Thursday, June 30, 2011
This message has been sent using the picture and Video service from Verizon Wireless!
To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.
Note: To play video messages sent to email, Quicktime@ 6.5 or higher is required.
A perfect day to sail
Wednesday
We left harbor under blue skies that continued all day. We had intended to leave at 8am but were delayed for fueling. At the first fueling dock we waited for 10 minutes to fi d the power was out so we set off for a second. Here we had success and added 20gallons. At 2,500rpm this will provide about 40hrs of fuel. We monitor the hours the engine is on as a backup for the fuel gauge. Over the past week it has been a bit flaky. Yesterday it stopped entirely. So we will closely monitors hours of engine use now.
Sailing was perfect with blue skies all day and winds up to 20kts. The winds were coming from behind resulting in an apparent wind of 10-15 kts in the afternoon. We used our spinnaker for almost the entire day. Since july 4th is around the corner we are using her now because we might need to keep her in the sail bag on Monday.
We had to contend with the Race yesterday. The current turned to the south east through the RAce at 11am. By then time we got there the current was at full speed! At the last moment before entering The Race we decided to bring down the spinnaker just in case we had a troublesome crossing. If we needed to make an evasive maneuver we would need to turn to port which would have caused the wind to change from our starboard stern to port stern. This would have caused a gybe and a serious spinnaker problem. Just after we doused the spinnaker a very large luxurious sailboat came through the race at top speed and caused a massive wake. We had to turn 45 degrees to take wake. Afterward Bob and I smiled as we were very happy we had takewn down the spinnaker.
Going through the Race we achieved a speed over ground of 10 kts. Since the theoretical maximum speed of our boat is 7.4kts we felt lime race drivers. However, the high speed was due to current. Based on how much I fidget when stuck in traffic jams crawling along at 15 mph I would never have imagined that I would be so excited by 10kts (12 mph). I can assure you, the combination of wind, and sea "rushing" past makes you feel like you are flying along.
We arrived at Block Island at about 6pm after having had Bob's bbq bluefish for lunch. This morning we set sail for Buzzards Bay. Winds stayed up overnight and buoy readings - we can tap into them online - show 12kts of wind as I write. Should be another perfect sailing day.
We have no idea of destination. It is getting difficult to find places to stay because of the holiday weekend. If nothing else we will find somewhere to anchor, or at worst case sail through the night.
Check out the blog during the day as we will try to post interesting pictures during the day.
We left harbor under blue skies that continued all day. We had intended to leave at 8am but were delayed for fueling. At the first fueling dock we waited for 10 minutes to fi d the power was out so we set off for a second. Here we had success and added 20gallons. At 2,500rpm this will provide about 40hrs of fuel. We monitor the hours the engine is on as a backup for the fuel gauge. Over the past week it has been a bit flaky. Yesterday it stopped entirely. So we will closely monitors hours of engine use now.
Sailing was perfect with blue skies all day and winds up to 20kts. The winds were coming from behind resulting in an apparent wind of 10-15 kts in the afternoon. We used our spinnaker for almost the entire day. Since july 4th is around the corner we are using her now because we might need to keep her in the sail bag on Monday.
We had to contend with the Race yesterday. The current turned to the south east through the RAce at 11am. By then time we got there the current was at full speed! At the last moment before entering The Race we decided to bring down the spinnaker just in case we had a troublesome crossing. If we needed to make an evasive maneuver we would need to turn to port which would have caused the wind to change from our starboard stern to port stern. This would have caused a gybe and a serious spinnaker problem. Just after we doused the spinnaker a very large luxurious sailboat came through the race at top speed and caused a massive wake. We had to turn 45 degrees to take wake. Afterward Bob and I smiled as we were very happy we had takewn down the spinnaker.
Going through the Race we achieved a speed over ground of 10 kts. Since the theoretical maximum speed of our boat is 7.4kts we felt lime race drivers. However, the high speed was due to current. Based on how much I fidget when stuck in traffic jams crawling along at 15 mph I would never have imagined that I would be so excited by 10kts (12 mph). I can assure you, the combination of wind, and sea "rushing" past makes you feel like you are flying along.
We arrived at Block Island at about 6pm after having had Bob's bbq bluefish for lunch. This morning we set sail for Buzzards Bay. Winds stayed up overnight and buoy readings - we can tap into them online - show 12kts of wind as I write. Should be another perfect sailing day.
We have no idea of destination. It is getting difficult to find places to stay because of the holiday weekend. If nothing else we will find somewhere to anchor, or at worst case sail through the night.
Check out the blog during the day as we will try to post interesting pictures during the day.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
This message has been sent using the picture and Video service from Verizon Wireless!
To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.
Note: To play video messages sent to email, Quicktime@ 6.5 or higher is required.
Morning report
We have nice winds from the west so have been sailing under spinnaker and full mainsail on our easterly course. We have the current with us and have been attaining speeds of 8kts. We await the Race and hope to get through at 9 or 10 kts.
This message has been sent using the picture and Video service from Verizon Wireless!
To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.
Note: To play video messages sent to email, Quicktime@ 6.5 or higher is required.
