DIYC Independence Day Cruise to Coecles Harbor, Shelter Island, N.Y.

Cruise Leaders: Lorry and Howie Simon, s/v Sweet Lorraine

As the July 4^th holiday falls on a Wednesday this year, the DIYC cruise to celebrate Independence Day will begin the weekend of Saturday June 30^th and Sunday July 1st. Those fortunate enough not to have to return for work have the option for hanging out in the area for a truly long holiday weekend.

Bicycles and kayaks do well on this quiet and beautiful island that lies between Long Island’s north and south forks. If there is enough interest, a dinner at the Ram’s Head Inn will be seriously considered. (E-mail me at obsail@yahoo.com if you are interested in reservations at Ram’s Head for Sat. night.) Our traditional anchorage site is in the southwest corner of Coecles Harbor. Moorings can also be obtained off of Rams Head Inn (first come first serve) and the Coecles Harbor Marina and Boatyard Marina ($45/night, 631 249 0700). Bicycles, electric carts and kayaks are also available for rent at the marina. F.Y.I.: Coecles Harbor Marina is the production site for Billy Joel’s Shelter Island Runabout, a neat looking Downeast style craft.

Navigation from Westbrook is fairly straightforward. Southeast to Plum Gut. Once through Plum Gut the Coecles Harbor entrance is 6.5 nM. On Saturday June 30 the Ebb tide begins at the Race 12:20 pm. Coecles Harbor entrance buoy G "1" is charted at N 041-04.15, W 072-16.45. Follow the entrance buoys closely through the channel. Turn left into anchorage between buoys C "5" and C "7". The holding ground in the anchorage is fairly good. Rams Head moorings are to the right (north). C.H.Marina is straight in (west) being mindful of the shoals beyond C "7" and around N "10".

We will monitor ch 72.

Cell # 203 464 4059

Looking forward to seeing you at Coecles on the 30th.

Lorry and Howie