Off Again - Heading South for the Winter

We decided to head south a little sooner than we would have liked, in order to attend the Whitby Rendezvous in the Chesapeake on Sept. 30 - Oct 2. The early departure schedule put a strain on our preparations, which we vow won't happen again.

We finally put our last load of provisions aboard in a rush on Saturday night, Sept 20th. Colin drove our car back, and we were free to depart. We waited till Sunday morning, so we could take on water and settle our bill at the boatyard.

We took off around 1000 on a beautiful clear Sunday morning. No wind, so we had to motor down the Sakonnet, saying good-bye to Tiverton, Fogland Pt., Sachuest Pt. We finally got some wind and headed for Block Island, but around 1500 it seemed we wouldn't make it before dark in the light air, so we started the engine again. I was napping when it died. Now we had to sail - no choice. As darkness neared, Bertha suggested we change course and head for the Harbor of Refuge at Point Judith. It would be easier to enter and anchor under sail. No sooner did we change course than the wind shifted against us, and we had to tack our way in. It was dark and the wind was very light when we glided by the breakwater and into the protected harbor. We dropped anchor in 20 feet of water, and had supper.

9-22-08 We spent the day getting the engine running (clogged fuel filters) and installing our new chart plotter. We realized that we had been a bit complacent about preparation, and that we really need that checklist of preparations so that nothing is forgotton or overlooked. During the late afternoon five other boats join us in the anchorage, and the wind picks up. We spend the night rolling and pitching in the brisk breeze.

9-23-08 Off at 1015 (the last boat out) heading for the Race. We sail with jib 'n jigger as the winds are up, but another boat that left just before us is under full sail, and we probably should have done the same. After a few hours, he was way ahead of us. We passed south of Fisher's Island and went through The Race with a 2.0 knot favorable current. We headed up to Old Saybrook on the Connecticut River, where we hoped to find a mooring for the night. Calling the harbormaster's phone number, a woman answered. I asked if I had the correct number, and she said he's right here. He advised that we could pick up (no fee) any empty mooring north of the Dock and Dine. That was all we needed to hear. We found a mooring, then rowed to the Dock and Dine for supper. Great food. (pricey) The row back against the current took 3/4 hour as the tide had turned. But it was a beautiful clear night, with bright stars, and a mild breeze.

9-24-08 Off by 0900 for a long sail down Long Island Sound. Another beautiful, clear autumn day. We sailed "wing and wing" making around 5 knots through the water, but the negative current slowed our actual progress to 4. In the late afternoon a wind shift enabled us to sail on a braod reach, and we picked up speed. We arrived at Huntington Bay around 2100, tired but pleased with our progress. We dropped anchor along the East shore near the beach club and hit the sack.

9-25-08 Off at sunrise in a spanking breeze. We want to catch the current in Hell Gate, and reach a safe harbor before the predicted gales arrives. Under jib n' jigger, we hustle along at 7 knots. The Coast Guard has closed the West Passage near the UN Building, so we must call for a bridge opening on the East Passage of Roosevelt Island. As we enter the East River, the current turns fair, and our speed increases to 8 knots. We hurry along past La Guardia, Rikers Island, and under the Throggs Neck Bridge we furl the headsail and motor. The bridge opening goes smoothly, and we pass through along with several other boats. We're amazed that we can hold up NYC traffic, but we do. Then it's on past the Manhattan skyscrapers, and out into New York Harbor. The Statue of Liberty greets us as we turn South toward the Verazanno Narrows. Many big ships around us, but hardly any are moving.
With the sails out again, the wind is mysteriously calm. I think of re-starting the engine, but finally we get some wind as we progress into the lower bay. The wave action is crazy with short steep waves hitting us from two directions. Finally, there's enough wind to get us moving, and we cross to Sandy Hook. Pulling in behind the breakwater at Atlantic Highlands, the wind pipes up to 20. The predicted gales must be arriving. We clear the decks, and button up for a blow. Then down below for a hot meal and a movie. We sleep well amid the creaking and moaning as the gale howls outside.

Winding our way back Home

Our trip back was as much fun as the trip north. We started back by heading south around Port Clyde to Allen Island. Very quiet and no other boats in the cove where we anchored. At low tide we realized why - we were too close to some rocks, but fortunately, we never touched them. We waited for the morning fog to burn off before continuing across Muscongus Bay to Linekin Bay. We anchored right off the Linekin Bay Resort, and wondered what it would be like to spend a week as a guest there.

Next, we headed around to Cundy's Harbor where we were able to meet up with Deb and Jody for a late afternoon sail. Afterward, we went ashore for lobster at the Holbrook General Store and Co-op. It's been kept alive by locals who don't want the waterfront taken over by condo development. After we said our good-byes, we planned the 16 hour passage from Cundy's Harbor to Gloucester.

We decided to hold off departing till 1000 so that we would arrive the next morning after sunrise. But the nice north wind, got us about 3 hours ahead of schedule. Around 0300 we shortened sail to slow us down and arrived at 0615 just at sunrise.

We found a place to anchor off a beautiful sandy beach and hit the sack. The night passage was easy, as we had a following wind and no wave action at all. Our GPS went dead when we attemppted to turn on the light, so we had to navigate using the GPS at the chart table. Also, the compass light decided to go out, and we had to use a flashlight to check our course. Otherwise, it was a beautiful night, with lots of bright stars - no moon.

After a swim, we hauled anchor and went into the inner harbor where we picked up a mooring at Brown's Marina. The annual Schooner Fistival was starting, so we were just in time. We spent the rest of the day ashore, taking in the Fishermen's Memorial, the Maritime Museum and the Farmers' Market. The next day we met Mark Wolfe for lunch at a dandy gourmet lunch place called Passports. We biked all over Glouceste looking for a good deal on a chartplotter, but didn't make a purchase. The next day, we moved to a dock, and met Angela and Tom for supper. Watched the Parade of Lights, the fireworks and ate a fantastic fish supper. It was good to catch up old friends.

Off the next day at the crack of dawn we had to hustle to make the 1630 current change in the Cape Cod Canal. With a favorable breeze, we made it with ease, and zipped through around 1400. We came to rest in Marion's outer harbor and spent a peaceful night on the hook. Bertha finally got to swim in comfortable, warmer water.

Next we made our way to Tarpaulin Cove, where we found loads of smaller power boats. We realized that it was Saturday and Sunny! They were all gone by sundown and we had the place to ourselves - with five other cruising sailboats. I snorkled some, but found the visibility very poor.

Next we sailed up to Padanaram where we rented a mooring from the NBYC. Very nice. Met Frank Graves, a Brewer 44 owner and very nice fellow. Had supper at the Black Bass and walked around a lot.

Our last day, saw dying breezes as we made our way across Buzzards' Bay to Sachuest Pt. We anchored at dusk and spent the night trying to get ready to end our cruise. The next day I went spearfishing, but didn't bring in a fish. The first time I've gotten skunked there.

We left around 1400 and arrived at our mooring around 1600. Coling picked us up and we went to the Moulin Rouge for a homecoming celebration.

Great to be back at home again - for a while.