas were not cooperating, I suppose you could pick your way to the Narragansett by stopping in Padnaram or Cuttyhunk. Typically, as long as you get to the Newport Light by 11:00 you should be fine.
Point Judith to Watch Hill is about 25 miles, so also doable even in Small Craft Warnings.
And if you ended up in Newport for a multiday blow, you could always bop around the Narragansett visiting Jamestown, Wickford, Bristol, etc.
Once you get to Watch Hill/Stonington, you get a lot of wind protection from Fisher, Shelter, and Long Islands.
Heading home from Sag Harbor will generally put the wind at your back all the way to Buzzards Bay.
The Ports
We visited seven different ports and three for the first time, needless to say, we came away with a few revelations.
Before this trip, Greenport was one of my favorite spots. At this point, I doubt we’ll return. It’s not a bad port, but given the option of spending more time in Sag Harbor, Greenport doesn’t make much sense.
Greenport is not a good Marina for a 65’ boat. We were not big enough for them to put us on the straight wharf, so they put us in a slip for a 50’ boat. We only had about ten feet on either end as we spun back into our tight slip.
The village is interesting, but the restaurants are just okay.
We loved all the new ports we visited, but Sag Harbor stood out. Although it is literally a playground for the rich and famous, it felt like a more approachable version of Nantucket. We will likely spend 2-3 nights there next time.
Despite limiting dining options, we could also see ourselves spending 2 nights in Jamestown, Wickford, or Watch Hill. Although we’ll likely try Bristol, Stonington, or Noank next time. Knowing we can call Tonya to drive us around Watch Hill increases its appeal for a two-night visit.
Restaurants
The only restaurant that was a disappointment was Noah’s in Greenport. There were a few flaws in the food and the server wasn’t remotely pleasant.
On the other hand, most of the restaurants were so good that we’d probably return the next time we’re in town.
The Chicken Special at the Daniel Parker Inne – $34
chicken breast, stuffed with Ailoitte Cheese, grilled and topped with the citrus beurre blanc, side of roasted potatoes and spinach
- Daniel Parker Inne – Mystic
- Andreas – Misquanicut (Watch Hill)
- Olympia Tea Room – Watch Hill
- Lulu’s – Sag Harbor
- JB’s On The Water – Jamestown
- Wickford On The Water – Wickford
There were also four restaurants that most loved, but a least one of us found a little disappointing.
CALAMARI at Beech – $16
banana peppers, olives, garlic,
fresh herbs, tomato aioli
- Lucia – Newport
- Tavern By The Sea – Wickford
- Lucharitos – Greenport
- Beech – Jamestown
Summary
As I was booking seven ports in eight days, I knew I was asking for trouble. It’s a little hectic and a little bit of Groundhog Day. I probably won’t do that again. That said, the ports that were only ten miles apart were fine for one-nighters – we hung out until 10:00 and slow cruised to an 11:00 arrival.
We are truly blessed to have so many unique, wonderful little village ports close at hand.
If you have a boat you can sleep on and you haven’t made this trek, you’re missing out.
Plan your trip soon!
Next Up – Labor Day on MV
New England boaters are blessed to have so many options to consider in your cruising.
Making this trip on Amazing Grace was an incredible. Great company, fabulous port towns to visit and enjoy the local flavors. Dave is an excellent Captain and outstanding trip planner. What great fun to experience these towns, restaurants and shops.
My Buzzards Bay is a great guide to happy times!!