In this episode of Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States, host Bela Musits takes a break from his ongoing trip recap with Mike Malekoff to welcome a special guest: Bob Lattanzio. While recent episodes have chronicled Bela and Mike’s relocation of a Hunter 44 Deck Salon from Brunswick, Georgia to Burlington, Vermont, this conversation shifts focus back to the podcast’s interview format, bringing in fresh insights from another experienced sailor.

Bob shares his background, his sailing experiences, and the many lessons he has learned on the water. Together, Bela and Bob dive into what makes sailing such a unique pursuit: the combination of technical skill, patience, problem-solving, and the deep connection to nature that comes with time aboard. For Bob, sailing has been not just a pastime but a way of life that shapes how he sees the world and approaches challenges.

Listeners will appreciate the blend of storytelling and practical advice that emerges during the conversation. Bob and Bela talk through memorable experiences, from the highs of perfect sailing days to the lows of unexpected repairs and weather challenges. They reflect on the adaptability every sailor must develop, whether cruising long distances on the East Coast or handling the day-to-day realities of maintaining a boat.

The conversation also touches on the community aspect of sailing. Bob explains how friendships formed on the water can be some of the strongest and most enduring. Bob discusses his involvement with the Baldwin Yacht Club and how joining a yacht club can enhance your enjoyment on the water. Key Topics

Covered in This Episode:

• Reflections on a lifetime of sailing experiences.
  

• The challenges and rewards of cruising on the East Coast.
  

• How adaptability and problem-solving define the sailor’s mindset.
  

• The importance of preparation, seamanship, and safety.
  

• Stories of memorable days on the water—both good and bad.
  

• The unique friendships and community bonds formed through sailing.
  

• What keeps sailors like Bob returning to the water year after year.
  

For anyone passionate about sailing, whether you’re just starting out or have logged thousands of nautical miles, this episode offers both inspiration and practical wisdom. Bob’s perspective enriches the ongoing themes of the podcast while standing on its own as a valuable conversation about cruising, connection, and the enduring allure of life under sail.

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

In this episode of Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States, host Bela Musits continues his journey with fellow sailor Mike Malekoff aboard Mike’s Hunter 44 Deck Salon. Recorded during their relocation trip from Brunswick, Georgia to Burlington, Vermont, this installment covers their passage from Hop-O-Nose Marina in Catskill, New York, to Schuyler Yacht Basin on the Hudson River.

Bela begins by returning to the boat after two weeks away, delayed both by a family wedding and a lock closure that left them waiting in Catskill. During that time, Mike held down the fort, provisioning the boat and calling daily for updates on when the locks would reopen. Their reunion kicks off with stories of patience, planning, and keeping a cruising sailboat ready for the next leg of the voyage.

With the locks finally open, Bela and Mike prepare to head north. Along the way, they share the practical realities of traveling the Hudson River by sailboat, where timing, tides, and locks all play a role. They discuss their departure from Hop-O-Nose, navigating under bridges, and the shifting challenges that come with moving inland toward Lake Champlain.

As the Hunter 44 Deck Salon makes her way upriver, the sailors reflect on both the beauty and the logistics of this leg. They talk about the differences between coastal passages and inland waterways—contrasting offshore freedom with the precise planning needed to transit locks, deal with low bridges, and coordinate with marinas like Schuyler Yacht Basin.

The episode also highlights the camaraderie and humor that come with long-distance cruising. Bela and Mike joke about the quirks of waiting in Catskill, provisioning a boat for weeks at a time, and managing life aboard when plans change unexpectedly. For listeners curious about the real-world experience of cruising up the Hudson River, their stories bring the journey to life.

This conversation isn’t just about travel; it’s about the mindset of sailors tackling an extended relocation voyage. From patience during delays to the satisfaction of finally getting underway again, Bela and Mike’s discussion captures the ebb and flow of cruising life. Listeners will hear what it’s like to adapt plans, keep a boat shipshape during downtime, and re-energize when the next opportunity to sail arrives.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

• Returning to the boat after delays and a two-week pause.
  

• The impact of lock closures on cruising schedules.
  

• Provisioning and maintaining a Hunter 44 Deck Salon during extended waits.
  

• Departing Hop-O-Nose Marina and heading north on the Hudson River.
  

• Strategies for handling locks, bridges, and tides on inland waterways.
  

• The transition from offshore passages to river cruising.
  

• Reflections on flexibility, patience, and the humor of sailing life.
  

For sailors planning a similar journey—from Catskill to Schuyler Yacht Basin, and eventually into the Champlain Canal—this episode provides both inspiration and practical insights. It showcases the mix of preparation, problem-solving, and good humor required for cruising the East Coast.

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

There was a sound issues with the original, it has now been fixed.

In this episode of Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States, host Bela Musits continues his sailing journey with fellow sailor and boat owner Mike Malekoff aboard Mike’s Hunter 44 Deck Salon. Recorded during their trip from Brunswick, Georgia to Burlington, Vermont, this conversation captures the unique challenges and experiences of sailing the Hudson River and preparing for entry into Lake Champlain.

Their stop at Hop-O-Nose Marina in Catskill, New York sets the stage for one of the most important milestones of the voyage—taking down the mast. While Bela jokingly describes the marina as “modern, clean, spit-and-span” with a healthy dose of sarcasm, the real reason for the stop is all business. The marina is known for its crane services, making it one of the few places along the Hudson where cruisers can safely unstep a mast before entering the Erie or Champlain Canal.

Mike explains why this is necessary: the bridge clearances to Lake Champlain are very restricted at 17 feet. This leaves sailors and many power boaters no choice but to take the mast down or lower their “air draft”. Bela and Mike talk through this process, sharing insights about preparation, marina logistics, and the sometimes nerve-wracking reality of lowering such a large spar from a cruising sailboat.

Listeners get a firsthand account of what it’s like to deal with this challenge—how boaters coordinate with marina staff, handle rigging, and secure the mast for safe travel. For those planning their own journeys up the Hudson River or through the Champlain or Erie Canal system, this episode provides valuable perspective and practical tips.

Beyond the technical side, Bela and Mike reflect on the journey itself. Sailing from Georgia all the way north has already provided them with countless stories, but entering Catskill represents a turning point. It’s a reminder that cruising isn’t just about open-water sailing; it’s also about adapting to inland waterways, marinas, and infrastructure. The camaraderie between sailors, the quirks of small-town stops, and the satisfaction of tackling each obstacle together all shine through in this conversation.

For sailing enthusiasts, especially those curious about the Hudson River, Catskill marinas, mast stepping and unstepping, or cruising toward Lake Champlain, this episode is a must-listen. Bela and Mike’s humor and storytelling make the technical aspects approachable, while their real-world experiences highlight the rewards and challenges of long-distance cruising on the East Coast.

Whether you’re planning your own trip up the Hudson, dreaming of exploring Lake Champlain by sailboat, or just love hearing about the realities of life aboard a Hunter 44 Deck Salon, you’ll find both inspiration and practical knowledge here.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

• Why sailors must take down their mast before entering the Champlain Canal.
  

• The role of Hop-O-Nose Marina in Catskill, NY, for mast services.
  

• Insights into bridge clearances and challenges of inland waterways.
  

• Tips for preparing your sailboat and working with marina crews.
  

• Reflections on the journey from Georgia to Vermont aboard a Hunter 44.
  

• Humor, camaraderie, and lessons learned along the Hudson River.
  

Join Bela and Mike as they share another chapter in their adventure sailing and cruising the East Coast. Their blend of technical insight, storytelling, and humor makes this episode not just informative but thoroughly entertaining.

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