NYCkayaker East River Paddling

[Richard Smith]

In the first paragraph of my post I was careful to point out that my remarks were made from the prospective of a sailer not a paddle boat owner.  

I frequently respond to questions and share my experiences and opinions with novice owners of small/mid size sailboats as they respect  the navigational hazards of this particular stretch of water.  Without exception cruising in this area is considered by most to be challenging for the reasons I have given.

Several intimidated novice sailers seem to think enough of my knowledge, experience and opinions as to request that I come as a pseudo pilot on their initial passage up the river.

Yes, in general the dangers and fears are more perceived then representative of fact.  But, to state that commercial traffic on the East River is "light" is simply not reflective of reality.  I have never made this passage without a meeting with several large commercial vessels.  In my opinion the possibility of a collision with one of these ships in the Roosevelt Island Channel is all to real and the consequences would be tragic. The rate of closure at time of max current and the sluggish non predictable response of a small boat under these conditions can be startling!

Of course what is light traffic vs. heavy/moderate is purely subjective.  As any text on seamanship will urge the proposition that... a large vessel in a strong current in a narrow passage is essentially non maneuverable.   I for one don't want to put that proposition to the test.

My comments  (in the main) summarize several passages over the years in both directions, at the time of highest current velocity. They are purely subjective and should be viewed as such.

Richard Smith

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