When going from Long Island Sound to the Hudson River or coming off the Atlantic to western Long Island Sound, timing the passage up the East River through Hell Gate is really important. Here are some good resources for planning that trip.

Timing transits of the East River
http://www.offshoreblue.com/cruising/east-river-timing.php
Transiting from LIS to Manhattan
http://www.coastalboating.net/Cruising/Destinations/NE-US/Manhattan_Island/Manhattan.html
Cruising Lower NY
http://www.coastalboating.net/Cruising/Destinations/NE-US/Itineraries/Itinerary1NYC3day.html
Cruising to Sandy Hook
http://cruising.coastalboating.net/Destinations/NE-US/JerseyShore/SandyHook1.html
Manhattan Yacht Club
http://www.myc.org/

Vice Commodore, OCC