CRUISING THE MAINE COAST July 27 - Aug 12
This blog covers the preparation for the Portsmouth Yacht Club (PYC) cruise the pre-cruise, the cruise and the Boothbay Harbor Rendezvous Event. Lots of parts to this adventure.
Sat July 21 To prepare for our next adventure Bob spent a day rewiring the regulator so it would charge the starter battery as well as to properly manage the charing of the house batteries. Haveing spent money on a professional to do the job we assumed it would have been installed correctly. NOT SO. It seems you have to be an expert on all systems so you can ensure work is done properly, otherwise you end up with a mess and you get to do it again. My favorite thing! Who does it right the first time anymore.
As we headed out of Portsmouth harbor the tide was just turning so it was with us on the way out and with us as we made the turn towards Portland Me. The main sail went up, and we enjoyed the sail up the coast until the weather changed. The wind increased to 26kts + and the seas continued to build putting the dinghy in jeopardy. The motor dropped down after slamming around on some of the waves and at that point we could not really do anything about it. Bob tried to negotiate the building seas to help the dinghy ride along the top of the waves. Flashback to Miami transit towing the fiberglass dinghy that did not ride the waves so well and had to be pumped out several times.
There was a certain amount of stress over the whole thing which increased when we did a dramatic slow down caused by the dinghy hooking one of the 20ft stringer bouys attached to a lobster pot bouy. We turned up into the oncoming waves and wind and the bouy thankfully let go and floated off. We spent considerable time straining our necks checking the dinghy which seemed to be riding waves better than we were.
After zig zagging around to work the best angles we approached the entry to` Hussey sound. The seas calmed at bit then got nasty again as we moved into shallower water, with an outgoing tide and opposing wind. Flashback to Fort Pierce inlet. Well we made it but not without considerable angst and Falmouth Foreside was a welcome sight. However, we could not find Beth’s mooring, nor could the launch drivers so after an hour cruising around the mooring field we ended up on a Handy Boat mooring #26. We checked out the dinghy and surprisingly it had little water in it and our fears were somewhat unfounded.
While Bob was making us ship shape he noticed that the clew in the mainsail was ripping and he thought it needed to be repaired before our next departure. Just one more thing!
We took the dinghy into the dock tied up and headed home.
Monday July 23: After Bob returned from work we headed up to Falmouth to move the boat to the proper mooring, talk to the Sailmaker on site about the clew and settle up for the night on the Handy Boat mooring. No one was there when we arrived to pay for the mooring so we decided to take care of it Thursday when we would return.
The launch driver took me out to find the mooring, they are easier to find in daylight and when you are not so tired. Bob wanted to pull the motor and put it on the transom mount. The lifting harness was somewhat useless and we had to rig up additional support straps to keep it from falling off. There was some frustration building and after the motor was finally up Bob realized that the dinghy would not fit, so we had to put the motor back on the dinghy which prompted some terse discussion. Anyway, the motor was returned to the dinghy and the dinghy was lifted onto the davits. We were almost ready for the pre-cruising part of our PYC trip.
Thursday July 26: After several discussions over the preceding days with Hallet sail maker, Handy Boat office manager, Portland Yacht Club, Harbor Master, Dock Master, Falmouth Police, and finally Walmart we came up with a plan for the sail, parking and moving cars. Everyone was helpful except for the Handy Boat office manager who was going to charge us $45 per day for mooring, and $10 per day for parking even though we were not using the services for two out of four days. I was not happy with tone of our exchanges and opted to take the high road after some grousing of course.
On a good note after further inspection of the clew we decided that it would not need immediate repair and maybe we should consider a new sail. We got some quotes from Dolye Sail and Hallett that seemed reasonable.
We brought a car to Boothbay Harbor in the am and then one to the Walmart in Falmouth and got a taxi to Handy Boat. I spoke with the Rob, the Dock Master about payment and he only charged me for the days I used the service and said he would make it good with the Front office. So that at least saved me $110. He took us out to our boat and we had a good conversation on the way. He is a good ambassador for Handy boat. Since we paid for the service we decided to stay the night and leave the next morning.
