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.