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Sailing Through New York City | Manhattan, East River & Hell Gate

21 August 2026 · 8 min · 2K views · East River, New York City

What this video covers

Mirage departs a Manhattan anchorage after a four-day stop and transits the East River toward Long Island Sound, covering roughly 20 miles.0:45 Vlad identifies the passage as demanding because it requires precise tidal timing: Mirage must reach the Brooklyn Bridge area around 08:30 to catch the flood tide, which pushes the boat upriver at 9 knots.1:45 The key hazard is Hell Gate, the turbulent confluence where the East River meets Long Island Sound tides, known for whirlpools and chaotic current.2:17 By timing the transit to run with the flood, Vlad reports no problems at Hell Gate despite visibly turbulent water.7:49 Another sailboat, White Hawk, is also transiting the same route, confirming the tidal-timing strategy is standard knowledge among sailors making this passage.2:14 The Manhattan anchorage itself is described as excellent — central, close to restaurants, a French bistro, and Broadway — with the only drawback being wake from passing ferries.0:09 Tidal timing through Hell Gate is the single critical factor for a trouble-free East River transit northbound.

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Boats in this video

Amel 50Their boat

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