Friday July 27: Our departure was delayed because the starter battery did not work, it was charging correctly but would not start the engine; something is wrong and that will need further attention. So, we used the jumper cables, that are now permanently on board, and started he engine.
The day was overcast, the surface calm and temp was in the 60s, it was very nice. We decided to cruise through the islands on our way to Snow Island at the end of Quahog Bay. We pasted Beths place on Long Island and then headed up past Great Chebeague I, and cut through a bunch of Caso Bay islands, passed Bailey Island and headed up Quahog bay to Snow Island. It was a great cruise through the Islands and we arrived much sooner than expected. We were the first to arrive and anchored in a great spot. What a beautiful place. We took the dinghy to the marina at the head of the bay and got some gas and checked out the boats. Lots of very nice sailboats. Upon our return I set up my swing on the spinnaker halyard and watched boats arrive. Only five of us from PYC showed up but there was another club that had about four boats arrive. Bob cooked dinner and we took the dinghy around to say hello to anyone who was in sight.
This is one of the places we will visit again.
Sat. July 28: Bob was up early, so we headed out for our next destination on the pre-cruise, Boothbay Harbor, around 7am. What a great time to be on the water, comfortable temp, flat water, outgoing tide, a little fog, lobster boats pulling pots, interesting homes along the way, and typical Maine scenery. Beautiful.
We followed the route identified by the PYC and it shortened our trip by about 1 1/2 hours. There were swells coming across the ocean side of the bays past Seguin Island and round the cuckolds to Boothbay harbor. I think this passage could be uncomfortable in rough weather. We arrived in Boothbay around 12:30pm and tied up on our Tubboat Inn mooring right in the middle of the downtown harbor.
I called my friend Patti who was on their boat Aegir waiting for Elith. We made plans to meet for dinner later since there were not many around from PYC.
After we tidied up a bit we took the dinghy over to the Shipyard to see where Patti and Elith’s boat was moored. They were on board and we chatted a bit then headed downtown for some lunch and window shopping.
I did find some TEVAs and had a shirt engraved with Élan under a sailboat image. I dragged Bob to a few art galleries where he sat outside anytime he could find a bench. Since I will be here for the week I will go sight seeing Monday when he is working back in Dover.
We met Patti and Elith for cocktails at their boat now tied up to the Boothbay Shipyard dock. 
Dinner was at this very cool tapas grill. Three decks inside and out, a bit of a fire trap, but the food and view and company was perfect. No room for ice cream tonight.
Sunday July 29: 10am arrived and we were just getting up, now that is what you call sleeping in. The morning was overcast and rain was predicted. We packed up stuff for Bob to bring back and loaded up the dinghy with the starter battery, coolers and clothes. We had a nice breakfast at Blue Moon Cafe and then headed out to find a place that could test the battery and if necessary get a new one. The battery test showed that the battery was not putting out enough charge to start the engine and we did end up buying a new one.
The traffic through Wiscasset was predictably bad and we took Edy road on the way back to check out a way to by pass it. We also stopped at a farm stand to pick up some fresh tomatoes and corn for our dinner.
The traffic through Wiscasset was predictably bad and we took Edy road on the way back to check out a way to by pass it. We also stopped at a farm stand to pick up some fresh tomatoes and corn for our dinner.
Back on the boat, Bob put the new battery in and the engine started right up. Cool!
We had tomatoes with mozzarella, fresh basil, oil and balsamic, fresh corn and wine. It was just right. However, Bob did get a lobster roll on his way out of town. It was raining when we headed in with the remainder of the things that were going home. The awning on the boat was soaked and leaking which prompted us to list new enclosure on the to do list. I will have to go ashore in the morning to get connected to wifi so I can research prices.
I did put some plastic on the top of the canvas after Bob left, he was horrified that I would make the boat look stupid. I don't think the smelly wet towels hanging off the boat railings give it a stupid look at all. ;-}
Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny and dry.
