Greetings fellow Nonsuchers
If of interest, please save the date for an informal raft up in Port Jefferson Harbor , Long Island this Labor Day weekend. (40.44.20N x -073.-4.48W - Old Field Point “PJ WHIS” entrance). This raft up will be in similar fashion to one held in Oyster Bay last year. (photo above)
“ Informal” in that no organized plan or fee is associated with the event but camaraderie and visiting other Nonsuch boats in order to share ideas and stories is the plan. Bring your own food & drink and share as you like.
Port Jefferson Harbor was suggested by a few fellow sailors as it might draw from both east and west Long Island sound. Tentatively we would raft up Saturday and/or Sunday based on weather conditions and sailing schedules. Some might sail over and raft Friday too.
If you have any comments or ideas, please share them. A chart along with anchoring location will be distributed in time based on how many boats reply. Pls let us know if you might consider attending. Regards, Gary Forster
Aloki /NS 30329 / Oyster Bay NY
Wish I could attend with BIANKA but, coming down with shoulder arthritis is preventing me from sailing this season. I use to sail over to Port Jefferson on many weekends and enjoyed the scene. FYI there is a farmers market on the waterfront on Sundays. I can also recommend the restaurant Pasta Pasta for Italian dishes.
Ahoy fellow Nonsuchers,
Pls see above. Chart for location of Labor Day Raft up, Saturday August 30, 2025
North Shore of Long Island, NY . Approach via buoy “PJ” R&W 40.59.21 N x 073.06.40 W
We (on Aloki) will be on station as of Friday evening anchored at aprox location of red dot on chart above. We welcome any rafting boats as of 11 AM on Saturday . Depending how many boats attend, additional anchors might be set. I should note that there is a slight swell when the ferry leaves Port Jeff (not returning) and leaves boats rocking slightly for 2- 4 minutes. Thankfully , that stops around 10 pm.
Touring each other’s boats, cocktails and sea stories will ensue. I request that the raft up disband near sunset and either set their own anchor ( good mud bottom btw) or ‘pirate’ an empty mooring. Meals and drinks are BYOB but feel free to share, we will.
Thanks to all who responded. Best, Gary Forster/ Aloki NS 30329 / Oyster Bay NY.
Hi Mike , pls see attached chart detail. We will most likely anchor between red 6&8 as to have maximum distance from the ferry wake. The area circled in green is also a good area to anchor post raft up.
The wake is more a nuisance than an issue. It’s a slow roll for 2/3 minutes when the ferry exits the harbour. The ferry stops running at 10pm and gently wakes you up again around 6:15 am. We’ll all just need to be mindful of it . Hope to see you there. Best , Gary , Aloki #329 Oyster Bay , NY Gpf_200@yahoo.com
Be careful when rafting up in Port Jefferson due to the ferry wake. There could be a good chance of the masts banging into each other when rafting up. I heard a VHF conversation while in PJ a few years ago from an angry power boater whose outriggers were knocking into the other rafted boats.
The Port Jeff rendezvous takes place, well, it will have taken place. That’s of course unless “ Hurricane Erin” has something to say about it. Stay tuned. Regards, Gary /Aloki/ Oyster Bay ..
Weather looks good for the Labor Day raft up in Port Jefferson. Hurricane Erin has sailed into the Atlantic and the next two tropical storms are forecast to both miss our local vicinity. Plans as noted earlier , raft up in designated area starting around 11am. I will set a upsized Vulcan anchor with 100 ft chain and additional line. We will monitor vhf channel 11 for any approaching yachts.
I’d suggest we break off before sunset and anchor separately or pirate nearby available day moorings. Any questions, pls drop me a line. Regards, Gary /Aloki /Oyster Bay Gpf_200@yahoo.com
Unfortunately, my wife and I will not be able to attend the Rendezvous. We were practicing our anchoring skills earlier this week. Accidentally, a couple of my finger tips caught in my new windlass as the last part of the anchor rode with the chain came up. I was watching to make sure the anchor did not bang the bow of the boat and not paying attention to where my hands were located next to a rocker switch I had installed on the deck for controlling the windlass.
I thought it might be helpful to add some details to help someone else from making a similar mistake. Fortunately there was a good hand surgeon available to patch me up. Wishing I had spent the money on a remote control for the windlass.
Wow Mike,
Im sure I speak for all when I say, so sorry to hear! I hope the surgeon was able to remedy the situation and hope you’re on the mend quickly. Best, Gary /Aloki
Thanks for the empathy, I was just looking at the meet-up photos and wishing we were there! My fingers on the mend and I have ordered a remote for my windlass. I should be back on the water in a couple of weeks, Plan on going to the Newport Boat Show. Hope to run into some other Nonsuch owners there.
Hiya Bill, always interested in local knowledge. Pls share ! (chart provided for your convenience)