Day 4: New York City to Coeymans, NY

 

Capt Ben Frothingham at the helm! With John Mottern and Vincent aboard with me.

Underway 8:00am from Chelsea Piers

Took a 1-hour break in Newburgh, docked at 5:30pm at Coeymans Landing Marina where we fueled up & pumped out.

Today, we actually got the first opportunity to experience folding/raising the mast for a bridge. I felt like I could have done it myself but two people are recommended. We just detached the stays at the deck end and then while one person steadied the mast the second person can unbolt the top bolt that secures the mast to the base. The mast is then ready to be lowered by hand and the boom will fold up against the mast. You don't have to do anything with the electrical wires. I would fashion a crutch to cradle the mast  - the height of the crutch will be a little higher if there is a dinghy stored on the upper deck. The mast can also rest on the lifelines.  Either way, The mast can then be tied to the aft rail to secure. Raising is simply the reverse of that procedure.

Covered about 122nm on the Hudson river, little traffic in the morning, a bit more dense in the afternoon, but easy ride under great conditions (warm and sunny, almost no wind). The boat ran like a charm! Averaged about 12.5 knots.

Noted a light went out in the head so we ordered a replacement bulb and expect to get it in Rochester in just a couple of days.

Just about 20nm from the Erie Canal, that will be an entirely different trip... Locks ahead!