Monday July 30
Met Patti and Elith for coffee at the Blue Moon Cafe.
I did some shopping without buying anything yet.
Saw Patti and Elith off at the Shipyard dock.
I have not been to all the galleries but I saw some art I liked
Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny and dry.
Monday July 30
Met Patti and Elith for coffee at the Blue Moon Cafe.
I did some shopping without buying anything yet.
Saw Patti and Elith off at the Shipyard dock.
I have not been to all the galleries but I saw some art I liked
I went to the Moose cafe and had an egg sandwich and HC coffee mix. It was good.
I checked out the library to see if they had some photoshop books, the help menu could not help me. I had taken a panorama of Boothbay and needed some down sizing assistance.
I stopped by the Ed Brown gallery and had a nice conversation with his wife Susan. I bought three interesting pieces and inquired about having her husband do a painting of our boat. He came in just as I was leaving and we talked about some ideas. He will take some pictures of the boat and I will send some I like. I brought the art work back and discovered I should have measured my space before purchasing. I called and will have to bring the larger piece back tomorrow.
Cindy called and said she was not feeling too well because of the medicine for lime disease but was going to try to make it anyway.
I went into town for ice cream and had too much, not feeling so well now. I worked on the blog and published it. Then headed for bed.
moving her car he said to just leave it and it would be fine.
We went back to boat and had a glass of wine and arranged the sleeping. Cindy wanted to sleep outside, Matt took the salon in case Cindy needed to move in. It started to rain so I woke Cindy up and she did move inside. It was getting very wet.
Wed Aug 1: I woke to fog, water drips and wet spots throughout the boat and tried to cover up as much as I could. I did put plastic over the canvas but it was too late. The canvas was soaked and kept dripping. It was supposed to clear by noon. We rigged up a side curtain to keep the rain from coming in and it sort of worked. Bob would have been horrified yet again.
Cindy and I chatted for a bit, started the engine and made tea. Matt woke up hungry and we went into the Blue Moon Cafe for breakfast. I think we should try the Moose Cafe tomorrow. Cindy and I took showers, Matt headed for coffee just as the the sun was coming out. Cindy moved her car to the garden place and then she and Matt went to some art galleries. I brought the too large art work back to Ed Browns and met Matt and Cindy at studio 53.
Matt checked out some of the art studios, the craft show in front of the library, but the balsamic and oil tasting store was the bit hit. We went to lunch, and then back to boat so Cindy could rest up.
Matt tried the kayak and was out for almost 2hrs. I scheduled a pump out for early tomorrow, but have to call them again in the am so they don’t forget. Bob called and I have to remember to send him a list of what to bring back with him tomorrow. We had cocktails and then enjoyed dinner and people watching at the at the Italian place. We did have dessert, it was good!
On the way back to the boat Cindy moved the car to a two hour spot, and I listened to some singing and piano music from the Tugboat Inn. The piano was good...... Lots of older folks in that bar including the entertainer.
( Bob would have been horrified again) Cindy did move around a bit, trying out the bow and then back to the cockpit. She was entertained by very bad karaoke singing till 1am. Matt and I heard nothing.
I headed back to boat to take some photos of the scenery and boats in the fog and spotted the pump out guy starting his rounds. He was picking up messages as caught up with him in my dinghy. Matt had turned the valves for me and I was ready for action. The pump out did not take long, but he was very chatty and Cindy and Matt were waiting for me on the dock when I got back in.
We went to breakfast at the Moose Cafe and it was very good. We did take a quick run back out to boat so Matt could return the valves to the correct position. Thank you Thank you Matt. Back into shore to see them off and to complete my to do list for the morning.
I brought my dads ship clock to the Roger the clock maker, and was escorted by the very chatty parking police. The clock turns out to be from the 1940s and has swiss and german mariner workings. It has eight bells that rings at the change of watch. It needs to be wound at the same time each week, needs a cleaning every 20 years and oiling every 2 years. The last service was in 1989. He had a key that fit, and there are two spots you have to wind in a clockwise direction.