The wind set our direction
As we departed from Oyster Bay we saw several boats with long scoops working the bottom of the bay floor. Apparently they were either clamming,or taking oysters. We headed out into the Sound with the intention of heading to Greenport at the eastern end of Long Island. Then the wind started coming up. Unfortunately it was from the east and head on. We sailed close hauled on a south easter tack towards Port Jefferson, then as we were running out of sea tacked towards connecticut. We didn't have many options of ports to stay in and eventually decided on Branford Harbor at the local
Brewer Marina.
Lunch consisted of Cornish Hen and salad, today is likely to be bbq Bluefish. There was a lot of fishing action. However we lost a lot of tackle. In fact two of our rods cant be used because most of the line was snapped. We are in need of a tackle shop and hope to find one at Block Island. Bob landed a large bluefish yesterday. It was quite a fighter. We have now mastered the catch and release mechanism.
Sailing school continued with several practices of man overboard drills and recovery. To practice we have a flotation device that we have fondly named bob - because when we throw it in the water it bobs around. So yesterday I was throwing Bob in the water and asking Bob to recovery it with a boat hook. Later after we docked Bob went to the pool. I wondered whether I should take the boat hook along,...
Yesterdays weather forecast was very accurate. A low pressure system was expected to push through overnight with the chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8am. They came at 2am. It was nice to be down beneath, warm and dry, and safely in port compared to the last storm that we encountered while we were at sea.
The low pressure system has passed and now winds are predicted to come from NW, W and SW over the next few days. Since we are heading eastward this will give us ample opportunity for sailing on ideal tacks, and even the chance of getting the spinnaker out. Today conditions seem ideal for a sail to Block Island. We intend to leave at 8am. This will allow us to get out of the shallow, narrow channel on a rising tide, and for the current to be in our favor after about 11am.
Brewer Marina.
Lunch consisted of Cornish Hen and salad, today is likely to be bbq Bluefish. There was a lot of fishing action. However we lost a lot of tackle. In fact two of our rods cant be used because most of the line was snapped. We are in need of a tackle shop and hope to find one at Block Island. Bob landed a large bluefish yesterday. It was quite a fighter. We have now mastered the catch and release mechanism.
Sailing school continued with several practices of man overboard drills and recovery. To practice we have a flotation device that we have fondly named bob - because when we throw it in the water it bobs around. So yesterday I was throwing Bob in the water and asking Bob to recovery it with a boat hook. Later after we docked Bob went to the pool. I wondered whether I should take the boat hook along,...
Yesterdays weather forecast was very accurate. A low pressure system was expected to push through overnight with the chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8am. They came at 2am. It was nice to be down beneath, warm and dry, and safely in port compared to the last storm that we encountered while we were at sea.
The low pressure system has passed and now winds are predicted to come from NW, W and SW over the next few days. Since we are heading eastward this will give us ample opportunity for sailing on ideal tacks, and even the chance of getting the spinnaker out. Today conditions seem ideal for a sail to Block Island. We intend to leave at 8am. This will allow us to get out of the shallow, narrow channel on a rising tide, and for the current to be in our favor after about 11am.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Treading Water
Monday
We began our journey back to Boston on Monday. The current at Hells Gate was scheduled to change at 1:59pm which would mean a late departure. Rather than sitting and twiddling thumbs we set of from Surfside 3 at 10am with the intention of arriving at Hells Gate at 1pm. Within minutes we realized that the current was with us as we were transiting the Hudson River towards the Statue of Liberty. the skipper had one of those oops moments where he thought he had left at least an hour early. However, after viewing the statue, we started our return to the East River. We had a steady 2kt head on current. Rather than push hard, we just tried to achieve 2 kts over ground which would get us to Hells gate at 1pm. We actually had no choice in the end as we were following a barge which was doing the same. As we arrived at Roosevelt island the barge stopped dead - or should we say maintained a constant GPS position by achieving the speed over water equivalent to the current. We did the same and waited.
You have heard it be said that patience is a virtue. in this case it was true. Because these large ships have Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) they know one an others positions, directions and speed of movement. We assume that the barge in front of us knew that there was another barge being pushed downstream and through VHF communications had arranged to wait for them to pass. After maintaining position for 10 minutes a barge came through Hells gate and passed us. The two barges were on the radio and one asked the other if there were any issues downstream. They answered that the weren't but that there were two sailboats waiting behind. Subsequently the upstream heading vessels set off through Hells gate and into Long Island Sound.
There was little wind all afternoon until about 4pm. At this time we got 4kts of true wi d and so we used it for sail school training and went through tacking and gybing instruction. Steadily the wind grew to 10kts and we ended up with a nice sail into Oyster Bay. On the way we landed two Blue fish.
Having not showered since Friday, the facilities were welcomed. Afterwards we went into town to taste taste the local catch.
this morning is overcast with a chance of late afternoon showers and storms. We will set off early to see if we can make some ground before we anchor/moor/dock.
So where will we go today? Please use the comment box, and how many fish will we land? We can have a boat cleaning party this weekend!
