Come on Charlie, it was a dark and stormy night... :-)

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com

"Charlie Morgan" wrote in message
...
On 6 Sep 2006 05:52:48 -0700, "Capt. Rob" wrote:


Bob, no one who has ever actually been to Port Jeff at night would
call it
tricky.


Sorry to disagree, but we came into port Jeff on a stormy night. The
angle of entrance can be hard to judge, especially if you're coming
from the East and wasn't there before. One of the ladies I sail with
took her Bristol 30 there two weeks ago and also made a pass before she
worked out the entrance. Each light is on the tip of a long slender bit
of land that can be invisible at night. We couldn't see them at all
that night. The NE Cruising guide makes comments, such as the one about
Port Jeff at night, based on many comments from folks who sail the
area. Obviously a few people thought it worthwhile to take care at the
entrance. You also need to watch for considerable traffic (and the
ferry) at times.
After we made our pass and observed the deal on the radar as well, we
entered with no problem. I wouldn't describe our entering of Port Jeff
as problematic. At night it's best to be sure before entering a new
area. If Mooron thinks otherwise that's fine. He can sail his boat
(rarely) as he pleases.


RB
35s5
NY

Your original story said nothing about being stormy, but did say it
was something like 2 in the morning. Not much traffic at that hour!
Ferries stop running at 9 PM in the summer, and it is still light out
at that time.

You also said you sailed back and forth several times trying to figure
it out. Once again, it's a well marked, well lit approach. There's
really nothing tricky about it if you had a chart. There are a set of
red and green flashing buoy's outside, (the red is also a bell) ,
followed by very substantial flashing towers (30 footers!) marking the
actual opening. It's like an illuminated runway at the airport
welcoming you. The smoke stacks with red flashers at the head are
another obvious reference point for figuring out your position. On a
clear summer night, you can see them from New Haven Harbor quite
easily. :')


CWM