After an enjoyable sailing period Sunday September 26th was spent cleaning and organizing. We tried using Flitz cleaner for stainless steel. It works like magic to remove tarnish and rust spots.
We also installed six "Boat Savers" from GBG Enterprises, Plymouth MA. Boat savers allow rapid attachment and detachment of fenders from the boat without the need to tie knots. Given that we went into a marina in the summer where we were told to put fenders on the wrong side of the boat, only to find the error when we were a boat's length away from the dock, these will certainly allow rapid redeployment of fenders in the future. Additionally, even with short sails we won't be inclined to leave the fenders on the deck in the future as detachment and reattachment is so simple.
On Thursday September 23rd we set sail from Boston to Beverly Port Marina, MA in preparation for a work retreat. Sailing was relaxed and we had a lamb dinner (Dustin's cooking) followed by a couple of hours in the Anchor for a beer and Keno.
On Saturday afternoon, following the retreat we sailed back to Boston with winds up to 20kts apparent. Despite the late time in the season boats were a plenty. Numerous races were taking place just offshore from Marblehead (see beneath). As we approached Boston we passed the Tallship "Friendship of Salem". Friendship,is a reconstruction of a three-masted Salem East Indiaman that was originally built in 1797 Boston harbor was its normal relaxed self with boats a plenty. Here we are circling waiting to get through the channel near Castle Island after two Cruise liners reverse across the channel. Because their dock is perpendicular to the main channel, they block the channel when they reverse into the channel prior to turning to head east out of the harbor. Here one of the cruise liners can be seen passing a barge at Spectacle Island.
Hurricane Earl missed Boston, so after putting the sails and other items back on Prairie Gold we had a weekend to sail. On Sunday we sailed to and from Marblehead with great winds. On Labor day we sailed within the harbor - out to the Narrows, then towards Hingham, and back to Boston. Many boats were out today - A gray ship with school buses as well as the normal assortment of sail and power boats. Passing south through the channel west of Hull we enjoy 3.5kts over water, but only 0.3 kts SOG. Beneath sailboats coming in the opposite direction can be seen. Beneath is a shot of boats looking south as we enter The Nubbles - note the number of sailboats in the background. It was a busy day today.
As hurricane Earl approached New England we prepared Prairie Gold in case the storm arrived. All canvas including sails, dodger and bimini were taken beneath decks. Extra docklines were added (numerous) and we wait.
We set sail from Boston to Penobscot Bay, Maine and sailed for about 30hrs. Overnight we were sailing hull speed on a broad reach with 25kts apparent wind speed. Notable events included losing the shackle attaching the tack of the headsail. A quick reefing allowed us to continue. As we arrived in Maine, fog was dense.
We have heard before that sailing in Maine requires diligent lookout for lobster pots. This is an understatement. From Penobscot Bay we sailed to Burnt Island where we anchored. Just after anchoring a thunderstorm rolled through which made for an exciting evening. This was followed by barbequed Bronzini and mased potatoes. Next day we sailed to Boothbay Harbor. Along with Penobscot Bay, Bothbay harbor are entries in the book "Fifty Places to Sail Before You Die". Subsequently we sailed on to Portland. Having never been there we were surprised about what a nice city Portland is and enjoyed drinks at a wine bar on wharf street followed by dinner at an adjacent restaurant.
Next morning we woke to dense fog and decided to continue with our departure south. The marina is tight preventing us from reversing, turning 90degress and heading out bow first. We therefore turned and exited in reverse. Winds were low and we motorsailed down to Boston. Since we were not expected back at the marina until the following day we anchored off of Long island for the night.
The trip was wonderful - we had a combination of small town and city with marina, anchoring next to an isolated island as well as mooring in penobscot bay in seal harbor. We saw numerous dolphins and seals. There is a special rugged beaty to Maine. I am sure we will repeat.