I went to the Ed Brown Gallery and gave him my email so he could send me the pictures he took. He will try to get us under sail when we leave tomorrow or when racing next weekend.
I went to the red cup and got some coffee/HC and headed out around the harbor on the dinghy taking more fog photos.
I put up the swing and watched the fog roll in and out and the boat traffic for a while then started reading a book.
The fog was turning to very heavy mist when Bob called and I headed to shore to pick him up. He was waiting by the dock with flowers, very sweet.
We brought his stuff on board and headed back in to pick up tonic water at the general store. We decided we didn’t need a big meal and went back to boat for a light dinner. We never got to any dinner because the batteries were not charging properly. Initially, I thought is was because I left the inverter on but it proved to be more than that. Bob had planned to get to bed early because he had a busy week but that did not happen. He spent till 11pm trying to sort out the charging dilema. After much testing and retesting he determined that the alternator was not working. I sent a text to Patti and she directed me to Eric or Todd at the shipyard. We will stop by there early tomorrow. He really needed to get some sleep.
Fri Aug 3: I let Bob sleep in a bit and then we headed into shore to figure out our next move. It was ok to stay on the mooring and we could bring the boat to the dock to charge up when we get back from shipyard and breakfast. We made numerous calls and finally ended up ordering an alternator from a place in Brunswick. They will overnight it and we hope it will arrive tomorrow. However Great Island Marine called us back and said they had one and we could come get it, but it would have to be rewired to fit the regulator. This could be done at a machine shop in Brunswick called Morins. We took the old alternator and the new alternator to the machine shop and after discussion with Jean the machinist he said he could rewire the new alternator to hook up with the smart regulator and replace the diode in the old one and it would be a good back up. We could pick it up tomorrow before noon. Ok, so this is looking good and we are encouraged.
Back to the boat we go, shower and have a glass of wine and watch a very violent thunderstorm blow through. impressive lightening, right over us.
The power went out on the side of the bay where Bob wanted to have dinner at the Lobster Dock. So after the storm we headed into the Tugboat restaurant for dinner. Bob had the roast beef which was good, otherwise there was nothing impressive about that place. So we had to walk downtown a have some icecream for me and a frappe for Bob before going back to the boat.
Sat Aug 4 Unfortunately nothing was charging on the boat so boat Bob had to hook up the rusty spare alternator that was on board just so we could get into the dock. The starter battery was dead and that required jumper cables to get us going. Once on the dock we hooked up the 50amp cord and started charging up. We head to breakfast at the Moose Cafe then picked up Bob’s car and discovered a message on his phone that the alternators had been ready since 8:30am. We had to be there by noon before they closed. The traffic was bad but we made it around 11:45 and picked up the new and the back up alternator. We took the back roads to Boothbay and what a difference that made. Bob spent several hours hooking up the new alternator only to find an error message; the field could not shut down. After several calls to several different tech folks it was determined that it had to come off and be returned. So Bob took off the new and put the repaired backup on which worked just fine. Several hours later we were done. Bob had his head stuck in the engine hold all day long. It had been a beautiful day. We took the dinghy to the Lobster Dock and waited in a long line to order his lobsters, I ended up with Chicken because they ran out of their special, prime rib. I had wine in a plastic cup and used my plastic cutlery to carve my chicken. We could hardly wait to get back to the boat for some much needed sleep.
Our heading was to Long Cove next to Tennants harbor. Bob put in the way points and the GPS guided us along the foggy course. It was a bizarre experience. Coming into Long Cove through a narrow passage was interesting, we could see the red buoy and then boats would appear as shadows as we moved further into the cove. It was a good feeling to set anchor and stop navigating the pea soup.
We got ourselves settled and then took a dinghy ride to Tennants Harbor since the fog had lifted. We saw a boat from NH and went over to check it out and it happen to be some PYC members, so we stopped for a chat. It seems everyone has boat problems and sailing stories not that different from ours. The fog was fun for all. They were heading into shore for dinner, since we already ate we did not join them. We rode around the harbor and then back to our boat.