We began our journey back to Boston on Monday. The current at Hells Gate was scheduled to change at 1:59pm which would mean a late departure. Rather than sitting and twiddling thumbs we set of from Surfside 3 at 10am with the intention of arriving at Hells Gate at 1pm. Within minutes we realized that the current was with us as we were transiting the Hudson River towards the Statue of Liberty. the skipper had one of those oops moments where he thought he had left at least an hour early. However, after viewing the statue, we started our return to the East River. We had a steady 2kt head on current. Rather than push hard, we just tried to achieve 2 kts over ground which would get us to Hells gate at 1pm. We actually had no choice in the end as we were following a barge which was doing the same. As we arrived at Roosevelt island the barge stopped dead - or should we say maintained a constant GPS position by achieving the speed over water equivalent to the current. We did the same and waited.
You have heard it be said that patience is a virtue. in this case it was true. Because these large ships have Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) they know one an others positions, directions and speed of movement. We assume that the barge in front of us knew that there was another barge being pushed downstream and through VHF communications had arranged to wait for them to pass. After maintaining position for 10 minutes a barge came through Hells gate and passed us. The two barges were on the radio and one asked the other if there were any issues downstream. They answered that the weren't but that there were two sailboats waiting behind. Subsequently the upstream heading vessels set off through Hells gate and into Long Island Sound.
There was little wind all afternoon until about 4pm. At this time we got 4kts of true wi d and so we used it for sail school training and went through tacking and gybing instruction. Steadily the wind grew to 10kts and we ended up with a nice sail into Oyster Bay. On the way we landed two Blue fish.
Having not showered since Friday, the facilities were welcomed. Afterwards we went into town to taste taste the local catch.
this morning is overcast with a chance of late afternoon showers and storms. We will set off early to see if we can make some ground before we anchor/moor/dock.
So where will we go today? Please use the comment box, and how many fish will we land? We can have a boat cleaning party this weekend!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Visitor and Crew change
Sunday
this was a very relaxing day with a late start. Rachel drove up from Philly to join us for the day so after laundry we went out for a sail south to see the Statue of Liberty again. On the way back we had the spinnaker flying all the way to the marina. The harbor tour boats kept making a line for us. It was getting quite annoying as we started by making evasive actions. The we realized that we were the photo opportunity for the passengers on the tours.
Late in the day was a little sad as the southwest crew departed - Dave flew back to London, Lande got the Acela back to Boston and Rachel drove home. But the good news was that the northeast crew - Bob - arrived. It is good to see him and I am sure we will have a great week together.
There was one ,moment of excitement when we realized that we were going backwards at 1 kt despite making 4 kts over water. It is peculiar to look on the chart plotter and see your heading and coirse overground being 180 degrees separated.
This morning we need to fill water tanks having almost used our 90gallons on board. As you can tell we weren't rationing water given the frequent opportunities to fill up.
Current in Hell's gate turns at 1:59pm in our favor so we expect to disembark at about 10am and will leisurely sail down to see the statue one more time, turn around the southern tip of Manhattan and enter the east river. We may try to push through a little early when the current has subsided sufficiently and will. Try to make good progress, and catch some fish, in Long Island Sound.
this was a very relaxing day with a late start. Rachel drove up from Philly to join us for the day so after laundry we went out for a sail south to see the Statue of Liberty again. On the way back we had the spinnaker flying all the way to the marina. The harbor tour boats kept making a line for us. It was getting quite annoying as we started by making evasive actions. The we realized that we were the photo opportunity for the passengers on the tours.
Late in the day was a little sad as the southwest crew departed - Dave flew back to London, Lande got the Acela back to Boston and Rachel drove home. But the good news was that the northeast crew - Bob - arrived. It is good to see him and I am sure we will have a great week together.
There was one ,moment of excitement when we realized that we were going backwards at 1 kt despite making 4 kts over water. It is peculiar to look on the chart plotter and see your heading and coirse overground being 180 degrees separated.
This morning we need to fill water tanks having almost used our 90gallons on board. As you can tell we weren't rationing water given the frequent opportunities to fill up.
Current in Hell's gate turns at 1:59pm in our favor so we expect to disembark at about 10am and will leisurely sail down to see the statue one more time, turn around the southern tip of Manhattan and enter the east river. We may try to push through a little early when the current has subsided sufficiently and will. Try to make good progress, and catch some fish, in Long Island Sound.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Statue of Liberty
Saturday
we had a relaxed day which included provisioning the boat for the return journey with shopping at Chelsea Market, a brief tour around Times Square then we returned to Prairie Gold and sailed down to the Statue of Liberty. It was a beautiful sail and an awesome view.
On returning to the marina we were able to hook up our auxillary power which allowed a night of air conditioning. More than anything it allowed background noise because the bar and restaurant adjacent to the marina had been fully booked, and was closed to the public, for a big party.
In the evening we went to ground zero, an inspiring visit. The new tower is half way erected, and it is clear it will be a huge part of Manhattan's future skyline. I look forward to coming back and seeing it again.
