Day 17 - Portsmouth to Beverly

Today was the worst day for wind, or lack thereof. We did manage to sail a little but ended up using the engine for many hours. Rather than go around Cape Ann, we used the short cut through the Annisquam River. We read many reports on how to do this and since the channel is narrow, where there is depth to the water, but wide and shallow outside of the channel, it can be somewhat puzzling getting through without running aground. For example you will see in some the pictures beneath that there appear to be vast expanses of water, but in fact the channel which was about 6-10feet deep only occupies, at times, about 40 feet of width. However, with the marker buoys we made it. There was one moment of panic when we realized that there was a pair of buoys missing! Then we noticed them off to the side amongst moored boats, so with a quick turn to port we managed to keep in the channel with little problem.

The Annisquam River is really beautiful. Here is the entry from Ipswich bay together with some homes and boats.

Here is a picture looking back at the entry to the river

The Annisquam River and has three bridges. Route 128 goes over the river with a clearance of 65 feet. Although Prairie Gold's mast is only 52.5feet it felt like she was going to scrape under the bridge.

The next bridge is a railroad bridge. Fortunately it was up which allowed for easy navigation. However, it is on a 90 degree turn so you have no way of seeing if someone is coming in the opposite direction. The final bridge (Blyman Bridge) is about 12 feet tall and 30 feet wide. Over the radio were able to ask the operator to open the bridge. Although its reported to be 30 feet wide, we inhaled as we passed through, to make sure we could make it. At the other side of the bridge is Gloucester harbor. We then motored for another 10-15nm to Beverly where we tied up at the dock. It wasnt the most pretty docking. We had to come in slowly to the dock and the wind and the current were pushing us away (sideways)and the dockhands leave at 5pm. Of course we arrived at 5:05pm. So as we were in a perfect position at the dock, the wind current pushed us away before I could jump off with docklines in hand. On the second attempt we powered in an made sure the dock new who was boss.

Tonight is our last night on Prairie Gold before we return to Boston :((

Its been a great trip though.