Mon Aug 6 We woke to a sunny day with good visibility. We took a dinghy ride back into the cove and up a creek as far as we could go. At one point we did some unsuccessful rock dodging, the prop is fine. The tide was low and we did row a bit to reach the end. At high tide you could probably get a lot further, but what we saw was great: nice homes and scenery. It was time to move on to our next destination so we headed back, hoisted the dinghy onto the davits loosing a winch in the process. My sister is now in good company, but her overboard winch was found, I don't think we are going to find Bob’s.
We headed across Penobscot Bay to Pulpit Rock and Cabot’s Cove. This was a very quiet and secluded spot. We anchored at the furthest point in. There were several small power boats and a few sail boats on moorings. An inflatable boat towing a skier did break the silence of the cove but not for long. According to the navigation book there was a place to dump trash and a store (about a mile away up a hill). We took the dinghy to explore and did not find either, but we did see a lobster shack on a float with some people on it so we asked about trash and store, gas.
There are no services anymore, but the guy on the float took our trash. He built the shed type house and was living there with his girlfriend for the summer months because the place he rents is revisited by the owners for two months in summer. His lobster boat was near by and looked like it had lots of experience. We thanked them and checked out pulpit rock, the 150 year old nest, the angry osprey, the shoreline (had another close encounter with some rocks) circled around the fancy boats in the harbor and headed back to the boat for dinner. We watched a windjammer come in with with full sails and in perfect light. A small sail boat arrived in our cove with a tiny dinghy in tow skippered by a single older gentleman with very lots of white hair. He used the dinghy as a kayak and he headed off to watch the sunset.
I took the kayak out to see the sunset but missed most of it. I wanted to get pulpit rock with the ospreys but the seas were getting choppy and the wind was picking up and I didn’t want to get wet. I was sitting on a piece of plastic and a towel to prevent any water seeping in from underneath me. It worked I was dry when I got off.
The night was beautiful with lots of stars and calm water.
Tue Aug 7
After teas and coffee and I decided to kayak around the cove in daylight. The man in the sail boat was up so I went there first and told him I had taken a lot of photos of his boat and would email them to him if he had internet. It turns out he was Thomas Hepp, a tour guide, was building a house, had built the boat and the dinghy, had worked building high end sail boats and gave me his card. He was very interesting and fun to chat with. You just never know.
It was another beautiful morning and I did get a few shots of the 150 year old Osprey nest with Osprey.
The ride across the Penobscot Bay was nice, calm seas, no wind, sunny and warm. Our entry to Camden was interesting. We hailed the Wayfarer and they gave us instructions to our slip, then changed the location after they got a look at us and put us on the face of a dock. This place is crowded and tight.
Another power boat came in behind us, squeezed into the slip (bow thrusters) and tied up. It turns out they were from the PYC cruise, Lady Sherle. Jay and Sherle were friends of Sandy and Bill and had a B&B in York Maine. We spoke for a bit, they invited us for cocktails and maybe dinner. We were expecting Gretchen and Patti so we left it flexible.
Bob washed the decks, I did some cleaning below and washed the cockpit. Gretchen called and said they would arrive around 4pm. This gave us time for showers and relaxing. Gretchen and Patti showed up about 5pm loaded down with food and drink. We assisted with the bags and Patti headed back to finish working on the regatta stuff.
Gretchen brought some very nice dinners, snacks, wine, vodka, fresh corn and tomatoes. We stored everything and then had cocktails on the bow. Bob made up some tomatoes with balsamic, basil oil, mozzarella, and fresh basil, it was great! We watched the harbor explode with activity from a nice vantage point. After some conversation, Gretchen advised me that I had indeed been to Camden, we had come there with Brett and had lunch downtown right across from the boat. So much for my memory, but I did eventually recall the trip. hmmmmm
We dinghy-ed over to have dinner at the same place I had lunch with Gretchen several years before, it is so nice to visit familiar places. We sat on the deck and continued to reminisce and watch all the boating activity. Bob was disappointed that Camden had become soooo commercial and catered to mostly high end yachters.
