June 24 – Sunday
Another stunning sunrise.
Some of the lighted buildings across the inlet at Atlantic City still had their light show running – blue to red to purple. We had the anchor up by 6:00 and were outbound in the inlet 10 minutes later. There was a nude woman bathing at the sandy beach near the inlet (I was told), but I (RCB) was too busy stowing the anchor gear to confirm.
Conditions were perfect for the trip to Sandy Hook Bay – comfortable seas and cool air temps made the long day very tolerable. The view was continuously scrolling from deserted beach to resort town to inlet to amusement park as we made our way north, 1 to 2 miles off shore. Fishing must have been good based on the number of private and head boats that were anchored and drifting around all day long. Dolphins must also have liked the fishing – we saw many and they seemed to be congregated in areas where many sea birds were located.
Finally, about 2PM a faint image began to appear that we soon IDed as the Manhattan skyline – very cool to see from the bridge of one’s own boat for the first time. The mood was soon broken by the 50,000 boats we began to encounter at the shoulder of Sandy Hook. These north Jersey boats all seemed to be “driven” by the same people you encounter on the roadways and bridges going into NYC on weekdays – on Sundays they drive their boats. On the water there are no lanes or signs so they are free to zoom in any direction and at any speed from stopped to full blast. On the water, horns and hand gestures seem to be replaced by foul language on the VHF radio. It appeared to me the marine police and CG up here, must only get involved if there is gunfire or a collision on weekends. Bold note in ship’s log “stay away from NYC / North Jersey on weekends”.
By 4:00 PM we were anchored behind the sea wall of the harbor at Atlantic Highlands, NJ along with the two boats we have been traveling with. Tomorrow Dot Com will break away for the trip home to Rhode Island – we will miss Maureen and Peter, they have become very good friends.