Starting Position: Docked at Constitution Island, NY. Latitude: 41˚ 24.1' Longitude: 073˚ 58.25'
It's another early morning for the crew of the Half Moon. Our goal for the day is to continue south through the remaining Highlands and across Haverstraw Bay, anchoring tonight just north of the George Washington Bridge -- a relatively long haul.
0645 hours
With the crew roused and ready, we cast off our lines with the dockside help of Roddy MacLeod and his wife Deb.
Mouse over to fire the sternchaser.
As we depart, we fire a final salute to our hosts at Constitution Island from the sternchaser. Joel Goss and his crew were on hand as well; you can watch their video at the end of this log entry.
With Constitution Island behind us, we continue on past West Point and through the Hudson Highlands.
0815 hours
Mr. Ricchezza stands lookout as the Half Moon passed under the Bear Mountain Bridge and leaves the Highlands behind.
Meanwhile, this morning sees the galley a bustling spot. Seen at different times, Mr. Noonan prepares lunch to the left, while Mr. Van der Merwe cleans up after breakfast.
0845 hours
As we pass Peekskill and Verplanck, rounding the bend into Haverstraw Bay, we point out King Marine, the Half Moon's winter home.
1300 hours
After a quiet few hours, we approach the George Washington Bridge with Mr. Hansen at the con and Mr. Karn at the helm. Captain Reynolds is kept busy in his cabin, making preparations for the voyage to come.
We've made such good time that we decide to continue downriver. Instead of anchoring here, we'll go all the way to the Verrazano Narrows Bridge at the mouth of New York Harbor.
The overcast skies have broken up for the moment, giving us the last bit of sun we'll see for the next few days.
1400 hours
The southerly wind is against us, but Mr. Van Grondelle leads the crew through more sail handling drills anyway -- we'll need the practice!
Working on the main mast team, Mr. Noonan and Mr. Ricchezza coil their lines as we glide past the Manhattan waterline.
1500 hours
An hour later, we come to the skyscrapers of Jersey City, marking our entrance into Upper New York Harbor.
1700 hours
We've passed under the Verazanno Narrows Bridge and entered Gravesend Bay, our destination for the evening.
1715 hours
As we near our anchorage, Mr. Noonan stands lookout while Mr. Van der Merwe and Mr. McGuigan prepare to haul on the anchor tackle.
Mouse over to sound the depths.
Meanwhile, Mr. Rodriques is stationed on the starboard fore channel, using a lead line to sound the depths.
When a large rubber container comes floating by, we try to recover it, but miss our chance.
1730 hours
Now in position, we lower the anchor to the water line. When the command comes, Mr. Rodriques pulls the fid and the anchor is set.
Down on the orlop deck, Mr. Cardoza monitors the anchor rode as it pays out, making it off at 100 feet.
With the anchor set and holding, there's nothing left to do but tidy up -- our two-day "Day Zero" voyage has reached its final destination.
With the remaining daylight, we treat the ship to a saltwater deck wash, spraying and sweeping away the sawdust and accumulated work grime. The salt water also helps preserve the ship's planking.
2030 hours
We eat dinner on the weather deck as the sun sinks. Mr. Wolfe wraps up the day with special Half Moon brownies.
Tomorrow the real excitement begins. For tonight, the crew just kicks back and enjoys the final chance we'll get to really relax for some time.
Video Courtesy of Anamorphic Films, Penumbra Productions.
Producer/Editor: Helge Bernhardt.
