(Also Posted on LICC) Connecticut River

[caltexfla]

I've reviewed the threads from last July and May on this forum and they are very helpful, thanks! So the following, which I also posted on LICC, is just to gather any updated local knowledge:

As we mosey our way east towards Massachusetts, I was hoping to take a cruise up the Connecticut River this weekend. Our boat is 60ft LOA, and we'd prefer to anchor or moor out where practical, and explore around in the dingy. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! (Cocktails, beer and wine are served on the aft deck at 5pm.)

We are currently anchored in Oyster Bay LI, headed to Norwalk Cove Marina this afternoon to visit some friends, then a day or two in the Thimbles.

This is our first time on LIS by boat and we are loving it! This forum has been a great help in our planning, by the way, so thanks to you all regardless!

George

 

[JoeBalt]

Hit Hamburg Cove, about 6 miles up river...be sure to follow the channel, it is well marked, just don't take any shortcuts, you can grab a mooring and take the dingy furhter into the cove to some small marinas. Beautiful spot. If you have a decent size dingy you can head across the river a 1/2 mile south to Essex...there is a town dock or a number of marinas that you can tie up at to stroll the town. Fantastic old New England ship building town with great charm. You can cruise as far north as Hartford but it will take you the better part of the day to get up and back with may twists and turns...best bet may be to cruise about 1 1/2 hours north from the mouth of the river you'll come to the rotating draw bridge in Haddam (your boat may have to wait for the opening), about a mile north of that is a neat little restaurant on the water (Port / West side) called the Blue Oar (sandwiches, burger type fair)...have a nice lunch there, cruise back to Hamburg Cove and enjoy the rest of the day...The scenery on the river is exceptional, you should have a great time...good luck.

 

[caltexfla]

Thanks Joe; we're heading up in the morning and looking forward to it.

George

Moored in the Thimbles; beautiful setting for our 32nd wedding anniversary!

 

[JoeBalt]

You're welcome George and Happy Anniversary. Last season was the first time we had been to the Thimbles...ended up going back 3 times, great spot. We got out on the river late this morning and was a little surprised by the debris...usually a spring thing and clears up be now but it has been somewhat wet this year. We're in Hamburg Cove now and there are a couple of boats here that I guess could be yours...hopefully you got a chance to explore a bit...one other spot I should mention (again if you have a decent dingy) is Seldon's Creek (your Hat would be to big but a 30 ft cruiser can make it) I don't think it is much more than 1 1/2 miles north of Hamburg cove on the Starboard / East side of the river. It is a pristine, winding little waterway that is well worth exploring. Either way, enjoy the river and would love to hear what you think and what you did.

Joe B