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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!

Our journey through the Long Island Sound led us to the most exclusive approach to New York—by the East River. The route along Long Island Sound comprised several day crossings with overnight stops in marinas. Our preference was for the Safe Harbor network of marinas, which continued operations even at this late time, distinguished by well-maintained docks and excellent service. Additionally, many marina managers generously offered us complimentary berths as part of our sponsorship, reflecting their alignment with the Sail for Science initiative.

The actual progression of the route was subject to the whims of wind and waves, but the final two days evolved into a true sailing delight! Although we didn’t encounter other yachts on our journey, the enthusiastic greetings from motorboats, supporting us and wishing us a warm and safe voyage, added a sense of camaraderie. Finally, on the fourth day of sailing along the sound, the distant contours of New York emerged, akin to a Fata Morgana rising from the depths of the sea. Our destination is now within reach!

Newport, Rhode Island, is a name that resonates with all sailing enthusiasts—it’s the universally recognized capital of the sailing world. Our return to this maritime haven brought back memories of 2018 when we attended the start of the Volvo Race leg—an unforgettable celebration of sailing. Despite being tardy for a daytime sunset due to persistent rain, we couldn’t resist the allure of this sailing capital.

Navigating Newport’s harbor filled with mooring buoys at night presented a challenge, but we successfully reached the outer dock near Safe Harbor Shipyard. This company, operational year-round, provided floating docks with power—a welcome respite after a day accompanied by pouring rain. As we secured our mooring, we found ourselves surrounded by superyachts—a world of colossal sailing toys. While mooring in marinas, we often contemplate engaging superyacht owners in collecting ocean data, but in Newport, these vessels were in winter hibernation, devoid of visible activity. December, not the most favourable month for sailing, saw superyacht owners absent from their vessels. Exploring the boatyard offered us a novel experience, showcasing the meticulous work conducted on yachts at the highest standards. Safe Harbor’s competence extends beyond managing marinas, impressively encompassing top-notch yacht work.

Another intriguing encounter at the shipyard involved the brigantine Corvith Cramer. In 2004, I had the privilege of sailing on this vessel, testing the newly developed Micro-salinometer. The journey from Rockland to Woods Hole mirrored the path I now traversed. The brigantine serves as a training ship for the Sea Educational Association, where future oceanographers engage in practical maritime experiences, including handling oceanographic instruments such as the RBR CTD measuring system. Sailing on a real ship adds an extra layer of magic to the learning experience.

The persistent rain prompted us to bid farewell to Newport, hoping for a future reunion on a sunnier, windier day—ideal conditions for embracing the true spirit of sailing.