One hub for several on-water outings is Captain's Cove Seaport, in Bridgeport's historic Black Rock section.
Although the seaport is best known throughout the region for its marina, seafood restaurant, bar and tiny shops, it also offers a number of options for individuals, couples and families searching for a different perspective on Connecticut's scenic coastline.
Boat cruises, lighthouse tours, fishing outings and kayak rentals are among the offerings here. "I don't think there's anything quite as peaceful as a cruise on the water," says Bruce Williams, whose family has operated Captain's Cove Seaport since 1981. On Saturday afternoons, Williams serves as captain of the 40-foot Chief, a former U.S. Navy "liberty launch" that was restored by seaport staff in 1998 and is now used as a sightseeing boat.
"There is an incredible amount of history right here in Black Rock Harbor," Williams explains.
And he will share that history with sightseers every Saturday, weather permitting, at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. through Sept. 29 on 45-minute Harbor and Lighthouse Tours of Old Black Rock.
On a recent cruise aboard the Chief, Williams provided a steady narration about Black Rock Harbor's fascinating history. Passengers learned that:
l From about 1750 through the Civil War, Black Rock Harbor was one of Connecticut's leading
l Catherine "Kate" Moore (1795-1900) served as keeper of the Black Rock Lighthouse — at the tip of Fayerweather Island — for about 50 years, rescuing more than 20 shipwrecked sailors.
l According to legend, Penfield Lighthouse, off the Fairfield shore, is said to be haunted by the ghost of keeper Fred Jordan, who was lost in a storm in 1916 as he attempted to row ashore on Christmas leave.
l St. Mary's by the Sea, a lovely Black Rock shore area, is named for a small chapel of the same name that once stood here, built by estate owner Thomas Pearsall in the 1800s. l The main clubhouse of the Black Rock Yacht Club was once part of the former 106-room George Hotel, a luxurious seaside resort that catered to wealthy vacationers from New York.
"This makes for a lovely day," was the reaction of Regina Quinn to the Chief tour.
She and her husband, Jim, were visiting the seaport on a daytrip from Springfield, Mass.
"We came for the fish and chips, and the opportunity to spend some time on the water," added her husband. Another passenger, Corinne Rising of Los Angeles, was in Bridgeport to visit her uncle and aunt, author Robert Ellis and Charlotte Conway, of Black Rock.
"I loved the harbor history," Rising said. "What a peaceful ride. What could be better on a nice afternoon?" n MORE OPTIONS In addition to Captain's Cove's very own regularly scheduled Chief tours, a host of other options are available.
Here's a sampling:
l An in-depth exploration of Black Rock Harbor's past, to benefit the Fairfield Museum and History Center, will be offered aboard the Chief on two special cruises: Sunday, Aug. 12 and on Saturday, Sept. 29, each at noon. Cost is $15 per person; $10 for members of the Fairfield Historical Society. The cruises are limited to 30 passengers each. Reservations, which are encouraged, may be made by contacting the society at 259-1598. l If exercise is what you seek, Sailaway Yachts LLC — which also runs a summer sailing camp and a yacht charter service at Captain's Cove — rents pedal kayaks for individuals and doubles on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. For a single kayak, cost is $15 for 30 minutes, $20 for an hour; kayaks for two are $20 for a half-hour, $30 for one hour. For additional information, call
209-3407 or visit www.
yachtworld.com/sailawayct/
l Cruises to Bridgeport Harbor and Long Island Sound are regularly offered by Sound Navigation LLC aboard the 27-passenger Seaport Express. The hour-long cruises are offered Sundays at 1, 2:15, 3:30, 4:45 and 6 p.m. Tickets are $12, $8 for children. Sunset cruises are offered Sundays at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $15.
These cruises will be offered regularly through Labor Day. From Labor Day to Oct. 1 the cruises will be offered on an abbreviated schedule; call for times.
In addition to the regular cruises, Capt. Barry L. Natale has announced that he will host a "Castles of Long Island Sound" cruise from Captain's Cove on Sept. 2, beginning at 10 a.m.
This multi-hour specialty tour will cruise by several lighthouses including Penfield Reef Light, Stratford Shoal (Middleground) Light, Stratford Point Light and Tongue Point Light. Cost is $55 per person.
"To say that we get up-close and personal with the majority of these lighthouses would be an accurate statement," Capt. Natale says.
For details and reservations, call 219-3688 or visit www.soundnavigation.com
l Love deep-sea fishing, but don't own a boat? A seven-hour cruise on Long Island Sound aboard the 72-foot Middlebank II, a party fishing vessel, may be the perfect solution. Fluke, bass, bluefish and porgies are among the fish sought. Certified by the United States Coast Guard for up to 117 passengers, the boat sails daily at 8 a.m. Cost — which includes parking, bait and fishing instructions — is $50, $30 for children 12 years of age and younger. Sunset trips are offered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.; cost is $40, $25 for children 12 and younger.
Also available each Wednesday, from 5:30 to 11 p.m., are special striped bass runs. Cost is $60.
And should you not own a fishing rod, not to worry. Middlebank rents rods for $5 each.
For additional information, call 655-5918 or visit www.middlebank.com
(Private charters also may be arranged aboard the 50-foot Middlebank I, a traditional "Downeaster" for up to 49 passengers; call 550-5967 for prices and details.)
WHEN YOU GO
What & where: Captain's Cove Seaport, 1 Bostwick Ave. in Bridgeport.
When: Scenic boat rides of Black Rock Harbor aboard the Chief are offered Saturdays through Sept. 29 at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.
Tickets: Cost is $9, $8 for senior citizens and $5 for children. Tickets must be purchased prior to the cruise at the Captain's Cove office, at the far end of the seaport near the fish market. More information & directions: 335-1433 or visit www.captainscoveseaport.com Jaunts, which runs once a month, highlights destinations of interest for day-trippers.
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