June 22, Thursday, Day 63, NYC

At the recommendation of our experienced looper neighbors, we left early (7am) so we could  catch the slack tide as we entered the ocean, eliminating currents pushing us of course on the way out of the Manesquan River Inlet.  But first we needed to cross from Barnegat Bay to the river via the Point Pleasant Canal. Most canals are pleasant – not this one – it’s choppy. Waters from two different sources were fighting for superiority the entire way and it was hard to keep our heading. We heard it’s a nightmare on weekends with all manner of boat wakes added to it.

We neared the ocean, seeing additional marinas and boatyards, and then we were watching the Jersey coast go by.

As you can see, the ocean was not rough – maybe 2′ swells, but there was some uncomfortable back and forth rocking. Since I had taken Bonine I let myself drift off to dreamland and avoid the discomfort. Dirk was fine.

As we approached the city the view was different than expected, with Coney Island facing us and Manhattan behind that. Getting closer we could see the city as Coney Island faded to the right.

Amidst a large number of barges and boat in NYC harbor traffic we headed for Lady Liberty and finally arrived.

The park was very busy as you may be able to see with lines of visitors around the edges. We cruised entirely around the lady and then headed for a anchorage and a rest.