Thursday morning I woke and was a little stiff from the sail the day before but also the boat spent most of it's time broadside to the swells due to the current. Lots of bumpy and rock 'n rolling. But nothing for an experienced voyager like myself. Getting the anchor up was no big deal except I forgot that the helm was locked midship and the was full and all those pretty rocks were coming on fast. Luckily I got to the helm in time and made a great escape.
The sail from Long ledge to the mouth of the CT river was another good one but it was getting pretty warm and humid-- I thought this was fall? The night before there were some thunder storms but far enough north that all I saw was some lightning far away a didn't think anything of it. At the the mouth of the river the current and waves were bit confused but once inside the breakwaters it was smooth as glass and with the tide bringing me up the river we made it up the river to Essex in short order.
The river is really very beautiful and has always amazed me that it didn't end up like the Thames in New London. John Lewis at Fort Rachel was kind enough to give me some great local knowledge of the river and Essex which really helped me out. Being the socialite that I am I decided to sneak up a little creek behind Nott island which is directly across from Essex. Certainly it would be an easy row over to go visit with Nancy. Since I had made such good time and it was so warm maybe a swim was in order after the hook went down.
I slowly made my way up the creek to a point where there was a smaller boat than mine; definitely time turn around. Clearly this was some poor guy trying to keep a boat ( under the wire) to avoid mooring fees etc. I also noticed that all he had was a small anchor line and probably not much on the other end of it. A concern if you're down current and weather. I turned the boat against the the current which was still coming up river and since there was no wind putting the hook down was easy. I slowed the boat and put it neutral she slowly came to a stop.
I very confidently went up and slowly let down my 22lb plow and at least 60' of 5/16"chain. All this is major overkill considering the boat is only 26' long and the depth could not have been more than 12-15 deep. With the hook down I went back aft and backed down on it to really set it in to the mud. Because it's chain and the engine's so small sometimes it's hard to tell but no boggy here the weight of the chain alone would hold it. It was really muggy and hot so I thought that maybe I'd put up the awning but decided to go for a swim first. After all hadn't I earned it by successfully navigating all the way from Niantic.
The swim was wonderful because the tide was coming in I felt like I was swimming in a lake. Once done with the dip while cleaning up the boat there were two squalls that came through-- no rain but lots of wind quick short bursts. Again no problem with my gear but was concerned about the guy north of me. Luckily I had scrapped the idea of the awning because I could of had a mess on my hands. The skies cleared as quickly as it came and I settled down with a beer and the rather large decision of what to have for dinner.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Huntington Bay
Woke up and thought some new scenery would be important. So after breakfast I hauled up the anchor and since there wasn't any breeze and I needed to charge up the batteries I motored over to Northport Harbor, the easternmost harbor in Huntington Bay. There were tons of boats almost as many as Marblehead but not quite. I was a little bummed because the town from the water really looked very pretty with a lot of Victorian homes that have been fixed up to the max but the original design staying the same. Very different then all the mansions I've seen so far - all very beautiful but how much money and where did it all come from!? No matter it all keeps guys like me busy.
I left Northport because if I stopped at the town dock it would of cost 3.50 per ft whether you stay overnight or not. I motored back west some to a sandpit not unlike Sandy Point and dropped the hook next to an island that lies 100 yds off the spit. All of a sudden two guys show up on the island with a gas powered compresser and start drilling into the old concrete foundation that's there. I can't figure it out for the life of me, this went on all afternoon, you can imagine the noise, plus it really didn't look like they got anything done--oh well. I finally took the old name off, so now it's officially Wandering Star. She is who she is! Sue I got that light to work so now people can see the boat at night. Well another beautiful sunset it's off to some rice and beans.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Three photos from the first week: Black Rock, New Haven and on board
This is a pic of the black rock yacht club who are very nice to let me on one of their moorings actually they don't know it yet. The club is all boarded up from the storm and the dock got destroyed so they'll never know.....right?
Monday, September 19, 2011
I didn't want that stupid old centerboard anyway
After clearing New Haven, the sail down to Fairfield seemed effortless. A nice broad reach with the vane doing the work, I was able to sit and figure out how I was going to keep myself out of these jams. As I reached Bridgeport harbor naturally a huge ferry was coming in and it seemed we were on a collision course. I furled then jib, unhooked the vane and just ghosted along while he passed.
