We’d only heard good things from our Essex, Connecticut dockmates about boating across Long Island Sound to Mattituck, Long Island, NY. Aside from the seabirds and natural beauty of the meandering Mattituck Creek, our marina destination – Strong’s Water Club – offers a warm, inviting transient option in a country club-like setting.

Given fair weather, it’s a quick trip across the Long Island Sound to the North Fork – about an hour for us from the Connecticut river to the mouth of the Mattituck Inlet on a beautiful day. 

“Really, here?” That’s what I said to Captain Mark upon our arrival at the Inlet. The entrance is quite unassuming, and can be narrow and shallow, especially at low tide. But that was indeed part of this adventure. The inlet and the canal into Mattituck Creek is strictly no-wake, and is a curvy, shoaly ride. Just take it slow and follow all posted markers and buoys carefully.