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Recreational Boating in New York Harbor
Daysailing in the Harbor
With a sailboat, it is a good idea to check the tide tables for the day before casting off. Eldridge or Reeds are fine. Often the tide will reverse while you are out. If you leave with the tide you will also return with the tide and can cover more distance in a relaxed way.
Current Tide Information (Hudson River) (NOAA)
On the other hand, you can buck the tide if you want to stay close to home. The wind forecast is also relevant. On NOAA weather radio, the harbor is lumped with LI Sound. Check the web before you go: it will have a separate harbor forecast whenever there is a difference.
Marine Weather Forecast for New York City (NOAA/NWS)
On rare occasions we have been able to sail on an ebb in a SW breeze to Ambrose tower and ride a breeze that shifted SE, reaching all the way home. On other occasions, also rare, we have been able to sail to the Tappan Zee and home.
If you have non-sailing guests, especially from out of town, it may make sense to sail catboat style without a jib. You can then tour the harbor and show off many sights they will otherwise not encounter.