Hello all,
A group of us here in the States are in the preliminary stages of planning a RIB Rendezvous.
We're leaning toward August 6, 2005, for this first annual Long Island Sound RIB Rendezvous (LIS R & R). High tide in the Norwalk area is at 1:01PM that day so it will just make it easier for boats to pull up on the beach at our first stop, Sheffield Island. There are also moorings just off of the island dock and anchoring out is always an option.
Tentatively:
Starting at Veterans' Park in Norwalk, Connecticut, we'll head out to Sheffield Island about 10:30AM. VET's park has great launching facilities ($15.00 launch fee for out-of-towners). We will stay on Sheffield Island for enough time to get a tour of the lighthouse and enjoy some barbecued RIB's and other stuff prepared by my brother the chef. While on Sheffield, there will also be time for sea-stories and I will give a little talk about the area and where we will be headed once underway again. I would think that 2 1/2 hours on the island will be more than enough time.
Then we are off to the Huntington Harbor Lighthouse located over on the north shore of Long Island, which is about 6 miles across the Sound from Sheffield Island. We will pass Green's Ledge Lighthouse on our way out of Sheffield Island Harbor and also get a nice view of the Eaton's Neck Lighthouse located at Coast Guard Station Eaton's Neck as we head into Huntington Bay. Once at the Huntington Harbor Lighthouse, a tour of this wave-swept site should only take about 30 minutes. After our tour, we will then head into Northport Bay and ultimately dock at the Northport Village docks in Northport Harbor. While in Northport, our group will be able to get another bite to eat or something to drink - Main Street has many shops and restaurants and is convenient to the waterfront.
Our departure from Northport will be around 6:00PM or so. Heading back across the Sound, we will take the eastern approach through the Norwalk Islands back into Norwalk Harbor. This route will take us past the Peck Ledge Lighthouse. Next stop - back to the boat ramps at VET's Park and then once the boats are hauled out, on to Donovan's tavern in South Norwalk. The SONO Waterfront Historic District is just a short walk across the Washington Street Bridge from VET's Park and has many shops, restaurants and the Maritime Aquarium.
The Sheffield Island rental fee will be $250.00 for up to 25 guests, and I think $450.00 for larger groups. I have yet to negotiate a landing fee/contribution arrangement with the Huntington Lighthouse group or determine a price to cover the refreshments that will be provided at Sheffield Island. Also, with many events such as this raising money for worthy causes, I'm thinking that this event should benefit a tsunami relief organization such as the Red Cross. I have contacted our local chapter and am awaiting information regarding fund raising events. In addition, the Sheffield Island and Huntington Harbor Lighthouses are both operated by non-profit organizations.
Please keep in mind that as of this early date, this itinerary is tentative for sure. I am just now contacting the lighthouse organizations, possible sponsors and hotels in the Norwalk area. I will provide more details as things develop.
Any interested Ribsters can contact me on this forum or shoot me an e-mail directly at
www.soundnav@hotmail.com.
"Put some excitement between your legs - ride a RIB"