Then my phone rang and it was Andy, the young man who worked with me in my shop. It was great to hear his voice, and his news was that they had a baby boy and all was ok in the world. Isn't that all any of us want?
I continued to Black Rock where I picked up a mooring from the yacht club( ok, well, I really didn't tell them but I was going to if they asked, of course). To be on the mooring was a huge relief. I just needed one night to not worry about whether I was going to end up on the rocks or into somebody's boat. The first thing I did was to go over the side to inspect the board. I got my mask and very slowly went in-- it was cold! I got to the aft edge of the board and thankfully it didn't look damaged. I came back up for air and went down to further check it out. Actually it was to check them both out! It looked like Jaws had taken a giant bite out of the board, and 3/4 of the way forward it was completely busted from the other 1/4.
Somehow in New Haven, when I raise the board it came back up into the slot perfectly. But now, there was nothing else to do but lower it and cut away. (I thought about bringing it up and taking pictures but thought what a nasty way to get hurt.) So no risks, just cut it. And that's what I did. I didn't want that stupid old centerboard anyway. So now I have this little piece that pivots on the pin busted and raw. It's going to make some great fish story in a bar after they haul it somewhere. "Like I said boys that shark was longer than this here bar, and he was a might bit angry........"
Then my phone rang and it was Andy, the young man who worked with me in my shop. It was great to hear his voice, and his news was that they had a baby boy and all was ok in the world. Isn't that all any of us want?
I continued to Black Rock where I picked up a mooring from the yacht club( ok, well, I really didn't tell them but I was going to if they asked, of course). To be on the mooring was a huge relief. I just needed one night to not worry about whether I was going to end up on the rocks or into somebody's boat. The first thing I did was to go over the side to inspect the board. I got my mask and very slowly went in-- it was cold! I got to the aft edge of the board and thankfully it didn't look damaged. I came back up for air and went down to further check it out. Actually it was to check them both out! It looked like Jaws had taken a giant bite out of the board, and 3/4 of the way forward it was completely busted from the other 1/4.
Somehow in New Haven, when I raise the board it came back up into the slot perfectly. But now, there was nothing else to do but lower it and cut away. (I thought about bringing it up and taking pictures but thought what a nasty way to get hurt.) So no risks, just cut it. And that's what I did. I didn't want that stupid old centerboard anyway. So now I have this little piece that pivots on the pin busted and raw. It's going to make some great fish story in a bar after they haul it somewhere. "Like I said boys that shark was longer than this here bar, and he was a might bit angry........"
Sunday, September 18, 2011
More lessons learned
I woke really early, like 5am, because I swear the boat was aground in the middle of the night. I may have gone in too far towards the breakwaters but in the light breeze when I first got there it all seemed good. But the the breeze changed and I found myself in thin water. Oh well I'll just beach the boat from now on instead of anchoring-- it's such a nuisance anyway.
It was actually blowing a pretty stiff breeze for that early in the morning but it was east north east so I would have a reach the whole way. Can't beat that, so I raised the anchor with it's line rode(it's so much easier now)put it all away and bore off for parts west. Because the breeze was so steady I thought would be a good time to set up the wind vane, I certainly didn't want to steer the whole way. (Note to self do this setting up thing when the boat is at anchor not while its rocking all over the place with a good breeze behind me.) I got it all set up.
It's important to note here that anytime I'm on the boat and it's moving thru the water I have a safety harness on and am clipped in at all times. If I can swim around the boat five times and be pretty tired after that, I wouldn't stand much of a chance in the middle of the sound.
Now the boat was steering herself and keeping a really good course I could relax, figure out where I was going. I decided to stay along the shore and jump from buoy to buoy. This would be more interesting than going out in to the middle of the sound and just sailing. There would be some navigating to do as well as some sight seeing. Because I was on a reach with the seas on my quarter the boat had a good chance to sail to hull speed which it did for a long time.