We ate at a Belgian restaurant came back to Prairie Gold for a nightcap and early bed. Just as we were about to turn in we saw a powerboat come into the marina with two coastguards on board, followed by a coastguard boat. Then a second powerboat in a similar situation came to dock. Both boats were immediately behind us and the skipper of each boat successfully docked their boat. This marina is not the simplest for docking so we assumed that they must have passed the sobriety test. But no, after docking tests were done, and tickets were written.
This morning is laundry time and we are finishing clean up and pack up for crew switch this evening. Rachel is on her way up from Philadelphia today, so we will sail on the Hudson with her and hope to take her to see the grand lady!
we had a relaxed day which included provisioning the boat for the return journey with shopping at Chelsea Market, a brief tour around Times Square then we returned to Prairie Gold and sailed down to the Statue of Liberty. It was a beautiful sail and an awesome view.
On returning to the marina we were able to hook up our auxillary power which allowed a night of air conditioning. More than anything it allowed background noise because the bar and restaurant adjacent to the marina had been fully booked, and was closed to the public, for a big party.
In the evening we went to ground zero, an inspiring visit. The new tower is half way erected, and it is clear it will be a huge part of Manhattan's future skyline. I look forward to coming back and seeing it again.
We ate at a Belgian restaurant came back to Prairie Gold for a nightcap and early bed. Just as we were about to turn in we saw a powerboat come into the marina with two coastguards on board, followed by a coastguard boat. Then a second powerboat in a similar situation came to dock. Both boats were immediately behind us and the skipper of each boat successfully docked their boat. This marina is not the simplest for docking so we assumed that they must have passed the sobriety test. But no, after docking tests were done, and tickets were written.
This morning is laundry time and we are finishing clean up and pack up for crew switch this evening. Rachel is on her way up from Philadelphia today, so we will sail on the Hudson with her and hope to take her to see the grand lady!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Manhattan
New York New York
Friday was a well timed day. Nothing eventful, no storms. We were able to enjoy a nine hour trip with lots of sailing. We left Oyster Bay at 9am and were able to sail wing-on-wing until we stopped at City Island at 2pm for an hour for lunch. Wing-on-wing is the sail configuration of one sail to the port and the other to the starboard. This can only be performed when the wind is from directly behind the boat. Although the weather wasnt glorious, the sailing was. We had timed our trip so that we would arrive at Hell's gate at 5:30pm when there is slack water. We were sailing so well we had to stop and eat a little time. So we anchored on the western side of City Island for an hour for lunch - sandwiches and hobnobs. For those non Brits following us look out for hobnobs - they are chocolate covered digestive biscuits. If you see them in the store you must buy some.
After lunch we motored to New York leaving at about 3:30pm. It was easier than expected. However, there were some moments of interest. The first came on the East River when two tankers were closing on us. We kept in to the starboard side of the river to allow them to pass. One did and promptly cut us off to dock immediately in front of us.
The next moment of interest came in Hell's gate. We were right in Hell's gate when a tanker approaching from the stern radioed to us to let him know of our presence and the presence of two tankers coming in the opposite direction. We told him we would keep well to starboard. In the end we turned to starboard and circled twice behind Wards Island to allow the tanker pass us. Then we followed her down the east river past Roosevelt Island where we passed the two tankers coming in the opposite direction. Since this was the narrowest part of the journey we were pleased with our circling decision.
The most exciting moment came when we could see the Statue of Liberty in the distance. Yolande quickly turned on the track -Statue of Liberty- by XTC, a hometown band from Swindon, for our approach.
Then it got interesting. we were at the southern tip of Manhattan at 6pm in rush hour, water taxi and ferry rush hour. We had to weave and wind to keep out of their way, but in the end navigated around the southern end of Manhattan up the Hudson River. We arrived at Surfside 3 Marina at 7pm and got very clear and helpful instructions from Ray the dock attendant.
This morning, Saturday we see some sun! weather forecast is better. We will clean Prairie Gold, ourselves too, take her for a pump out, and possibly sail down to the statue of liberty. Picture upload is working again, so we will try to get pictures today.
Friday was a well timed day. Nothing eventful, no storms. We were able to enjoy a nine hour trip with lots of sailing. We left Oyster Bay at 9am and were able to sail wing-on-wing until we stopped at City Island at 2pm for an hour for lunch. Wing-on-wing is the sail configuration of one sail to the port and the other to the starboard. This can only be performed when the wind is from directly behind the boat. Although the weather wasnt glorious, the sailing was. We had timed our trip so that we would arrive at Hell's gate at 5:30pm when there is slack water. We were sailing so well we had to stop and eat a little time. So we anchored on the western side of City Island for an hour for lunch - sandwiches and hobnobs. For those non Brits following us look out for hobnobs - they are chocolate covered digestive biscuits. If you see them in the store you must buy some.
After lunch we motored to New York leaving at about 3:30pm. It was easier than expected. However, there were some moments of interest. The first came on the East River when two tankers were closing on us. We kept in to the starboard side of the river to allow them to pass. One did and promptly cut us off to dock immediately in front of us.
The next moment of interest came in Hell's gate. We were right in Hell's gate when a tanker approaching from the stern radioed to us to let him know of our presence and the presence of two tankers coming in the opposite direction. We told him we would keep well to starboard. In the end we turned to starboard and circled twice behind Wards Island to allow the tanker pass us. Then we followed her down the east river past Roosevelt Island where we passed the two tankers coming in the opposite direction. Since this was the narrowest part of the journey we were pleased with our circling decision.
