NY / Long Island / Peconic Bays / Robins Island

NY / Long Island / Peconic Bays / Robins Island

Long Island's Peconic Bays (located between the North and South Forks of Long Island) offer some of the best sailing in the Northeast from May through October. The North Fork is home to Long Island's most notable vineyards and wineries of modern times along with your ever increasing choice of family or fine dining. The South Fork has everything from the glitz of the Hampton's to fishing off Montauk's famous fishing grounds. You can access the Peconic Bays from the north around Orient Point (the Eastern most tip of the North Fork) or from the West by passing Montauk Point (the eastern most tip of the South Fork). You can also access the Peconic Bays from the West via the South Shore's Shinecock Canal but you will need to clear the canal bridges with a clearance of about 20 feet (check the local charts). Approaching from the East, when navigating around Shelter Island, Jessip's Neck, Nassau Point and Robins Island take extra care in using all marked buoys and aids as the Peconic Bays are known for sandbars and shallow grounds.

Robins Island, located about 6 miles West of Shelter Island has always been a favorite destination of mine ever since I first ventured off the beach with the family Sunfish! Yes, it is that close to the mainland. Depending on wind conditions, you can find a safe and calm place to anchor on either the East, West or Northern sides of the Island. Carved into the Northern side of the island you will find a deep water natural cove that is home to a number of mariners on any given weekend during the season. While there are no facilities on the privately owned island, it does offer the most secluded and reclusive getaway you can find without venturing too far off the mainland. Moorings are not available but the cove located on the Northern side has an extremely anchor-friendly bottom. You are not allowed on the Island, but if you need a land-fix there is a sandbar that wraps partially around the cove located on the northernmost tip where you will find kids of all ages hunting for shells and other marine finds. You will also witness a number of wild animals on land including whitetail deer, ospreys and various bird species. If you are looking for complete isolation from other boaters, depending on wind conditions you may consider anchoring off the east or west side of the Island against the 300 foot cliffs. These are not protected waters but they do make a great anchorage during favorable winds with breathtaking views of the islands 300 foot cliffs (don't tell the Island's owner but I have climbed these cliffs as a kid!). Although I have anchored along the cliffs, I would recommend the cove located on the Northern side of the island as a safer alternative for an overnight stay.

Watch out for pirates! "Pirate Ice-Cream" that is. An industrious local ice-cream shop managed to corner the marine ice-cream market with a fleet of ice-cream boats that come around boatside, every afternoon on the weekends with your favorite flavors. Keep a lookout for the black pirate flags!

A short ride North of the Robins Island Cove, across the North Race (about 1 mile North), is New Suffolk. Part of the North Fork's mainland, New Suffolk offers limited public facilities, a boat ramp, public beach, park and some docking facilities run by a private marina. Be careful crossing the North Race in a small tender. Depending on tide and weather conditions, the currents and waves could make for a challenging passage. The marina, home to about 2 dozen sailboats is visible as you cross the North Race, does have short-term docking facilities available for your tender. I have never had a problem docking our dingy or small powerboat but I would recommend anchoring anything larger in the cove or off the mainland. Anchoring anywhere off New Suffolk is fine as long as you stay out of the North Race (see your local chart for details). Make sure to read your charts and stay clear of sandbars. There is a restaurant at the marina but they never seem to have their ducks in a row as it seams to always be "closed for the season". Within 100 yards of the docking, facilities and beach, you will find the North Fork's most legendary Restaurant and Sports Bar named as such: Legends (between King and Main Street - phone:631.7345123). Zagat gives them a 19 rating for food! A great place to watch a game, have a drink, order food at the bar or better yet, enjoy a sit-down dinner in the separate dining room. Child friendly too! My favorite is the stuffed flounder! The nearest marketplace or shopping centers are in town and would be a far walk or a short bike ride.

Enjoy your stay and remember, the sun rises in the East and sets to the West...Enjoy your coffee and cocktails!

Submitted by Rob Finora
robfinora@hotmail.com
"Rum Swizzle"
Catalina 30
Mattituck, NY