June 29                         Jersey City, New Jersey/New York, New York

Preparing to depart, we noted that Miracle, John Jaran’s boat was docked near us.  David had the opportunity to briefly talk with him.  His lovely wife, Joy took off our stern line and waved goodbye as we moved away from the marina. We had a long trip ahead of us.  New York harbor was 87 miles from Atlantic City.  We left early to be sure we would arrive before dusk.

Ignoring the recommended route on the chart, we chose to go to the three mile limit in order to have smoother water for cruising.   This was a wise decision as we were able to make good speed and save fuel.  It was a slow day for boats on the ocean.  We saw only a few tankers and fishing vessels.

Enroute we received a telephone call from the AC repair person who gave us the incredible news that he maintained a shop and staff at Liberty Landing Marina, our destination, and our part was scheduled to arrive the next day.  Someone would be at our boat the next morning to install the part.  He was as amazed as we that (1) the part was in stock and (2) it would be shipped from a warehouse in the New York area.  He told us that some of his customers waited weeks and often months for replacement parts.

The enormous Verrazano Bridge, spanning The Narrows, a waterway between Staten Island and Brooklyn, was a welcome sight.  We were now in New York harbor and were soon seeing the familiar sights and buildings in Lower Manhattan.  Focusing on charts and GPS, we were startled to realize we had reached the Statue of Liberty.  Our marina was only a few hundred yards past.  We arrived at the dock minutes before 7:00 PM.

Liberty Landing Marina is a wonderful facility.  With docks for 200 boats, it is located across the Hudson River from Manhattan in Jersey City, New Jersey.  It has a great staff, a good ship’s store, and frequent ferry service across the river.  We were docked next to the bike trail and the park.  It was scenic and quiet.  We could look south and have a great view of Ellis Island the the Statue of Liberty.  A constant parade of cyclists and walkers, most with children or dogs, passed beside our boat.

Weary from our long day, we chose to have dinner at Maripark, the lovely restaurant at the marina.  Everything was excellent but David had a carpaccio salad that was prize-winning.  Made of thinly sliced flute, a delicate white fish, marinated in citrus juices, garnished with tiny bits of grapefruit, tiny slices of red seedless grapes, and a scattering of minced leeks, it was outstanding!