The most exciting moment came when we could see the Statue of Liberty in the distance. Yolande quickly turned on the track -Statue of Liberty- by XTC, a hometown band from Swindon, for our approach.
Then it got interesting. we were at the southern tip of Manhattan at 6pm in rush hour, water taxi and ferry rush hour. We had to weave and wind to keep out of their way, but in the end navigated around the southern end of Manhattan up the Hudson River. We arrived at Surfside 3 Marina at 7pm and got very clear and helpful instructions from Ray the dock attendant.
This morning, Saturday we see some sun! weather forecast is better. We will clean Prairie Gold, ourselves too, take her for a pump out, and possibly sail down to the statue of liberty. Picture upload is working again, so we will try to get pictures today.
This message has been sent using the picture and Video service from Verizon Wireless!
To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.
Note: To play video messages sent to email, Quicktime@ 6.5 or higher is required.
We Made it!
We arrived in New York City at 7pm FRiday evening. Had problems posting things yesterday, will try soon to get pictures and stories up. It was a great trip. More to follow.
Friday, June 24, 2011
This message has been sent using the picture and Video service from Verizon Wireless!
To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.
Note: To play video messages sent to email, Quicktime@ 6.5 or higher is required.
This message has been sent using the picture and Video service from Verizon Wireless!
To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.
Note: To play video messages sent to email, Quicktime@ 6.5 or higher is required.
Rendevous with a car ferry
Thursday
The forecast for Thursday was mixed, fog, possible rain and Thunderstorms. we checked the doppler radio and decided to push ahead with an intended destination of Port Jefferson. As you may have seen we caught a couple more bluefish - each is being named using the first letter of the fish number landed. Number six was called Sebastian (see picture beneath). After catching the fish, the weather started to turn a little sour and we were talking about how pleased we were that we had headed to the southern side of long island sound because all of the storms seemed to be on northern side of the sound. Then the coastguard warning of a severe storm heading to Port Jefferson could be heard on the VHF radio. We were 20 minutes from port, and the skies opened. visibility was almost zero, and then lightening started so we entered into no visibility mode of boat operation. Every ten minutes I called out our gps coordinates to Dave and Lande who recorded them and plotted on a map. We put our ipads and a spare backup radio into the microwave- no we didnt nuke them,rather the metal screen in the microwave would/might stop them from being nuked if we were hit by lightening.
Because visibility was poor we couldn't head into port so we steered to starboard and out to deep water to wait out the storm. Now you may have recalled that we said visibility was poor. Well Dave - now called eagle eye - spotted a car ferry heading for us. we took evasive action and decided a cup of tea was in order.
The storm was still hanging over port jefferson so we decided to head on further west, after consulting the doppler radar which showed we were now west of the worst of the storms. we plotted the paths of the remaining few storms and navigated around them and headed for oyster bay. Based on the homes in the bay, and comments we have read, this is home to the rich and famous including Billy Joel.
Its a bit foggy as I write this, but we will cruise around a little and try to get pictures for you.
We went into the town of oyster bay last night with the intent of having a beer, appetizers, then coming back and cooking salmon. Well we achieved most, but by the time we got back we were all so tired we just went to sleep - and it wasn't because we stayed out late.
We are only 36nm from our destination in Manhattan. We are not certai n whether to head there today as we have spent a lot of time this week pushing the speed. we may just go part way and have a relaxed sail.
our next major navigation obstacle is Hell's gate where the current runs at up to 5 kts. We do about 6 kts under engine power so we need to time our arrival there so that we have a current that is in the same direction as our journey.
We had some good guesses in our comments boxes yesterday. Dustin and Rochelle win the prize for initially guessing Port Jefferson and later Oyster bay. Rachel wind the prize for the most creative guess. We are yet to decide on actual prizes but are considering allowing you all to help us clean Prairie Gold. which reminds me, we h ave scrambled eggs in the floorboards of the cockpit. I cooked eggs and bacon for brunch. Guess who dropped his bowl immediately! And it wasn't me and there are only two he's on board. his face was priceless.
Got to go, time for a cuppa and hobnob that mum sent over for the trip (thanks Mum xxx). then we need to call a launch on channel 71 to take us to land for a shower, then we will see what winds come today and where we end up for the night. don't forget to hit the "spot" button on this blog page for real time tracking of our journey. It really helps with guessing where we will stay tonight. Comments are welcomed, we love seeing them when we dock. over and out
The forecast for Thursday was mixed, fog, possible rain and Thunderstorms. we checked the doppler radio and decided to push ahead with an intended destination of Port Jefferson. As you may have seen we caught a couple more bluefish - each is being named using the first letter of the fish number landed. Number six was called Sebastian (see picture beneath). After catching the fish, the weather started to turn a little sour and we were talking about how pleased we were that we had headed to the southern side of long island sound because all of the storms seemed to be on northern side of the sound. Then the coastguard warning of a severe storm heading to Port Jefferson could be heard on the VHF radio. We were 20 minutes from port, and the skies opened. visibility was almost zero, and then lightening started so we entered into no visibility mode of boat operation. Every ten minutes I called out our gps coordinates to Dave and Lande who recorded them and plotted on a map. We put our ipads and a spare backup radio into the microwave- no we didnt nuke them,rather the metal screen in the microwave would/might stop them from being nuked if we were hit by lightening.