Wed Aug 8 Gretchen and I took the dinghy for gas, and provisions. We had some trouble trying to figure out where the public dinghy dock was, but tied up at likely spot and went to the grocery store and then to Rite Aid for rum and beer. We ate our breakfast sandwich on the dock then headed back to boat with the provisions.
We off the dock by 10:30am and on to our next destination. Gretchen and I had searched the charts and picked out some likely ports to visit, but they turned out to be too far for the days motor sail.
The weather was perfect, sunny, clear, the wind did pick up but as usual it was on our nose. We cruised past owls head and down the same course we used on the way east. Tennants harbor and long cove were the choice for the evening stop.
We arrived in good time, anchored in a good spot and then took the dinghy into the island to do the shell and rock gathering.
It was a great place for photos and I took plenty of the boat and the shoreline. Another great place to hang out.
Bob was checking out the auto pilot, the steering cables and the fuel exchange pump. By the time we returned he had started cocktail hour without us. We quickly caught up, and enjoyed our special spot before preparing dinner. Engine on, dinner warming, appetizer prepared, wine poured and the table set with real dishes. Dinner compliments of Gretchen was amazing, 2 NJ pasta dishes, corn, tomato & mozzarella. We were stuffed, but happy campers. Up to the cockpit for after dinner wine and cookies, I guess we weren’t all that stuffed. Bob went to bed, Gretchen and I chatted and then went on deck to check out the fog, the stars and to figure out where we were. The fog was slightly disorientating. Off to bed with a good book.
Thur Aug 9 We woke to pea soup fog again, couldn’t see anything. Everything was wet, hatching dripping in water giving us that damp cold feeling. We will not be leaving early today. Time for coffee and breakfast. After some discussion we decided to head out in the fog and hope that it clears out as we get away from land. We carefully made our way out and navigated most of the way in pea soup. We passed a few boats doing the same except for some power boats flying along without a care. Gretchen was topside looking for boats while Bob and I took turns below on radar. As we approached Davies Island area it started to lift and we made our way to Boothbay without incident.
The Tugboat Inn dock master marked our mooring with a lifejacket so it was easy to find. We thought we would be late for the rendezvous cocktail party but no problem.
Bob discovered the alternator was cracked so he sent us off without him. They were still setting up when we got there so we socialized with some other sailers. Betty, Bob, her brother, and sister were very energetic and ran a youth sailing program. They would be sailing Lady Nelson a 42 double ender.
We all met up at the Grill for dinner, Elith, Helen, Henrick, Patti, Gretchen, Bob and I. We had lots of good food, wine good conversation. Elith was very generous and picked up the tab. We all headed back to our respective boats and settled down for the night. We checked the weather forecast and were not impressed, more fog and thunderstorms predicted.
Fri Aug 10 What a surprise more pea soup fog. Bob and I went to shore for showers. He is bringing the alternators back to Morins in hopes that we can get it fixed and re-installed before the race. I headed back to boat to get Gretchen but I thought I was late for the Captains meeting and went there without her. It was the breakfast at 8am and the captain’s meeting a 9:30am. I had a waffle, grabbed some coffee for Gretchen got back in Dinghy and headed back to boat. As I throttled up the coffee hit the decks leaving the floor awash. hmmm I got to boat without the coffee and presented an empty cup to Gretchen. We went back to the shipyard and she was able to get waffles and coffee.
The captain’s meeting consisted of announcing the cruisers and classic boat course, some of the rules, thanking sponsors, introducing the committee boat folks and answering questions. I had to ask after the meeting about a few things, specifically the starting procedure with flags and horns. I explained the alternator problem and would keep them informed about our progress.
Gretchen and I cruised around the harbor for a bit, it was too foggy to see much. Bob called saying he was on his way back with the alternator and he thought we might have time to make the race. We picked him up at Tugboat and he left his car on the dock,and I left Gretchen to walk around town. Bob re-installed the new alternator, it appears that Jean from Morins made a mistake with the wiring. He was apologetic, and fixed it, drilled holes for the bolts so it would fit properly and will repair the backup.
