We are anchored in Oyster Bay’s West Harbor, on Long Island (west coast), getting ready for Irene’s arrival Sunday.
We’ve chatted with our old cruising buddy Ralph Naranjo, who used to hang out here, to get the skinny. Ralph said West Bay and he was right. As you can see above, it is protected on all sides, and surprisingly, we have it to ourselves. We’ve picked out two spots to anchor, depending on wind direction, and surveyed the depths of both. With five foot (1.5m) of draft we have almost all of the Bay from which to choose.
The bottom has good holding (the Rocna anchor stood up to 1800 RPM on both engines in reverse).
Tomorrow we will prepare Wind Horse, and ourselves, for the excitement. The list includes:
- Removal and stowing of awnings.
- Tying fly bridge table leaves.
- Prepping both Fortress anchors with their rodes prelead through the bow fairlead.
- Getting anchor chain snubber lines ready.
- Removal of plastic wind screens from flying bridge.
- Storage of flags.
- Securing of engine room tools and gear, as well as basement items.
- Checking dinghy lashings.
- Fitting storm covers on hatches.
- Digging out dive masks.
- Running jack stays on deck.
- Covering diesel heater exhaust.
- Sealing clothes drier exhaust.
- Running man lines between interior handrails.
- Getting seat belts ready to use.
- Charging camera batteries.
Meanwhile, the resident osprey family is out hunting.
Posted by Steve Dashew (August 26, 2011)
August 27th, 2011 at 12:33 am
Good luck Steve. Stay safe.
What kind of scope are you running on the Rocna for this event? (a bit more than the short stay 2:1 i’m sure! 🙂 )
Anthony
August 27th, 2011 at 1:53 am
Scope is 6-1 right now. Will go to 10-1 tomorrow.
August 27th, 2011 at 3:41 am
Hi Steve,
The place looks well pretected, really surprising you are alone there… Only the wind should have influence there. Keep eyes on flying objet!!! Maybe one storm hatch on the center front windows???
What is the average depth?
Stay safe
Alain
August 27th, 2011 at 10:45 pm
Hi Alain:
Average depth is seven feet at low tide (1.25 meters). We thought about putting on the forward window storm shutters because of debris in the air, but we are quite far from land, four tenths of a nautical mile is the closest, and we think we are OK.
August 27th, 2011 at 5:14 am
Nice hurr hole. (Used to live at Port Washington near by)
Cant imagine a stronger or more prepared yacht.
Good luck to both of you (and WH).
Carlos
August 27th, 2011 at 6:29 am
What size anchor chain snubber(s) will you use on the Rocna?
Fare well,
Bill
August 27th, 2011 at 10:46 pm
Hi Bill:
Chain is 3/8″ System Seven (heat treated), about 23,000 pound breaking strength. Snubbers are detailed in the latest blog.
August 27th, 2011 at 9:05 am
Best wishes for Sunday.
August 27th, 2011 at 11:55 am
Steve and Linda,
No one will be better prepared than you two. Still be careful and safe. I know that is preaching to the choir but somehow can not help but say it.
I have 10 family members in the path of the storm and it is hard for me to get them to take it seriously.
Hope to hear good news from you Monday morning.
Sending you all good thoughts.