greenport, southold, shelter island l
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by John Galluzzo
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North Fork region is growing in stature with every passing year. The prime association, of course, is with wines. But that’s new; the first vineyards on Long Island were planted in 1973—that’s just 39 short years. By comparison, the local Strawberry Festival is entering its 58th year; Horton Point Lighthouse has been illuminated since 1857. The wineries are just getting started. And so should you, if you want to find yourself on the North Fork this summer. Gardiners Island lies west of Montauk Point and due south of New London; west of the island is the bay of the same name. A red-and-white whistling nun in the heart of Gardiners Bay marks the site of an ancient shipwreck. Head west past that until you find a red #2 and a green #3, off the southern tip of Long Beach. Follow that channel in a full 90-degree swing around Hay Beach Point on Shelter Island and start heading southwest. Soon, you’ll see a breakwater running southeast off Young’s Point, denoting the fact that you’ve reached Greenport Harbor. Greenport’s skyline is easily recognizable, from its church spires to its water tank and radio tower. Come around the breakwater,
and inside the harbor you’ll find Claudio’s, Townsend Manor Inn and Preston’s, all easily accessible and ready to help any transient boater with any need. Next, it’s on to Southold. Head out of Greenport Harbor and follow the channel to the southwest. Run between Fanning Point to starboard and Shelter Island Heights to port, keeping in mind that a ferry crosses this short passage routinely. Beyond Fanning Point to starboard is Pipes Cove, framed on its western edge by Conkling Point. The channel S-curves between Conkling Point and Jennings Point on Shelter Island and emerges into Southold Bay. Southold is to the west-southwest. To find Shelter Island, retreat to that red-and-white buoy back in Gardiners Bay. Look to the southwest to find Ram Head. Travel south toward it, watching for a flashing green #1 buoy off its eastern end. That will lead you to private navigational aids that will direct you into Coecles Harbor, between Sungic Point on the south and Reel Point on the north. In the northwest corner of the harbor you will find Coecles Harbor Marina and Boatyard. And so your North Fork summer begins. Cruise on in for the chardonnay, but stay for the merlot. Trust the Captain.
www.captainsguide.com
CAPTAIN’S SEASIDE GUIDE 2012
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