Because visibility was poor we couldn't head into port so we steered to starboard and out to deep water to wait out the storm. Now you may have recalled that we said visibility was poor. Well Dave - now called eagle eye - spotted a car ferry heading for us. we took evasive action and decided a cup of tea was in order.
The storm was still hanging over port jefferson so we decided to head on further west, after consulting the doppler radar which showed we were now west of the worst of the storms. we plotted the paths of the remaining few storms and navigated around them and headed for oyster bay. Based on the homes in the bay, and comments we have read, this is home to the rich and famous including Billy Joel.
Its a bit foggy as I write this, but we will cruise around a little and try to get pictures for you.
We went into the town of oyster bay last night with the intent of having a beer, appetizers, then coming back and cooking salmon. Well we achieved most, but by the time we got back we were all so tired we just went to sleep - and it wasn't because we stayed out late.
We are only 36nm from our destination in Manhattan. We are not certai n whether to head there today as we have spent a lot of time this week pushing the speed. we may just go part way and have a relaxed sail.
our next major navigation obstacle is Hell's gate where the current runs at up to 5 kts. We do about 6 kts under engine power so we need to time our arrival there so that we have a current that is in the same direction as our journey.
We had some good guesses in our comments boxes yesterday. Dustin and Rochelle win the prize for initially guessing Port Jefferson and later Oyster bay. Rachel wind the prize for the most creative guess. We are yet to decide on actual prizes but are considering allowing you all to help us clean Prairie Gold. which reminds me, we h ave scrambled eggs in the floorboards of the cockpit. I cooked eggs and bacon for brunch. Guess who dropped his bowl immediately! And it wasn't me and there are only two he's on board. his face was priceless.
Got to go, time for a cuppa and hobnob that mum sent over for the trip (thanks Mum xxx). then we need to call a launch on channel 71 to take us to land for a shower, then we will see what winds come today and where we end up for the night. don't forget to hit the "spot" button on this blog page for real time tracking of our journey. It really helps with guessing where we will stay tonight. Comments are welcomed, we love seeing them when we dock. over and out
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Wednesday night - Clinton harbor
Wednesday night Clinton Harbor, CT
Sailing Wednesday afternoon got quite wet.Thank goodness for foul weather gear. we made it through our second significant current area - The Race - with a speed over ground of 8.8 kts. Then the fog came back followed by torrential downpours. As we were lining up to enter the channel feeding the harbor we lost visibility and the skipper was about one minute from aborting entry and going back out to the sound to wait for clear weather. skipper was particularly concerned because in discussing the entry to the harbor with the marina they had mentioned to really hug the red buoys because after dredging the channel the buoys had been placed out of position. So, back to no visibility, questionable channel markings and a very narrow entrance. Then there was a break in the weather so we kept on going in. Everyone was on the lookout to find the snaking route. We arrived safely at Cedar Island Marina, had a little refreshment then went to a highly rated restaurant - Aqua - for dinner. We are not certain of the reason for the rating as we rated, on a scale of 1-10 as a 2, 4, and 4. In this rating scale 10 is the best. somehow we had a great time and ended up back on the boat for one of Yolande's Pop rock quiz nights where she plays the beginning of tracks from her ipod. Last night we started with tracks beginning with the letter C.
This morning its calm, foggy with a chance of thunderstorms this evening.
would you like to write your guess, in a comment, of where we stop tonight? I will give you a clue, it will be between here and New York City. Also we plan to arrive in the big apple on Saturday.
Sailing Wednesday afternoon got quite wet.Thank goodness for foul weather gear. we made it through our second significant current area - The Race - with a speed over ground of 8.8 kts. Then the fog came back followed by torrential downpours. As we were lining up to enter the channel feeding the harbor we lost visibility and the skipper was about one minute from aborting entry and going back out to the sound to wait for clear weather. skipper was particularly concerned because in discussing the entry to the harbor with the marina they had mentioned to really hug the red buoys because after dredging the channel the buoys had been placed out of position. So, back to no visibility, questionable channel markings and a very narrow entrance. Then there was a break in the weather so we kept on going in. Everyone was on the lookout to find the snaking route. We arrived safely at Cedar Island Marina, had a little refreshment then went to a highly rated restaurant - Aqua - for dinner. We are not certain of the reason for the rating as we rated, on a scale of 1-10 as a 2, 4, and 4. In this rating scale 10 is the best. somehow we had a great time and ended up back on the boat for one of Yolande's Pop rock quiz nights where she plays the beginning of tracks from her ipod. Last night we started with tracks beginning with the letter C.
