Bronx / City Island
We began our journey on July 2nd, heading from Jersey City to City Island in the Bronx. Our plan was to celebrate the 4th of July with our friends Noelva and Alex. We’ve visited them many times before and love that we can anchor our boat right in front of their home. City Island has a laid-back, welcoming vibe—quite the opposite of what most people expect from the Bronx. We also had the chance to reconnect with friends we hadn’t seen in a while, which made the visit even more special.
Stamford / Connecticut
Since Jolanda wanted to enjoy one last sail with the Manhattan Yacht Club, we made a short stop in Stamford, Connecticut. From there, she was able to take public transportation to Jersey City, while I had an evening class to teach. The marina was quite upscale—we barely fit between the pilings and even had to remove the Sunfish to squeeze in.
Duck Island / Connecticut
We discovered a beautiful anchorage near Old Saybrook, where we spent two peaceful nights surrounded by stunning views. The calm waters were perfect for stand-up paddleboarding, making it a truly relaxing stop.
Mystic / Connecticut
Mystic is quite an expensive spot—even a mooring ball can cost around $150—so we opted to anchor just outside the harbor. Unfortunately, I had forgotten a crucial part for the dinghy engine, and with the nearest parts shop closing in just 45 minutes, our plan was to row there. We didn’t get very far before a friendly local fisherman, out with his kids, kindly offered us a tow. Without his help, we never would have made it in time. Since we had visited Mystic before, we simply refreshed our memories with a quick walk around and then continued on to our next destination.
East Greenwhich / Rhode Island
At first, we considered stopping in Newport, RI—one of the most iconic sailing destinations—but having been there several times before, we decided to try something new. We discovered that our sailing friend Joanna had moved to East Greenwich two years ago, making it the perfect opportunity to catch up and meet her boyfriend, Steve. She introduced us to her sailing club, her running group, and even hosted a BBQ at Steve’s place.
While there, we also met a wonderful couple who grew up in the area. They shared invaluable tips for our journey north, and their local knowledge was truly priceless.
Stay tuned for more thrilling travel adventures!