We made great time and before I new it we past Clinton and the sun was just starting to rise. The waves and sky were a platinum steel grey and it wasn't warm so I was happy to see that sun was going to make a showing today. We barreled along with the self steering doing all the work I was just a passenger sitting in my favorite spot in the companionway just looking. That's all-- just looking. The breeze picked up some more so I got out my lazy seat went forward to the mast and put a reef in the main. This might slow me down a little but it makes it more comfortable for the boat and the windvane. It's times like that I'm happy to have a nice simple little 26' boat.
With the breeze up the waves were getting some what bigger but because of the angle the boat was sailing it was still ok. Dead down wind would have been not so much fun. But this? This was fun! Out to the left was Falkner Island I swear it looks like a piece of Scotland in our own backyard. This chunk of rock with a tower for a light house - if they ever decide to sell that one I might get in line. On my right were the Thimble Islands with some very old established houses that you know have been families for generations. I now this isn't going to be the last time I say this but Man is there a lot of money in this part of the country!
The breeze and the seas are holding steady but I start to note that as the sun climbs higher the breeze is just starting to back into the a bit and with that I bet a change. Nothing ever stays the same out here. My thoughts turn to maybe let's skip New Haven and just continue on down to Fairfield, I was making such good time it will only be 1:00 by the time I get to the NH area. The wind heard me and as time went by it started to soften a bit then come back up but with each change it got lighter and less steady. Although this didn't seem to bother the waves. They actually seemed to like it to the point were they came closer together just to mix things up a bit. The poor windvane didn't quite know what to do between the wind going up and down in strength and the seas getting really sloppy.
Just as I was about to disconnect the vane the boat came up into the wind and slid or I should say fell off a wave at just the wrong time and angle. The next thing I know I'm holding on so I don't go from one side of the boat to other thru the air when I hear a bang and then another really big bang. The boat straightened up i gathered my wits unhooked the vane and continued on to NH steering the rest of the way. Getting closer to the city I was getting pretty tired and had remembered that all I had for food was a pb&j before I left DI. Maybe the prudent thing to do would be to stop. So that's what decided to do. I also had to figure out what those two loud bangs were.
I had the choice of three giant break waters. Luckily the first one offered the best protection from the east south easterly swell. I ran around and anchored in 15 ft. I cleaned up the boat and set everything up so that in the middle of the night something happen the boat would be prepared. The boat probably not the owner. It was nice to be behind this big wall of rock, I certainly would not be on the other side!
To try and figure out what the bangs were the first thing that came to mind was the board maybe it let go finally and slammed up against the forward end of the trunk that must have been it. I went to see if that were true by taking the line and letting the board down. Holy cow it was free so I let it down and down and down. I immediately pulled it back up and heard this horrible crunching sound that only fiberglass can make. I had no idea but really didn't want to know.
So the best course of action, since by then it was late afternoon, was to open a beer and think of more pleasant thoughts like the sail to Fairfield and maybe seeing some old friends. I would dive under the boat in the morning when it was what calmer?warmer? Give me a break !
The next morning was another very important lesson in the way few are. I woke with the boat maybe 75yds off that big breakwater with the wind now blowing north by north east and I had the entire fetch of New Haven harbor coming down on me. The heck with what ever was going on down below the boat I had to get out of there but I really didn't know how. I had to go forward and pull up the anchor rode then get the section of chain up run back in time so I didn't get slammed into the rocks. No way I put myself in a real spot.
The logical thing to do was to hold tight and stay there till the wind either changed or dropped. But if in that time the anchor let go (gee has that ever happened?) I'd really be in a mess couldn't even walk home from that one. I had to be in control of the boat at all times so I couldn't leave the helm for a minute. I went forward and led the bitter end of the rode aft thru two blocks and then to the starboard sheet winch. Started the engine and at about that same time I pretty much wanted to puke.
The breakwater was really close, this had to work. Not even enough time to think about golf! I put the engine in gear and slowly inched my way forward and winched the rode in. Because of the breeze and the waves the had a tough time following the rode. I got all the line part in but the chain still hung there and kept us connected to the earth. I gave some more gas, connected the autohelm, and went forward to muscle the chain. Much to my surprise the boat broke out the anchor while I was going forward and the autohelm was steering me clear and away from the jetty. I basically just stood there and let the boat take care of itself which is a heck of a lot more than I did.