This morning its calm, foggy with a chance of thunderstorms this evening.
would you like to write your guess, in a comment, of where we stop tonight? I will give you a clue, it will be between here and New York City. Also we plan to arrive in the big apple on Saturday.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
toilets, laundry and Block Island Race week
Wednesday
After a great night of sleep we woke to a surprise: the head wouldn't empty. This is always a sad moment as the skipper knows he has to roll up his sleeves. We looked at the holding tank meter and it showed full, which was a surprise as we thought we had emptied the tank yesterday. we called channel 78 for a pumpout. When help arrived I knew i should have stood back as the attendant stood 10 feet away as i unscrewed the head tank access screw. He mentioned "she might blow!" I unscrewed and he was right was waste gushed up 6 inches. Fortunately we hadnt showered yet and Dave was ready with kitchen towels to clean up and stop leakage into the harbor.
with hosepipe in hand we scrubbed the deck and promptly went to the showers.
As we prepared to disembark, we noticed hundreds of race boats heading out of the harbor to start their racing. We joined the line. It was much like being on a highway and approaching roadworks: the traffic slows and backs up. If you go to a Block Island chart you will see that the channel is narrow (50 yds) and we were at low tide. Thus everyone was slowing to go through in single file. Of course there was no room for drift so it was with relief that we got through and out into open waters. Then fog came. We are on 1 hour watches with radar on and there is a live fire excercise south of us. What a fun day. Will report in later.
After a great night of sleep we woke to a surprise: the head wouldn't empty. This is always a sad moment as the skipper knows he has to roll up his sleeves. We looked at the holding tank meter and it showed full, which was a surprise as we thought we had emptied the tank yesterday. we called channel 78 for a pumpout. When help arrived I knew i should have stood back as the attendant stood 10 feet away as i unscrewed the head tank access screw. He mentioned "she might blow!" I unscrewed and he was right was waste gushed up 6 inches. Fortunately we hadnt showered yet and Dave was ready with kitchen towels to clean up and stop leakage into the harbor.
with hosepipe in hand we scrubbed the deck and promptly went to the showers.
As we prepared to disembark, we noticed hundreds of race boats heading out of the harbor to start their racing. We joined the line. It was much like being on a highway and approaching roadworks: the traffic slows and backs up. If you go to a Block Island chart you will see that the channel is narrow (50 yds) and we were at low tide. Thus everyone was slowing to go through in single file. Of course there was no room for drift so it was with relief that we got through and out into open waters. Then fog came. We are on 1 hour watches with radar on and there is a live fire excercise south of us. What a fun day. Will report in later.
Tuesday - lots of fish
Tuesday
We had an early morning flurry of activity with several bites and we landed four bluefish, one of which we let go; the others are filleted for subsequent meals. There is almost no wind today so we are making a direct line to Block Island. At -5pm we will decide whether to stay there or push on to make serious distance. Storms might be coming through later in the week so if we can get closer to New York we can be much more conservative in our planning.
We have read of many submarine sightings in the Block Island area but didn't see any ourselves. Probably a good thing as Dave would have wanted to put a line out to try to catch it!
We eventually stayed overnight in Block Island and were very happy we did; nice place with great facilities. The bar was right at the dock at Champlin's Resort where we docked. It was quite quiet by the time we wandered in, though there were a lot of boats in the marina. It turned out that we'd arrived during Block Island race week, so most were racing boats. The crews had all gone over to another local marina for an event.
We had an early morning flurry of activity with several bites and we landed four bluefish, one of which we let go; the others are filleted for subsequent meals. There is almost no wind today so we are making a direct line to Block Island. At -5pm we will decide whether to stay there or push on to make serious distance. Storms might be coming through later in the week so if we can get closer to New York we can be much more conservative in our planning.
We have read of many submarine sightings in the Block Island area but didn't see any ourselves. Probably a good thing as Dave would have wanted to put a line out to try to catch it!
We eventually stayed overnight in Block Island and were very happy we did; nice place with great facilities. The bar was right at the dock at Champlin's Resort where we docked. It was quite quiet by the time we wandered in, though there were a lot of boats in the marina. It turned out that we'd arrived during Block Island race week, so most were racing boats. The crews had all gone over to another local marina for an event.
This message has been sent using the picture and Video service from Verizon Wireless!
To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.
Note: To play video messages sent to email, Quicktime@ 6.5 or higher is required.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
The one that got away
Monday June 20th 2011 - The one that got away
our morning in Plymouth was great - we went waterfront cafe for breakfast followed by showers, filling the liquid propane tank, adding 12 gallons of diesel. Everyone in this marina is helpful and friendly. Its definitely on our top 10 list - Lisa was so helpful and we will try to stop by on the return voyage.
When we left Plymouth winds were low and built to about 8kts. Then we hooked one! The skipper would argue that it was a giant and that is why it got away. It jumped clear out of the water 100 yds behind the boat. on the second jump it came off the hook. Darn it. So we had to defrost ground beef for burgers on the bbq - not a bad second.
