Dolphin Tales

We awoke at 06:30 like kids on Christmas morning, filled with excitement about what the day had in store for us! It was cold but we didnt stop to think about it. We got D ready and had coffee brewing as we left Larchmont YC at 07:05 for Sandy Hook. Seas were calm and with a favorable current of 0.5 kt our GPS showed 5.5 kts. The only big traffic was a tall ship “Half Moon”, a Mayflower look alike. Soon we passed under Throgs Neck BR, then Whitestone BR,and past the Bronx. Water was flat calm and the skies were crystal clear! And there was no oncoming traffic to distract us from taking in the beautiful skyline. We were blessed with a beautiful day!!! Next we passed between the Brothers Islands and found ourselves at Hell’s Gate. GPS was showing speeds of 9.1kts while we were only doing 4.6 thru the water; but, all was well and we had good steerage. We passed Roosevelt Is on port; the “tram” went directly over us. Before we knew it we were in the East River enjoying the Manhattan skyline (Empire State, Chrysler, the UN buildings and of course the new WTC. Photographer Sue spent most of this time on the bow documenting the journey! We passed close by Lady Liberty; she was breathtaking and majestic! It was only as we traveled to the outer harbor that we passed barges and tugs at anchor. From the impressive Verrazano BR we had a calm, swift passage to Sandy Hook, NJ. We took on a mooring at Atlantic Highlands YC at 13:40 and celebrated with a cocktail!

Bill, Diane and Kerry, Sue’s brother and family took the YC launch to join us for a visit. Bill is an experienced sailor in this area and offered guidance as we transited NYC, Thanks Bill!! Time was ticking and Sue needed to get back to work so Bill chauffeured her to a nearby ferry to begin the trek home. With four legs (ferry to Manhattan, run to Penn, train to Branford, then the drive home) she made it home to Clinton just before 23:00. Sue, we can’t tell you how much we enjoyed having you with us and appreciate all your help! Wish you could have stayed longer to do the Cape May leg! Can’t wait for your return!

Shortly after our arrival we learned of two vessels planning a sail to Cape May and up the Delaware. We shared contact info and planned to talk on Sunday. Having company for the long overnight journey would be awesome! Although current SW15-40kt predictions may delay our departure by a few days. Oh wait, we have time, don’t we?!!

Later that day we took the launch in to poke around. We toured the waterfront quickly…it was bone chilling cold and windy! We visited the Atlantic Highlands YC and were welcomed by the Commodore and several members. Al and Robin invited us to join them for dinner. The YC atmosphere was very relaxing, the club adorned with burgeys from all over the country and an impressive view of the Manhattan skyline. Dinner was delicious, with many stories shared about sailing from Block Is to the Chesapeake. Back to D before the last launch run at 22:00. The view of the night skyline was fantastic! The Verrazano BR looked like a diamond encrusted crown glistening in the moonlight! Wish we could have gotten a good picture to share with you! What an incredible day of beautiful sights!

Ya, so?!

