Thursday, July 9, 2015

Potts Harbor to Kennebunkport and Portsmouth


We left Dolphin marina and headed south amongst the islands in Casco Bay and then had a three tack sail down to Kennebunkport; two 5nm tacks followed by a 25nm tack. This last one was glorious. We stopped at Chick's marina (expensive although nice service) and walked through town to a wine bar. We didn't see the Bush's but we did see a lot of Bush support in town and interesting anti-Obama and Clinton memorabilia. We got out of town quickly.

We left Kennebunkport at 8:30am since the river gets so shallow at low tide. We left about 2.5hrs prior to low tide and had depths of 7 feet. Glad we didn’t leave a little later.  Winds were right on the nose for our destination, Portsmouth. So we tacked out on a starboard tack for 10nm. Turned to a port tack and of course the wind died so we motor sailed. Then a nice storm came through and we got drenched.  We motored up Piscataqua river with 2kts of current behind us. We chose to go to the Prescott Park docks, which we have previously visited and were pleased to see that they have put in new floating docks. This seems to be part of a general investment in the area into public spaces. In the evening there was a concert next to the docks in a new outdoor facility. We chose Prescott Park docks over Badgers Island Marina, which we can see across the river from us, because we know the current can be vicious there and its essential to leave at slack water. When we had stayed there previously the dock hand showed us the dock damage caused by a large yacht that got caught by the current.
 Entering the mouth of Portsmouth Harbor
 Strange effect of wind against current. Boat is facing the current but the wind has pushed the boat forward of the mooring ball.
 The concert in Prescott Park
 The buoy marking the entrance to Prescott Park
   Looking back to the naval station.
 The bridge that connects Portsmouth to Kittery viewed from Prairie Gold
and last but not least, Prairie Gold in Prescott Park Docks

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