I should have listened to the weather and found a different anchorage. This was a mistake a big one that couldn't happen again. This was not a little mud to pull myself off of, this was big mean rocks and really once again could of sent me home. So it was off to Fairfield and once again a nice blustery reach to get us there quickly.
It was actually blowing a pretty stiff breeze for that early in the morning but it was east north east so I would have a reach the whole way. Can't beat that, so I raised the anchor with it's line rode(it's so much easier now)put it all away and bore off for parts west. Because the breeze was so steady I thought would be a good time to set up the wind vane, I certainly didn't want to steer the whole way. (Note to self do this setting up thing when the boat is at anchor not while its rocking all over the place with a good breeze behind me.) I got it all set up.
It's important to note here that anytime I'm on the boat and it's moving thru the water I have a safety harness on and am clipped in at all times. If I can swim around the boat five times and be pretty tired after that, I wouldn't stand much of a chance in the middle of the sound.
Now the boat was steering herself and keeping a really good course I could relax, figure out where I was going. I decided to stay along the shore and jump from buoy to buoy. This would be more interesting than going out in to the middle of the sound and just sailing. There would be some navigating to do as well as some sight seeing. Because I was on a reach with the seas on my quarter the boat had a good chance to sail to hull speed which it did for a long time.
We made great time and before I new it we past Clinton and the sun was just starting to rise. The waves and sky were a platinum steel grey and it wasn't warm so I was happy to see that sun was going to make a showing today. We barreled along with the self steering doing all the work I was just a passenger sitting in my favorite spot in the companionway just looking. That's all-- just looking. The breeze picked up some more so I got out my lazy seat went forward to the mast and put a reef in the main. This might slow me down a little but it makes it more comfortable for the boat and the windvane. It's times like that I'm happy to have a nice simple little 26' boat.
With the breeze up the waves were getting some what bigger but because of the angle the boat was sailing it was still ok. Dead down wind would have been not so much fun. But this? This was fun! Out to the left was Falkner Island I swear it looks like a piece of Scotland in our own backyard. This chunk of rock with a tower for a light house - if they ever decide to sell that one I might get in line. On my right were the Thimble Islands with some very old established houses that you know have been families for generations. I now this isn't going to be the last time I say this but Man is there a lot of money in this part of the country!
The breeze and the seas are holding steady but I start to note that as the sun climbs higher the breeze is just starting to back into the a bit and with that I bet a change. Nothing ever stays the same out here. My thoughts turn to maybe let's skip New Haven and just continue on down to Fairfield, I was making such good time it will only be 1:00 by the time I get to the NH area. The wind heard me and as time went by it started to soften a bit then come back up but with each change it got lighter and less steady. Although this didn't seem to bother the waves. They actually seemed to like it to the point were they came closer together just to mix things up a bit. The poor windvane didn't quite know what to do between the wind going up and down in strength and the seas getting really sloppy.
Just as I was about to disconnect the vane the boat came up into the wind and slid or I should say fell off a wave at just the wrong time and angle. The next thing I know I'm holding on so I don't go from one side of the boat to other thru the air when I hear a bang and then another really big bang. The boat straightened up i gathered my wits unhooked the vane and continued on to NH steering the rest of the way. Getting closer to the city I was getting pretty tired and had remembered that all I had for food was a pb&j before I left DI. Maybe the prudent thing to do would be to stop. So that's what decided to do. I also had to figure out what those two loud bangs were.
I had the choice of three giant break waters. Luckily the first one offered the best protection from the east south easterly swell. I ran around and anchored in 15 ft. I cleaned up the boat and set everything up so that in the middle of the night something happen the boat would be prepared. The boat probably not the owner. It was nice to be behind this big wall of rock, I certainly would not be on the other side!
To try and figure out what the bangs were the first thing that came to mind was the board maybe it let go finally and slammed up against the forward end of the trunk that must have been it. I went to see if that were true by taking the line and letting the board down. Holy cow it was free so I let it down and down and down. I immediately pulled it back up and heard this horrible crunching sound that only fiberglass can make. I had no idea but really didn't want to know.