10/12/12, Happy Birthday Mom! ….we were thinking of you as we left Post Jefferson at 02:30 this AM and throughout the day! The inner harbor was flat dead calm but as we enter LSI we are greeted with 2-2.5′ chop. It continued for the next 31 miles to Larchmont, NY Harbor. At 04:30 we were treated to hot coffee and fresh-from-the-oven Apple Crisp lavishly topped with whipped cream. Just what we needed to keep warm. (Even with three layers on, long johns, turtle neck with fleece pants and sweat shirt, Nina could not get warm til she wrapped a fleece blanket around her or had a hot flash!) Keeping a lookout for east and west bound tugs and barges, Sue guided Dolphin all the way to the outer Harbor. It was a treat to see the sunrise over Oyster Bay! As soon as we arrived in Larchmont and secured a mooring we decided it was time for a nap. Dolphin enjoyed a late morning rain shower that rinsed her of the salt spray she endured over the 6.5 hour journey. Sue made a delicious lunch (tuna melts and broccoli cheddar soup) then we took the launch to shore and toured the beautifully elegant yacht club facility complete with 7 cannons, a salt water infinity pool with two beaches, two level of cabanas, elegant dining room , ladies lounge and guest rooms for member sponsored guests only….so there! Quite a contrast from our two night stay at the humble accommodations we enjoyed at Indian Neck Yacht Club Marina in Branford! Polar opposite! Bottom line: The showers were better at LYC but the hospitality and members were more welcoming at INYC! Anyway, back to our day…. We took HOT showers, and enjoyed a brisk walk to downtown to explore. We picked up a few provisions, stopped at a wine tasting(how does Adrien always manage to find these?) and enjoyed margaritas and fajitas at Tequila Sunrise, Thanks for the treat Sue! Back to D for a night cap and to prepare for our journey through Hell’s Gate to Sandy Hook! Tomorrow promises to be an exciting day!! N

Off the coast of Oyster Bay 07:00

We had planned to make our way to Larchmont or City Island today to position ourselves for the run thru Hell’s Gate on Friday but last night after dinner the winds picked up to 20kts with gusts to 35+. Being in an unfamiliar area, the Captain took anchor watch til 03:30AM, through a 6+’ low tide, to make sure we were ok. The winds died down but as the tide came the winds strengthened again and by 06:45 we were slipping dangerously close to a power boat swinging widely from starboard to port. We jumped to the helm, motored up to full throttle fighting 25kts winds, dropped the mooring quickly and motored to a town mooring for a more secure position. Man, the adrenaline was flowing! As we waiting for the winds to subside we all went back to bed for some more shut eye knowing we were safe and secure. At about 10:00 AM we rallied with hot coffee and a scrambled egg breakfast (seasoned with portabella mushrooms, asparagus and red onion!) to reevaluate the conditions. With a marine forecast promising a repeat performance of yesterdays strong W winds we decided to stay put!

Port Jefferson was waiting for us and getting our land legs was enticing! Nina knew she had a high school friend in the area, Tom Tripp, and reached out to see if we could meet up. Tom was able to arrange his schedule to meet us… it was great! He gave us a tour of the charming downtown Pt Jefferson and even chauffeured us around to several supply stores in a hunt for a replacement fuse!

For the remainder of the afternoon we enjoyed a few drinks and appetizers of delicious Blue Point Oysters on the half shell, baked stuffed clams and crab cakes (the latter from an unknown location not near LIS!) at the lovely Danford Hotel overlooking the Harbor. It was a relaxing visit that gave us time to get caught up on history, life events, share stories, and yes, Adrien had to tell a few jokes! As the last launch back to D was at 18:00, we parted ways with hugs and promises to stay in touch! Tom ‘s offer to help bring D back through NY next spring was duly noted and will be scheduled!! What a great afternoon! Thanks MN for that opportunity to spend time with Tom!

Great visit with Tom

When we got back to D we reviewed updated wind, current and tide conditions and decided that a night sail to Larchmont will be the best way to beat the projected strong cold front and returning winds. So after a night cap shot of JW Black it’s off to bed for an early rise at 02:00 to be on our way to Larchmont Harbor, ETA 10/12/12 08:30.

Sunday 10/7/12 We left Block Island on our way to Orient Point on a sunny Sunday morning. Clouds moved in by noon while we were sailing in light breezes. We had a visitor for a few minutes, a Dark Eyed Junko! He landed on the aft deck and roamed about the boat from stern to bow, under the Bimini and back out, then flew off to parts unknown!

Our Guest!

The clouds turned into drizzle by mid-afternoon as we were motor-sailing by Gardiner’s Island. As we passed the “Teapot Lighthouse” at Orient Neck, rain was falling. We picked up a mooring off Orient Yacht Club (just N of Shelter Island) and settled in for the night with a delicious dinner and fireworks emanating from the YC. Soon we could see flashing red lights from emergency vehicles….uh-oh!

