Month: December 2023

During our journeys, we make it a point to visit and appreciate all the lighthouses, considering them among the most beautiful man-made creations on the coast. Their exceptional importance for navigation safety elevates their beauty to the same level as their utility. Sadly, the advancement of navigation technologies has not been favourable to lighthouses, and we’ve encountered many closed lighthouses, sometimes replaced by simple automatic beacons. However, the sight of lighthouses’ beams, especially when sailing at night, winking along the coast, is always unforgettable. It instills a sense of faith that the land is nearby, and you can rely on their light if modern technology fails.

Our choice for the next marina was significantly influenced by its name – Lighthouse Marina (and it happened to be the only available option:). The marina is located in the village of Barnegat Light, home to one of the largest lighthouses in the United States – Barnegat Lighthouse. Built in 1857, the lighthouse stands at a height of 50 meters, making it visible from a distance of 22 miles.

Arriving at Barnegat Light after dark, we sailed the last hour of our journey toward the bright light of the lighthouse, which emitted a brilliant white flash every 10 seconds. Navigating by this light was surprisingly easier than relying on a chartplotter or even a compass. Safely passing the inlet in the dark (thanks also to navigation buoys and the chart plotter), we moored in the deep part of the marina, almost beneath the lighthouse. We spent the next two days here, patiently waiting out the storm.

Despite our desire to linger in New York for a couple of days, the following day, we resumed our journey, seeking refuge from the impending storm and escaping the encroaching winter. The morning in Sheepshead Bay was delightful—serene and sunny. A pair of swans graced us with their morning ritual, a charming display of affection. In this tranquil atmosphere, we departed from the yacht club, setting our course for New Jersey. Along the way, we made a stop near Brighton Beach to perform a CTD cast.

New Jersey welcomed us with an endless stretch of sandy beaches, densely adorned with summer cottages and vacation homes. As we strolled close to the shore, we observed life unfolding along the coastline—dog walkers enjoying playful moments with their pets near the water, parents playing with their children, and fishermen driving their cars right onto the beach to cast their fishing rods into the ocean. Construction equipment was busily at work, reshaping the sandy landscape. It felt like a real-life spectacle presented to us, with a surf strip separating us from the active participants. The show’s cast remained immersed in their everyday lives, while we sailed on toward new shores and fresh adventures!

And now, the day we’ve eagerly awaited has arrived! A beautiful morning with water as smooth as a mirror promised an excellent day for navigating the East River. Departure time from the marina was carefully planned, taking into account the tidal schedule and the corresponding direction and speed of the river current, which can reach up to 4 knots. After a brief stop for a CTD cast in the bay, we set our course towards the East River, extending from the Long Island Sound. The picturesque Throgs Neck Bridge provided a clear guide for our sailing route, and the nearby Stepping Stones Lighthouse served many years as a prominent signal for sailors. Here’s to good luck on completing this route and the anticipation of wonderful impressions as we pass by New York City!

We landed in Sheepshead Bay to meet with my friend and former colleague at the Marine Hydrophysical Institute, Alexander Alekseev, and his family – they live nearby. They visited our sailboat and we had a warm meeting at their home with a great home-cooked dinner and real Kyiv cake! How nice it is to be in a homely, friendly atmosphere after almost 5 months of sailing!