So the best course of action, since by then it was late afternoon, was to open a beer and think of more pleasant thoughts like the sail to Fairfield and maybe seeing some old friends. I would dive under the boat in the morning when it was what calmer?warmer? Give me a break !
The next morning was another very important lesson in the way few are. I woke with the boat maybe 75yds off that big breakwater with the wind now blowing north by north east and I had the entire fetch of New Haven harbor coming down on me. The heck with what ever was going on down below the boat I had to get out of there but I really didn't know how. I had to go forward and pull up the anchor rode then get the section of chain up run back in time so I didn't get slammed into the rocks. No way I put myself in a real spot.
The logical thing to do was to hold tight and stay there till the wind either changed or dropped. But if in that time the anchor let go (gee has that ever happened?) I'd really be in a mess couldn't even walk home from that one. I had to be in control of the boat at all times so I couldn't leave the helm for a minute. I went forward and led the bitter end of the rode aft thru two blocks and then to the starboard sheet winch. Started the engine and at about that same time I pretty much wanted to puke.
The breakwater was really close, this had to work. Not even enough time to think about golf! I put the engine in gear and slowly inched my way forward and winched the rode in. Because of the breeze and the waves the had a tough time following the rode. I got all the line part in but the chain still hung there and kept us connected to the earth. I gave some more gas, connected the autohelm, and went forward to muscle the chain. Much to my surprise the boat broke out the anchor while I was going forward and the autohelm was steering me clear and away from the jetty. I basically just stood there and let the boat take care of itself which is a heck of a lot more than I did.
I should have listened to the weather and found a different anchorage. This was a mistake a big one that couldn't happen again. This was not a little mud to pull myself off of, this was big mean rocks and really once again could of sent me home. So it was off to Fairfield and once again a nice blustery reach to get us there quickly.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Lunch with Nancy
Got an early start just being exited to continue the cruise. I left the creek very carefully staying in the absolute center of the channel. The tide was in my favor seeing it was early morning so getting down the river was as pleasant as going up. On the way down I tried the centerboard but it was still stuck the only time it worked was right after painting the bottom now it won't go up or down.
The breeze slowly died on the way over to Duck Island so I started the engine and slowly made my way over to Westbrook. The batteries needed charging anyway(at least that's what I tell myself). Duck Island has a wonderful right angle breakwater with an island at the elbow. You're protected from anything but the north but then you could just sneak around the backside. I rowed in to the town dock met with Nancy and had the best tasting roastbeef grinder ever. Remember this is a rice and beans project! She also gave me Chips Ahoy cookies(no pun intended I'm sure), and animal crackers that I have not had for ever. Did I mention the beer?
While sitting on the dock enjoying lunch I noticed the sky had changed and there was bit more breeze. I felt bad but I knew I had to go. It would be a good row back out in calm weather but this was going to be some more work. I got lucky because between the breeze piping up and all the powerboat guys coming back in with there wakes it was a tough row and Star just didn't seem to be getting any closer. I kept at it, didn't want to sleep on the beach that night and slowly closed on it. Note to self - small outboard someday. A great sunset with the cloud formations.
Next stop New Haven.
The breeze slowly died on the way over to Duck Island so I started the engine and slowly made my way over to Westbrook. The batteries needed charging anyway(at least that's what I tell myself). Duck Island has a wonderful right angle breakwater with an island at the elbow. You're protected from anything but the north but then you could just sneak around the backside. I rowed in to the town dock met with Nancy and had the best tasting roastbeef grinder ever. Remember this is a rice and beans project! She also gave me Chips Ahoy cookies(no pun intended I'm sure), and animal crackers that I have not had for ever. Did I mention the beer?
While sitting on the dock enjoying lunch I noticed the sky had changed and there was bit more breeze. I felt bad but I knew I had to go. It would be a good row back out in calm weather but this was going to be some more work. I got lucky because between the breeze piping up and all the powerboat guys coming back in with there wakes it was a tough row and Star just didn't seem to be getting any closer. I kept at it, didn't want to sleep on the beach that night and slowly closed on it. Note to self - small outboard someday. A great sunset with the cloud formations.
Next stop New Haven.
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