I went to Tugboat dock to pick up Gretchen and was supposed to move the car, I forgot and Gretchen and I headed back to boat. We contacted the race committee advising we would not make the starting gun and went to the Carrousel dock for gas and water. expensive! We had been monitoring Ch 72 for the race information. There had been a hold because of the fog and we thought we could make the start. I called and advised but our class went out sooner than expected and we got there as the racing class was going off so we just did the course without going over the start line.
It was still foggy but lifting with the wind. We did a lot of tacking, had lunch, Gretchen read her book and snoozed a bit, the rocking was not good for anyone prone to sea sickness.
We made it around the course and did back off a mark when we intercepted the racing class. They put up spinnakers and I did get a few photos for the contest.
As we approached the finish line the race committee boat left so we turned on the motor, took down and sails and motored to our mooring. We didn’t have much time to clean up so we changed clothes and took dinghy to shipyard for dinner and awards. We did bring raincoats since rain was predicted.
They had an open bar sponsored by pinnacle vodka, and buffet with pulled pork, brisket, baked beans, corn bread and cookies for desert. It was pretty good.
There were several types of awards, the usual first second third sailing, and then misc awards. Elith came in second in classic class, Betty came in second in racing class, and Chris came in first in cruiser class. There were singing and wardrobe awards, and two special awards, “it sucks to be you” we won second, and another boat whose engine blew up won first. He stated that it was a very expensive day. All were thanked for their support and we will do again next year.
Back to the boat in rain and fog this time, you gotta love Maine weather.
It poured most of the night causing the weak areas to leak, such as the porthole over Bob’s head. that was fun ;-}
Sat Aug 11
The morning was, guess what, foggy, the water flat and the dingy full of water from last night’s rain. Bob, Gretchen and I joined Patti and Elith for breakfast at Andrews Harborside. We had left the engine running to get a good charge on the batteries and it was all good when we returned.
Our plan was to watch the start of the Mega Yacht races at noon and then start heading back to Falmouth. The races got delayed for lack of wind so after an hour and a half we went back to the mooring. I took Gretchen in to dock so she could head back to Pattis and I paid for the Tugboat Inn mooring for one night.
We then headed to Five Islands. The race was underway as we crossed over the course and I did get some interesting photos. There were eight in the race and the sails filled the horizon. It was quite a site.
Five Islands is a bit tight in the harbor and we called the boat yard for a mooring after someone said the mooring we first selected would not hold our size boat. We did get a mooring for $30 but it was in a very rock and roll spot.
Patti and crew met us for dinner at the dock boyb place. Bob had lobster and I had a cheese steak, we were both happy with our choices. It went well with the wine and camaraderie. They headed back to Boothbay and we sat on bow with some wine until mosquitos drove us in. I showed Bob some of the pictures and off to bed.
Sun Aug 12 The night was noisy, I had a lot on my mind and did not get much sleep, and surprise surprise it was foggy when we got up. Bob checked the oil and I checked the weather. The oil was fine, the weather crappy. Destination today is Falmouth, should be about a 6hr run and looks like most it in fog, rain and thunderstorms.
After starting out the fog did clear a bit, but the seas started to build and I was not at my best. We made the decision to go back to Boothbay and pick up a Shipyard mooring. It was thick fog all the way but we did find the mooring and hooked up. It took some time to clean up and pack up. Bob made two trips on the dinghy bringing all our stuff in and then had to put the dinghy on davits and kayak back in. He made it just fine. We drove to Walmart in Falmouth to pick up my truck, which was still there. The ride home was uneventful except for some heavy Sunday night traffic.
The cruise was a good experience, although we did not get to meet up with most of the PYC members. Maine is a wonderful place to cruise and we will do it again next year. I will go back to Boothbay next week to have the Shipyard set up a diver to clean the boat, a diesel mechanic to check out the engine, and I will have the boat lettered with Elan and Portsmouth NH.
