EP-159 Down Day at Hop-O-Nose Marina in Catskill NY

In this episode of Sailing the East Coast with Bela and Mike, co-hosts Bela Musits and Mike Malekoff share the behind-the-scenes reality of cruising life during their stop at Hop-O-Nose Marina in Catskill, New York. While many imagine sailing as endless blue water and perfect winds, the truth is that downtime, maintenance, and unexpected delays are just as much a part of the journey. This candid conversation captures the balance of adventure and patience required when traveling by sailboat. Bela and Mike are sailing aboard a Hunter 44 Deck Salon, making their way North on the Hudson River as part of a longer voyage from Brunswick GA to Burlington VT. In this episode, they reflect on their “down day” at Hop-O-Nose, a marina well-known to cruisers as a staging point for stepping and unstepping masts before transiting the Erie Canal or continuing south toward the Intracoastal Waterway. Life at Hop-O-Nose Marina The day unfolds differently than planned. Instead of logging nautical miles, the crew spends time at the dock—handling small projects, enjoying the marina atmosphere, and preparing for the next leg of their trip. Bela and Mike discuss the realities of cruising life, where flexibility is key. Weather, equipment, or marina schedules can change the best-laid plans, and experienced sailors learn to take those pauses in stride. They highlight the community aspect of sailing stops like Hop-O-Nose, where boaters heading in different directions cross paths, trade stories, and offer advice. For Bela and Mike, this downtime becomes an opportunity to meet fellow sailors, learn from others’ experiences, and appreciate the rhythms of the cruising lifestyle. Sailing Lessons from Downtime Bela and Mike share how a “down day” can actually be one of the most important parts of a voyage. It’s a chance to: Check equipment and sails to ensure everything is in good order before the next offshore or river passage. Rest and recharge, both physically and mentally, before the next demanding stretch of sailing. Reflect on the journey so far, taking in the unique character of each port along the way. The conversation also touches on how seasoned sailors approach expectations differently than newcomers. Instead of focusing solely on the destination, they embrace the process—the weather delays, the maintenance, and the unexpected layovers—as part of the adventure. The Hunter 44 Deck Salon proves to be a capable and comfortable cruising vessel, but like any boat, it requires care and attention. The downtime at Hop gives Bela and Mike the chance to double-check systems and make sure they’re ready for what’s ahead. Key Takeaways for Cruisers and Sailing Enthusiasts This episode offers listeners a grounded perspective on what it really means to cruise by sailboat: Not every day is about miles sailed—sometimes progress looks like rest, repairs, and reflection. Community and camaraderie among sailors are just as rewarding as the destinations themselves. Flexibility and patience are essential skills for anyone cruising the coast or tackling longer passages. For sailors planning their own trips along the Hudson River or down the East Coast, Bela and Mike’s conversation is both relatable and informative. Whether you’re curious about life aboard a cruising sailboat, interested in the logistics of marina stops, or simply love stories of life on the water, this episode delivers authentic insights into the cruising lifestyle. Keywords for SEO: sailing podcast, Hudson River sailing, Hop-O-Nose Marina, Hunter 44 Deck Salon, Catskill NY sailing, cruising lifestyle, East Coast sailing, liveaboard sailors, Intracoastal Waterway journey, sailboat downtime, marina life, sailing stories. Connect With Us: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more sailing enthusiasts like you! Send us your comments and suggestions. sailingtheeast@gmail.com Happy Sailing! Bela and Mike