On Mon, 01 Sep 2008 02:15:22 -0400, Wayne.B
wrote:

On Sun, 31 Aug 2008 23:42:14 -0400, "Skip Gundlach"
wrote:

So, anything along the way on either side of the sound is cool
for us. Thanks for your offer of local knowledge!

Thimble Islands, Norwalk Islands, Stamford Harbor on the CT side; Port
Jefferson, Oyster Bay.

You left out Zeiglers Cove between Norwalk and Darien. Just east of
Darien's Pear Tree Point (also known as Long Neck Point) and behind
Hay Island. It's a great place to tuck in for the night down that way.
After Labor day, you usually have it to yourself.

Port Jeff has a good anchorage near the entrance. it's off to port as
you enter and is marked "spoils" on the chart, but there is plenty of
water and good holding. You'll often see various semi-organized groups
of sailboats from yacht clubs there together in the summer. The crowds
should be gone now that school is back in session. Go ashore and enjoy
the nice, sandy beach. Climb Mt. Misery (Low and easy) and see the
panorama.


The anchorage at the head of Mattituck Inlet between Orient Point and
Port Jefferson, is another natural wonder. Lots of places to explore
by dinghy, and the town has a dinghy dock at the anchorage. They even
have FREE hot showers! A very short walk gets you to the very quaint
"Love Lane", which is a nice place to stroll around. Getting in
safely requires some specific knowledge, but it's still very access
able for boats that draw 6 feet. I could write out some guidance if
Skip is interested.

There is also a decent anchorage in Branford Harbor behind Big
Mermaid. Very good holding. Use Big Mermaid in your calculations to
act as a breakwater in rough weather. I sometimes anchor out there
just to get away from the dock the night before a cruise to get the
breeze and escape bugs. Fuel and all services are available in the
river. Free pumpout boat - hail Branford Pumpout Boat on channel 9

Once you get down in the Oyster Bay area, I think the nicest anchorage
is down in Cold Spring Harbor, which branches off from Oyster Bay.

Once you reach Little Neck Bay, you can still have a very nice time,
but it's decidedly urban, and time to start locking things, including
the dinghy when you go ashore. You won't get mugged, but petty thefts
are a problem, and dinghy's get "borrowed" by juvenile delinquents
frequently if left unattended and unlocked. You are in the big city at
that point.