Teapot Light House

Monday 10/8/12 As I cast off the mooring pennant, the gentle NW wind turned Dolphin towards the Teapot Lighthouse and I rolled out the Genoa and we were quietly sailing down wind under a cloudy sky doing 5 kts.

As I rounded the lighthouse I jibed the Genoa to starboard, sheeted the Genny in and we were soon cutting through the water at 6 kts close-hauled. We reached Plum Gut, downed the Genny, and motored into the stiff 16 kt NW breeze. After passing through the gut, Nina joined me at the helm with a pot of coffee. We redeployed the Genny and were now struggling to make 4 kts as the breeze had diminished. After 4 hrs of sailing we were now 2nm N of our Orient Point YC mooring as the crow flies! By noon we were motor sailing toward Branford, CT and the Thimbles. Considering the weather forecast, provisioning needs and chores, we elected to take a slip. We chose Indian Neck YC well up the river and were greeted by Nick who led us to the club bar for arrival cocktails and stories at the club, and that was “No Coincidence”! (A story for another day!)

We elected to get a quick bite at the closest restaurant (“Nellie Greene’s”, not to be confused with Snookie Green!). We met Mary Kay and Dr. Vince, delightful couple who live on the river; Jean Carlo and Sue from East Haven, and our bartender Jerry who was efficient, pleasant and full of great stories. Nina rowed us back to Dolphin because I simply had too much to drink.

Tuesday 10/9/12 This was a day full of chores while we awaited the arrival of our First Mate, Sue. While Nina went out to do laundry and grocery shop, (she managed to fit in manicure and pedicure!), Adrien did chores around the boat. We made our way back to Nellie Greene’s with only 15 minutes left to Happy Hour. We quickly ordered cocktails, three dozen littlenecks and oysters on the 1/2 shell, blue point crab sliders, calamari, patty melt burgers, and Jerry put another dozen oysters in the fridge awaiting Sue’s arrival. Within a few minutes we were surrounded by familiar faces, and we’d only been there one night before!! I think this town has a drinking problem! Nellie’s was packed. Sue arrived and joined us at the bar and the feasting and drinking continued. Finally we left Nellies, and back at the YC enjoyed Caribbean Rum Pain Killers while chatting and exchanging stories with several members. As pumpkin time was approaching, we walked back to a comfortable night sleep on Dolphin.

Wednesday 10/10/12 We were greeted by steady rain and light winds as we awoke. Despite having an invitation to a pre-planned white clam ravioli lunch, we elected to leave Branford in the drizzle. By 10:00 we were motor-sailing with a strong NE wind. By 11:00 the sun had broken through and it was a delightful day and the winds had turned to the South. By 14:30 we were 18 miles from our destination of Oyster Bay when the winds turned strong and ugly out of the SW. After being battered by the steep 4-6′ chop, we abandoned Oyster Bay and decided to seek refuge at Port Jefferson. We were tossed and rolled to the point where fruit and unsecured objects were being thrown about the galley. No sooner had we pulled in at 16:00 then the winds had diminished to 6 kts and we enjoyed stuffed scallops while watching this beautiful sunset and then a delightful chicken dinner. A

<a Calm and relaxed in Port Jefferson!

Hi! Well, we need to catch you up with the last few days of activity! When we last left off we were fogged in and hanging out a second night in Cutty Hunk. Nina made steel cut oats with apricots and walnuts for breakfast to warm us up! Adrien dove in and cleaned D’s bottom. Spent the afternoon reading travel books and planning our course through LIS. For dinner we enjoyed Coquille St Jacques over pasta (compliments of TOI!) and a chilled bottle of J.Lohr…yummm!

