Day 16 - Portland to Portsmouth

We set off bright and early at 6:55am and headed south. Its a sad day as we are departing from Maine. However, as I was reading on the sail (well actually lots of motoring) if we dont leave after 30days we are subject to tax, and if we keep our boat in Maine for 60days or more and purchased it in a state without tax on the purchase then we have to pay Maine the purchase tax. Hmmm. So maybe its good we are on our way home.

As we departed Portland we saw seagulls eating out of the fishing nets and had to take a picture of one of the landmark lighthouses.

Winds started as predicted from the north at about 8knots, which isn't enough to sail with if you want to go anywhere. But with time they turned to the east and SE. Which was great because we were then able to sail at between 4 and 5 knots for the remainder of our journey. On day 2 of our trip we also came to Portsmouth and stayed at Wentworth by the sea marina which is a little remote from Portsmouth. This time we wanted to stay in the heart of Portsmouth. However, the guidebooks warned of the strong currents. But what the heck, we tried it. With Yolande at the helm we made about 3 knots over ground and 6 knots over water - that is we were motoring against a 3 knot current. The slips we were trying to get to are exposed to this current and since at the slips the channel narrows even more we estimated that we would need to dock in a 4 knot current. At home I have docked in a 2-3 knot cross current, and it can be ugly. Not knowing the marina, and only getting one shot at it, we decided to turn around. So I mentioned to Yolande that when she turned she might find the bow moves quickly. Oh and did it. As she turned Prairie Gold Yolande was heard to say woohoo.

So we turned and headed into the small harbor and returned to Wentworth by the sea. Getting into this marina was fine, except initially as I entered the fairway leading to the slip I was traveling diagonally to keep up headway. But then the current abated and we were fine.

After we docked, there were turns having dinner on fish behind the boat. Here is one diving for his supper.

And here is the lighthouse at the entry to Portsmouth harbor.