EP 156 – Sailing from Half Moon Bay to Shadows Marina on the Hudson River

Join host Bela Musits and Captain Mike Malekoff as they continue their multi-day sailing journey up the United States East Coast aboard Mike’s Hunter 44 Deck Salon. In this episode, they share the details of their passage from Half Moon Bay Marina in Croton-on-Hudson, New York, to Shadows Marina in Poughkeepsie, NY — a scenic and eventful run on the historic Hudson River. This episode is part of a special series recorded during the relocation of Mike’s boat from Brunswick, Georgia, all the way to Burlington, Vermont. With each leg, Bela and Mike bring listeners along for the ride, sharing real-time observations, navigational decisions, and the beauty (and occasional challenges) of cruising one of America’s most storied waterways. Highlights from this episode include: Smooth sailing with a tailwind – Thanks to excellent passage planning and favorable conditions, the crew maintained an impressive seven-knot average speed for much of the 30-mile leg. Tidal assist – Strategic timing with the tide gave them a strong push upriver, making for one of the fastest runs of the trip so far. Weather blessings – Consistently great weather has been a highlight of this relocation voyage, allowing for comfortable and efficient travel. Debris challenges – Heavy rains upriver had flushed a surprising number of logs and floating debris into the Hudson. Bela and Mike share how they stayed alert, maneuvered around hazards, and avoided damage. River life and scenery – From shoreline views to passing landmarks, the Hudson River continues to offer a stunning backdrop for their sailing adventure. Why this episode is a must-listen for sailors and cruisers: If you’re planning to cruise the Hudson River, or considering an extended relocation trip on the Intracoastal Waterway and connected inland rivers, this episode offers valuable insights. From understanding how to leverage tides for better speed, to dealing with unexpected navigational hazards like floating logs, Bela and Mike provide firsthand knowledge that’s both relatable and useful. Key takeaways for boaters: Plan your departure times to align with favorable tides — the boost in speed and fuel efficiency is worth the effort. After heavy rains, expect more debris in the river and stay vigilant, especially at higher speeds. Even short legs can be some of the most scenic and memorable parts of a voyage — don’t rush through them without taking time to enjoy the surroundings. About the hosts: Bela Musits – A lifelong sailor, Bela is passionate about sharing real-world cruising experiences. As host of the Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States Podcast, he brings listeners aboard for authentic stories and practical advice. Mike Malekoff – Owner of the Hunter 44 Deck Salon featured in this journey. Mike brings extensive sailing experience and a knack for detailed trip planning, ensuring each passage is both safe and efficient. Whether you’re an experienced sailor, an aspiring cruiser, or simply someone who loves the romance of life on the water, this episode offers a front-row seat to an unforgettable day on the Hudson River. Keywords for SEO: Hudson River sailing, Half Moon Bay Marina, Shadows Marina Poughkeepsie, cruising the Hudson, Hunter 44 Deck Salon, East Coast sailing podcast, tide-assisted sailing, boating trip planning, Hudson River boating hazards, sailing relocation trip, Brunswick GA to Burlington VT, Intracoastal Waterway cruising, liveaboard sailing stories. Subscribe & Follow: Don’t miss upcoming episodes as Bela and Mike continue their journey north! Subscribe to Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and reviewing the podcast — it helps more sailors and dreamers discover the show. Have a sailing story or technical tip you’d like to share? Reach out via email at sailingtheeast@gmail.com