When we left Plymouth we weren't certain of our destination other than it would be in Buzzards Bay. We made it to the east entrance of the cape cod canal by 2pm - perfect timing for slack water and the turn of the current to the west. thanks to those of you who posted your guesses of speed over ground. Actually we did 10.3 kts with about a 3.5 kt current in our favor. As we were heading along the canal the wind grew from the west so we got our gear ready for the western end of the canal where the wind opposes the current. As we approached we could see white caps and standing waves. With 20kts of wind we were in for some fun, We have a video we will post. suffice it to say there were some bow burying waves and water was splashing up to the cockpit.
We then sailed on to Mattapoisset and moored on a buoy and got a ride into town for light refreshment followed by bbq of the burgers back on the boat.
This morning we woke to a beautiful blue sky and are trying to push hard for either block island or the tip of long island. We will check on with another post later.
our morning in Plymouth was great - we went waterfront cafe for breakfast followed by showers, filling the liquid propane tank, adding 12 gallons of diesel. Everyone in this marina is helpful and friendly. Its definitely on our top 10 list - Lisa was so helpful and we will try to stop by on the return voyage.
When we left Plymouth winds were low and built to about 8kts. Then we hooked one! The skipper would argue that it was a giant and that is why it got away. It jumped clear out of the water 100 yds behind the boat. on the second jump it came off the hook. Darn it. So we had to defrost ground beef for burgers on the bbq - not a bad second.
When we left Plymouth we weren't certain of our destination other than it would be in Buzzards Bay. We made it to the east entrance of the cape cod canal by 2pm - perfect timing for slack water and the turn of the current to the west. thanks to those of you who posted your guesses of speed over ground. Actually we did 10.3 kts with about a 3.5 kt current in our favor. As we were heading along the canal the wind grew from the west so we got our gear ready for the western end of the canal where the wind opposes the current. As we approached we could see white caps and standing waves. With 20kts of wind we were in for some fun, We have a video we will post. suffice it to say there were some bow burying waves and water was splashing up to the cockpit.
We then sailed on to Mattapoisset and moored on a buoy and got a ride into town for light refreshment followed by bbq of the burgers back on the boat.
This morning we woke to a beautiful blue sky and are trying to push hard for either block island or the tip of long island. We will check on with another post later.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Boston to Plymouth - leg 17
sunday June 19th - we sailed down from Boston to Plymouth, departing at 6:50am arriving at Plymouth at 4pm. Before we left Boston harbor we already had blood on Prairie Gold - we were trolling lines behind us and one got snagged on a lobster pot. now since it was mine, I still argue it was a monster sized fish. however, cutting the line was necessary. In doing so I inadvertently caused a slight cut to my finger. Not much of a cut, but because the winds were slight ~8kts there was a lot of spinnaker activity. every time i went to the bow it seemed my band-aid came off, and blood dripped on the boat.
however, that was nothing compared to the clean-up that was required as we approached scituate. Dave hooked a fish. he was heard to say "its a shark" while others argued it might be a minnow. However, as expected it was a striper that was a keeper and was dinner cooked on the barbeque that night.
winds died and we stayed the night in Brewers Marina Plymouth in eyesight of the Mayflower II and Plymouth Rock.
Today we will set sail by 10am to catch the current through the cape cod canal which turns to the west at 1:57pm. We wont get much distance today because if the late start but its better than going through at 1am last night! Potential destination for today is Onset, which is at the other end the canal. We will wait to decide until there so that we can see conditions. The west end of the canal is well known for standing waves when there is wind against current......We will report in later.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
evening dinner sail (leg 16) and preparations for big apple
Friday June 17th saw us get the radar reflectors attached to the shrouds ready for our voyage. Thanks Rochelle and Dustin for your help! Then we had friends join us for an evening sail and dinner on Prairie Gold. We sailed out to President's Roads and back, close reach on the way out and a beam each on the way back. We managed to dodge storms and had a great evening. For dinner Yolande cooked salmon with wasabi and mayo dressing topped off with kale! The kale was a great and flavorsome touch.
As I type, brother Dave is driving to Heathrow on his way over for the beginning of our big apple adventure. Our current itinerary calls for us to depart at 7am Sunday june 18th (Yolande is looking forward to that time) and sail to Plymouth, MA (I did have to alert my brother that there are at least two Plymouth's and our intent is not to sail to Plymouth UK. Well not on this trip.) Next Saturday we are scheduled to arrive in Manhattan and stay at Chelsea Piers. Follow us, we will blog each day, and we will provide stories and pictures of our adventures.
Note on the righthandside of the blog is a link to the spot messenger GPS device we carry on Prairie Gold. follow the link and it will show our route. See you all back in Boston in July.
As I type, brother Dave is driving to Heathrow on his way over for the beginning of our big apple adventure. Our current itinerary calls for us to depart at 7am Sunday june 18th (Yolande is looking forward to that time) and sail to Plymouth, MA (I did have to alert my brother that there are at least two Plymouth's and our intent is not to sail to Plymouth UK. Well not on this trip.) Next Saturday we are scheduled to arrive in Manhattan and stay at Chelsea Piers. Follow us, we will blog each day, and we will provide stories and pictures of our adventures.
Note on the righthandside of the blog is a link to the spot messenger GPS device we carry on Prairie Gold. follow the link and it will show our route. See you all back in Boston in July.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
What to do on a rainy day? Teak Treatment
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)