Thread: Northeast US Goat Gathering in 2014 - 26 -29 September

I really think San Diego is the best choice for the next gathering.

Originally Posted by davlafont

Hammonasset looks to be more beach launch friendly but Rocky Neck looks like it would have more interesting scenery to sail by/to. Are they both campgrounds? (I can Google the overhead imagery, but not the actual sites? Wsup with that?)

Hammonasset and Rocky Neck are both state parks. Descriptions of the facilities may be found here: DEP: Connecticut State Parks and Forests

Your instincts are correct. Niantic is a beautiful area to explore but Rocky Neck doesn't list "carry-in" boating facilities. We'd have to use a nearby public ramp. Logistics might be tricky. Hammonasset would be much more convenient.

I'm still thinking about Newport. Such a beautiful area. But my memory of America's Cup races there include some major waves and changeable weather. We'd have to see if there's a big enough sheltered area to have fun in.

Originally Posted by alzuger

There is also Ipswitch Bay, near Glouchester MA. Looks like there are some campsites there too. And it is some gorgeous coast up there.

Christophe, have you sailed Ipswitch Bay? Can you tell us anything about it?

Originally Posted by alzuger

What are you all thinking for a time frame? Late this season, next season?

The rest of this season is completely booked up, at least for me personally and probably for the campgrounds as well. We're looking at 2013 at the earliest, and maybe 2014.

The weather in Long Island Sound is best in September and October. Crisp, clear days and steady winds. But the days are much longer in June and July, obviously. Campgrounds are usually open May through September, with bookings easiest to get while school is in session.

How many of you are hemmed in by school schedules? Is a long weekend in September out of the question?

Originally Posted by paulie

Christophe, have you sailed Ipswitch Bay? Can you tell us anything about it?

I smell a mission!

Mentioning these places makes me terribly nostalgic for Francis Herreshoff's wonderful book "the Compleat Cruiser". Lots of information mixed around a trip between ports in the places you are talking about. Wonder if some of those locations would work? Sail from place to place. It would be terribly dependent on camping grounds as much of that coastline has changed since the early 1950s.

Have you chaps read it ... very much recommend ... the subtitle is "The Art Practice and Enjoyment of Yacht Cruising" or similar.

MIK

Classic. I think my copy is from one of the original runs.

Originally Posted by paulie

How many of you are hemmed in by school schedules? Is a long weekend in September out of the question?

I have youngsters in middle- and high-school. School usually start in early Sept here. I can't decide if that means I'll be free, or the family will be consumed by that or whether I'm irrelevant (I'll ask my teenage daughter if I'm relevant!).

I remember last October in the sound with 25-30 kt winds and 3-5 ft seas. Paulie, you sailed KM that weekend; you know what I mean.

I think I'm saying I'd prefer mid-to-late September.

Originally Posted by davlafont

I'll ask my teenage daughter if I'm relevant!

Very dangerous question. I know what my own teenage daughter would say.

Originally Posted by davlafont

I remember last October in the sound with 25-30 kt winds and 3-5 ft seas. Paulie, you sailed KM that weekend; you know what I mean.

Did I actually sail that day? Or did I turn chicken***t when I saw the waves? I do remember the weekend you are talking about, but I can't remember whether I had the courage to leave the cove.

Your preference is duly noted. Same as mine, despite the shorter days.

Quote:
Originally Posted by paulie
Christophe, have you sailed Ipswitch Bay? Can you tell us anything about it?
I smell a mission!

Hmmmm...

That does indeed sound like a mission.

Maybe an early autumn mission. My folks live near Boston, I could go for a visit and bring my boat?

This could be the beginnings of something awesome. My work schedule is awful as we all know, so I'll let you know how it turns out. I bid for Sept. today.

I'll join you if I can. I will be hiking in the White Mountains one weekend and doing the parents' weekend thing at my son's college (and a half marathon) another. But that still leaves some weekends free.

What are weekends?

Originally Posted by paulie

I'd LOVE Newport. But I'm worried it would be pricey. Anyone know the relative prices of Newport vs, say, Lake George?

There are nice campgrounds in Jamestown - the big island directly to the West of Ft Adams in Newport - right in the middle of Narragansett Bay. And it's accessible by regular roadways from both sides of the bay.
Google Maps is your friend

Newport would be a great venue - the people in Newport are real friendly to sailors and would love the spirit of the GIS Meetup.

Why not try a test drive later on this year 2013 is a long ways away