July 3rd
We departed Saturday morning in ideal conditions. The sail across Raritan Bay
was an easy start to the up coming ocean stage.
Once past Sandy Hook, we headed a few miles off shore so there would be less
traffic to worry about. Winds were from the west so we poled out the
jib and sailed wing and wing at a steady 6+ knots. There was swell from the
south that made the pole essential else the jib will deflate each time Tanqueray
slides down a swell.
Here we see Queens and the Manhattan skyline in the background before the swell arrives.
Even though we were making 6 knots, it was surprising to see how long it took to pass JFK tower - which is easily visible from out at sea.
It was a slow, relaxing enjoyable sail as we made steady progress along the south shore of Long Island. We both felt slightly queasy because of the swell so we each popped a Dramamine. We may have been able to avoid any seasickness without it, but we wanted to understand if Dramamine works for us and if there were any side effects.
We are happy to report it did make us feel better and not at all drowsy or dry mouthed.
Our natural sleeping schedules are not the same. I like to go to bed early and rise early. Viviane is the opposite. So, it was decided that I would try to catch a few
winks first and then take the early morning watch.
No sooner did the sun begin to set did the fireworks start. It was almost the 4th of July after all. We were treated to hours of spectacular displays and thunder as the sound carried easily over the water.
July 4th
At some point during the night the wind died but the swell did not. That makes for an unpleasant ride as the sails, spars and halyards all bang and rattle. At about 10am, we started the engine and motored towards BI at about 4 knots. There are two advantages to motoring: we can use the autopilot without worrying about battery consumption and we can turn on the compressor to keep the fridge cold.
Huge mansions line the south shore of LI once past the Great South Bay. After passing what seemed liked hundreds of them, Montauk Point came into view late Sunday afternoon.
Just before the famous Montauk Point light house, there is a huge radar tower that looks like it was build in the 50s.
We saw almost no boat traffic once we past the center of LI but now numerous fishing vessels appeared off the point. It was strange sailing past the tip of LI as it seemed there was nothing between us and europe, but the GPS didn't lie and after about 1 hour of motoring, the cliffs of Block Island came into view.
By now the winds had filled in and we probably should have started sailing but we wanted to be sure to make the entrance to Great Salt Pond before dark. By the end of the trip we realized that with only 10 knots of wind, we can often sail as fast as we motor.
We arrived at the harbor entrance at about 7pm and and no problem entering. Find a mooring was a different story. The harbor was mobbed. Boats everywhere. We motored down the main channel looking for the town's lime green mooring balls. Eventually we found them, but after driving around, it was clear there they were all full. It was very tricky maneuvering around the harbor as the wind was blowing 10+ knots and there were boats and dinghies everywhere.
Once we found the area where boats were anchored, we weaved in and out trying to find a gap for ourselves. It was a little nerve racking but we finally settled on a spot and dropped the hook in 25 feet of water. Luckily it grabbed right away and even putting her in reverse it would not drag.
It took a little time to unwind and relax after the stress of Great Salt Pond, but a perfect sunset, a gourmet diner and amazing sunset made us very glad we came.
July 5th
Monday morning we took the launch into the dock and made the short 1.25 mile walk into town. There were people everywhere enjoying the prefect, albeit hot day. We had lobster salad lunchs over looking the old harbor. The ferry was busy shuttling tourists back and forth to the mainland.
If it wasn't so hot we would have rented bikes to see more of the Island but having flown in once before we were somewhat familiar with the beautiful old, new england style homes that dot the island.
After a few Narragansett Light Beers (only $2, VERY cheap for BI) at The Oar we took the launch back to Tanqueray for a refreshing swim and another wonderful dinner. It is amazing how clear and clean the water in Great Salt Pond is.
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