Sag Harbor, NY to Newport, RI

Sag Harbor is not difficult to maneuver in, but there are some hazards that demand the skipper's attention. We were witness to a 40 something foot sailboat that went aground on a submerged rockpile near the entrance to the mooring field. He picked a bad day to go aground because the winds were strong the entire day and evening. As the tide continued to fall he kept going more horizontal. High tide was in the wee hours of the following morning, and by the time we got up he was gone. I don't know how his boat survived the rocks with that wind, but I guess he made it out OK.


Lisa talking to one of her many fans.


Our last evening in Sag Harbor before departing for Narragansett Bay in RI.

Narragansett Bay has an East Passage and a West Passage, with Conanicut Island and Prudence Island acting as the dividing line.

Newport lies in the East Passage and is the major (along with Fort Lauderdale) yachting center of the East Coast. Boats of all sizes, both power and sail ply these waters in large numbers--you gots to have your head up.

We didn't like our chances of finding a place to anchor on a weekend in Newport, so instead we decided to head for the less traveled West Passage and Dutch Harbor.

At 5:15 am the anchor was up and we were on our way. It was a beautiful day but the morning forgot to bring some wind with it. We motored until Block Island was to our starboard, then hung a left, pulled out the sails, cut the engine and had a spectacular sail the rest of the way to Dutch Harbor. Our introduction to Narragansett Bay was picture perfect.

The following day we took the southerly route around Conanicut Island and then on to Newport. There is only one tiny pie shaped area in the harbor where you are permitted to anchor--all the "designated" anchorages are filled up with moorings. We motored around the anchorage but we didn't like what we saw, so we paid the $45 mooring fee (no showers, bathrooms, lounge etc.--just the mooring) and were relieved we wouldn't have to worry about poorly anchored boats crashing into us.


Lighthouse on Beavertail Point--south side of Conanicut Island.


Where do they walk the dog?


Pretty steeple in Newport.

The 12 meter Columbia from America's Cup fame was berthed right across from our mooring. The harbor is home to several of America's Cup 12 meter racers from days gone by. You can now hitch a 2 hour ride on one for $68 per person. Let's take the family for a half a day.