city of rochester
Great-Lakes-Sailing.com
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Rochester, NY Lat: 43° 15.859 Long: 077° 35.853 |
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Important Numbers
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DESCRIPTION The city of Rochester New York was established in 1811 on the Genesee River because the site offered abundant water power. It grew as a milling town becoming known as the 'Flour City' for its prodigous production of flour. In an interesting twist, Rochester also became home to a significant number of greenhouses, earning the additional nickname of the 'Flower City'. The city grew and prospered as a manufacturing center and became home to such famous firms as Eastman Kodak, Xerox and Bausch and Lomb. The growth of the University of Rochester and the Rochester Institute of Technology helped establish Rochester as a major center of learning and research. |
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APPROACHES The approaches to the city of Rochester are clear from all directions. From offshore, there are 2 tall stacks to the west with 3 vertical F RED lights. Entrance to the harbor is between 2 long parallel seawalls. The end of the west wall is marked with a Fl RED light visible for approximately 8.5 mi/7.3 nm. The end of the east wall is marked with a Fl GREEN light visible for approximately 6 mi/ 5.2nm. The downtown center of the city of Rochester proper is situated about 7 nm upsteam from the harbor. The principal marinas and yacht clubs are all located right at the harbor entrance. Upstream along the Genesee River, are two bridges. South of the western seawall about .25 nm, is a railroad bridge. Unused, it is locked in a permanently open position. An additional .25 nm south is the O'Rourke Bridge, a bascule bridge with a 41 ft (approx 12.6 m) clearance. The bridge was named for a Rochester native, Col Pat O'Rourke, who led the 140th NY Infantry in the American Civil War. He was killed in action at Gettysburg. The bridge opens on the hour and 1/2 hour Monday to Friday from 0900 to 1600 and again from 1800 to 2300. On weekends and holidays, it opens from 0700 to 2300. The bridgemaster can be reached on VHF 10 or by telephone at (585) 753-7800. |
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MARINAS, YACHT CLUBS, MOORINGS, ANCHORAGES Rochester Yacht Club (585-342-5511 VHF 16 RYC is located immediately inside the harbor, on your port. Well over a century old, it is a well-known host for major sailing events. It has approximately 150 slips with about a 1/2 dozen available for transient sailors. Transient sailors can also tie up along their seawall. There is no fuel dock but there is a pump-out station. Water and power are available at slips. They have restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, a snack bar and a dining room. Other amenities include picnic areas, a swimming pool, BBQ grills and tennis courts. Shumway Marine (585) 342-3030 VHF 9, 16 Shumway Marine is located south of RYC, immediately south of the railroad bridge. on the east side. This is a major, fiull-service marina. They have over 200 slips and always have 10+ available for transient sailors. It has a fuel dock (diesel and gasoline) and pump-out station. Shumway can carry out engine repairs, electrical and mechanical maintenance, fiberglass and hull repairs, rigging work and painting. Their chandlery carries a full range of hardware and parts, cleaning materials, and clothing. Washrooms and showers are available as is dockside internet access. Pelican Marina (585) 663-5910 Pelican Marina is located directly across the river from Shumway Marina. It has several slips available for transient sailors. It is a full-service marina. It has a fuel dock (gasoline only) and pump-out station. Water and power are available dockside. Repairs and maintenace can be carried out on engines, mechanical systems, hulls, props and canvas. Resrrooms, showers and laundry facilities are available.There is a very popular restaurant on-site. (see below).Their grounds have picnic areas, BBQ grills, and a children's play area. Internet access is available. Genesee Yacht Club (585) 266-9796 VHF 16, 71 GYC is located on the east side of the river, south of Shumway Marina. This small yacht club has about 50 slips with several set aside for transient sailors. There is no fuel dock or pump-out station. There is water and power dockside. The clubhouse has restrooms, showers and kitchen facilities. There are picnic areas and BBQ grills. There is internet access. Voyager Boat Sales Voyager has well over 100 slips with approxiamtely 10 available for a cruising sailor. There is no fuel dock. There is water and power available at slips.The can carry out engine, mechanical and hull maintenance and repairs. Rest rooms and showers are available. Gibbs Marine (585) 663-8990 Gibbs is located on the west side of the river, approximately .5 nm south of the O'Rourke bridge. It has about 275 slips with about a dozen set aside for transient sailors.They are well underway on a 5 year redevelopment plan. They have a fuel dock (diesel and gasoline) and a pump-out station. They can carry out a full range of engine, mechanical and hull repairs.Wter and power are available dockside.They have restrooms and showers and laundry services are available. They have haul-out facilities and internet is available. |
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REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE, PROVISIONING, BANKS/ATM's Pretty much all of your repair and maitenance needs can be met at the marinas noted above. If specialty services are reqiored, they can likely be accessed with the helpf marina staff. Haarstick Sailmakers is a Rochester-based sail loft that can provide emergency service in the area. They also have several drop-off locations along the south coast of Lake Ontario. Aquasum Canvas is located at Shumway Marine. They manufacture, install and repair a full range of canvas boat products such as biminies, tops, etc. West Marine has a large chandlery minutes from the harbor. As with all West Marine stores, items no instock locaaly can be shipped in from other stores. Their product lines and investories are extensive, Harema Food Market is located close to the harbor - about a 15-20 minute walk. They will deliver to the marinas. The small mall its located in also has a laundromat, pharmacy (Rite-Aid), liquor store and restaurants. HSBS is the closet bank to the harbor area, although like other banks in the city of Rochester, it is north the the interstate highway. |
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MEDICAL SERVICES As you would expect in a large city, Rochester has a full range of health and medical services. Rochester General Hospital (585-922-4000) is located close to the harbour. There are numerous pharmacies across the city. Walgreens (585-338-3229) is located just west of the harbor. |
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PLACES TO EAT As you would guess, the city of Rochester has pubs and restaurants to suit every taste and palate. Here is a sampling. Other suggestions can be picked up at the various marinas. Schooners Riverside Pub is a very popular spot along the waterfront. It offers casual dining and free docking for patrons. Live music is frequently featured. The Pelican's Nest is another very popular waterfront establishment. It has an extensive menu, casual atmosphere and live music. Tow large decks overlook the water. It offers free docking for patrons. Mr. Dominics On the Lake is the place for lovers of Italian food. It is very popular with local residents which is always a good sign. Its a bit south of the harbor but they will pick you up at your dock and bring you back - likely ready to completely relax after a terric meal and some good Italian wine! Silk O' Laughlin's is another popular waterfront pub. It serves up a casual menu. Abbots Frozen Custard is a popular ice cream and custard shop that is very popular with locals. |
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THINGS TO DO/SEE/VISIT There is an extensive walking trail system around the city of Rochester. The Genesee Riverway Trail is a 13 mi/21 km trail that extends from Ontario Beach (immediately west of the harbor) into the downtown. If you have bicycles on board, this can be a great way to explore the area. On the west side of the harbor entrance is Ontario Beach. This park attracts thousands of visitors who enjoy the warm sands, picnic and BBQ areas and the 1950's-era carousel. There are public concerts held in the park every Wednesday evening during the summer. Rochester has a number of museums that relate to the city's prominent role in the imaging and optical fields such as George Eastman House, Strasenburgh Planetarium and the Rochester Museum and Science Center. If you have kids on board (of any age), one museum not to miss is the Strong National Museum of Play! There are major art festivals in the summer and Rochester hosts an annual Jazz Festival every June. In late June, the annual Harbor Festival is held at Ontario Beach. A quick look at this City of Rochester tourism site will give you many ideas on getting the most of your visit. Return to Home Page Return to Lake Ontario |