Left CH on Thurs at 11:30; raised all three sails with North winds at 8-12kn. Had a fantastic sail, sometimes 6.1 over the bottom, comfortable with 1’ waves N, and 4-6’ swells SW, (it was like being a baby resting on a parents chest as they slowly breathed in and out!) After a surprise call we diverted our course by a couple of degrees and headed to Point Judith, RI to meet with longtime friends, Bud and Dee who wanted visit and wish us Bon Voyage. We anchored in Pt Judith Harbor of Refugee and dinked ashore arriving for our 18:30 dinner rendezvous. No matter how much time has passed it feels like we never missed a beat!

Dee, Adrien and Nina at George’s in Pt Judith, Bud behind the camera

Lively conversations and delicious dinner…a wonderful treat! Bud shared one of his many Budizims reminding us of a valuable life lesson; we should focus on the Rocks and not the Sand!!! Back to Dolphin for a rolly sleepless night as we took southwest swells abeam. (Funny story about the Coast Guard chase will be told at a later date!)

On Friday we awoke at 06:00 to a very foggy anchorage. Departed at 07:42, to  clearing skies, calm SW winds, motor sailed 214M to Block Island entrance where we took up town mooring #27 near Champlin’s. Dinked in and walked to town. Sightseeing, visited BI Church, cocktails at Surf Hotel overlooking Crescent Beach. What a beautiful calm, sunny day! Dinked under a small bridge at the foot of the harbor, explored a pond with lots of grassy rolling hills, beautiful homes and bird life. Back to Dolphin for delicious Mediterranean Chicken and sautéed broccoli ..and of course more wine! Salt Water Taffy for dessert compliments of Bud and Dee! Watched a few episodes from Season 1 of Breaking Bad on Netflix….getting into the story!

Old Harbor

Crescent Beach, Block Island

Saturday, awoke at 08:00′ blowing SW16-18, warm and sunny….decided to stay another day….because we could! Dinked ashore and enjoyed a 5 mike walk along Crescent Beach, thru a nature wildlife sanctuary and back via Corn Neck Road. Back to D for a cocktail and snacks, then dinked to THE OAR Restaurant for Adrien’s Birthday dinner. Met up with Linda and Karl on “Chance”, 36 Nauset from Bristol YC. Discovered we shared many friends in common from Harbor Lights Marina, Warwick and even connections to Clinton. And Karl is a retired HR Professional with great waterskiing stories! What a small world!! Delightful company, conversation and dinner! We were offered a tour of Chance…beautiful vessel! Linda and Karl, thanks so much for joining me to sing Happy Birthday to Adrien and for the OSJL Lantern! We love it!

That’s it for now, still a few days to catch you up on! We’ve had some challenges getting on-line from the computer so we’re posting via IPad….ugh! Stay tuned!

N&A

We woke to fog, 1/4 mile visibility but warm temperature. With currents in our favor at noon we decided to take time in the morning to do a few chores and take our coffee ashore to walk the island. I was hoping for any signs that summer might be lingering…. My favorite shops were closed, and posted signs, “Thanks for a great summer!”, houses were closed up, docks empty. Even the rabbits were gone! One of the few signs of life… the elementary school door was propped ajar with a rock; they had 2 students (bother and sister).  Interesting to see a different side of Cutty Hunk!

Looks like a motor ride to Block tomorrow. N

We departed West Island at 6:00 PM with no wind and a slight drizzle. We were gifted with a bags of fresh oysters, scallops and little necks compliments of Taylor Oceans Inc., our neighbors at Earl’s Marina. Thanks Tim and Mr. Taylor!!

It’s been a busy transit across Buzzards Bay this evening as we make our way to Cutty Hunk. No moon but lots of lights from barges. We have new radar, I’ll tell you about that project later, but really glad we have a new app that shows marine traffic. Check out the image attached. We’re the red pin, amongst many other vessels. The pairs are tugs, barges and their escort making their way to the Cape Cod Canal. Without this app it just looks like a bunch if lights and hard to figure out where they are going and how fast. The app shows us speed, direction, destination, name and sometimes pictures of the vessel. Feeling very safe!