New London, CT to Port Jefferson, NY

Morning Fog kept us from getting an early start for our long journey to Port Jefferson. We left New London long after the bugle called the Midshipmen to breakfast. It turned into a clear, sunny day with little to no wind until about 1230 when we were finally able to roll out the genoa to gain 1/2 knot of speed in a whisper of wind. It took 10 hours to cover the 57 miles and we arrived just before sunset. Several other boats were already in the anchorage but we were able to find a good spot with enough swing room.

Tug and Barge

Port Jefferson is a busy commercial port. A barge was heading out of the harbor as we made our approach. We met the ferry, P.T. Barnum, heading out shortly after we cleared the breakwater. Fortunately, the main channel is wide enough for us to pass each other with plenty of room. This ferry is named after the famous circus owner, Phineas Taylor Barnum. Mr. Barnum was one of the founders and major investors in the ferry company which operates ferry service between Bridgeport, CT and Port Jefferson, NY. Bridgeport was Barnum's home for for a period of time. In fact, he was once the mayor of the city. Although P.T. Barnum is known throughout the world for his circus, he was engaged in many other enterprises and was active in politics prior to entering the circus business (assuming politics is not a circus in its own right). P.T. served in the Connecticut legislature and was one of the founders of Tufts University. If he were alive today, he be running for President of the United States (and probably win).