Downwinds | Long Dock to Foundry Dock

Long Dock to Foundry Dock

An approximately eight mile downwind route that goes at max flood against a north wind over 10 knots and gets terribly exciting over 15. This downwind is in Beacon, a city located on the Hudson River in Dutchess County, New York, United States. Beacon was so named to commemorate the historic beacon fires that blazed forth from the summit of the Fishkill Mountains to alert the Continental Army of British troop movements. The Hudson River is a 315-mile (507 km) river that flows from north to south primarily through eastern New York, United States. It originates in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York at Henderson Lake in the town of Newcomb, and flows southward through the Hudson Valley to the New York Harbor between New York City and Jersey City, eventually draining into the Atlantic Ocean at Upper New York Bay.


  • Beacon, New York

    Distance in KM
    12
    Estimated Time to complete
    1:20
  • Wind Direction
    NNW
    North
    SSE
    South
    Best months
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
    Oct
    Nov
    Dec
  • Average Rating
    0.0

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    0
  • Created
    about 3 years ago
    Last updated
    about 3 years ago
    Kindly shared by:
    ken+downwindfun



  • The Metro-North train stations at each end make this a potential solo or single-vehicle trip. Potable water is available from a tap on the south side of the pavilion, which is solar powered and also provides power outlets and lights on a timer. There is all-day parking at Long Dock. Foundry Dock has three four-hour parking spots; one is designated for use by people with disabilities. There is four-hour on-steet parking nearby. Both Metro-North station lots are free on weekends and some holidays, with parking fees payable at machines other times.

    Launch from the end of Long Dock Road


    This can be run in either direction but southbound is better. Launch an hour before max in Beacon or at max in Cold Spring. Southbound, things start to really get going about two miles north of Cornwall-on-Hudson. Angle south-southeast after you pass day marker 48 by Pollepel Island. Avoid the shallows north and south of Little Stony Point unless you need a rest before another big section in the deeps off Little Stony. Things often mellow as you pass Dockside Park, the dock, and the boat club before your final turn around a private dock into Foundry Cove.


    After passing Little Stony Point, look out for Dockside Park and the Cold Spring waterfront, including the dock and the boat club. Turn left after the boat club and the private wood-faced dock. Watch out for the unmarked shoal south the dock.
    Look for a Greek Revival chapel on a rock; the landing is to the right.
    If you pass channel marker 46, massive cliffs on your left, or West Point on your right, you have passed the landing.

    Finish is  at Foundry Dock Park



    This is an active commercial shipping channel with scows and tankers operating in most conditions. Goes without saying, but keep your head on a swivel and monitor channel 16. Most commercial traffic announces itself as it goes by either the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge or Storm King Mountain when they travel south or World's End when traveling north. All bets are off with regard to pleasure traffic, so again: head on a swivel. 


    Have fun and please stay safe!
    Some Basic Safety Guidelines

    - It is very difficult to spot someone in the water especially in strong wind conditions, so please make sure you can be seen - use bright colour clothing. Wear a brightly coloured PFD Wear a brightly coloured rash vest ( luminous green or orange is best)

    - Use a buddy system - doing a downwind with someone else is always safer than on your own.

    - Have a VHF Radio, mobile/cell phone in a waterproof bag ( test that you can use this in all conditions)

    - Know who to call for help and be sure that your family know who to call. Be sure that someone knows where you are and when you should return. And that they will call for help if this time is exceeded.

    - Other useful tips - Use a leash from the craft to your body. Have a signal flare (hand held are best) or pencil flares. Carry a reflector / mirror. Have a whistle that works when wet. Have your name and landline number on your craft. Leave a card with your name and phone number (mobile/cell and landline) on your vehicle dashboard.


    We don't have much choice! Anything over 10 knots seems to get things going, but it really depends on the tidal current being in opposition. If the wind has time to set things up before the current, that seems best. Rarely, we've seen the wind shift 180 to give us back-to-back downwinds; the second only seems to get going if the run is southbound. I did this in September 2023 in a sea kayak with a wing paddle at 17 mph winds against a flooding super-moon current and felt some fear as I looked at the bottom of an extremely steep wave eight feet below. 


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