Merry Christmas

Murrell’s Inlet, SC at Wacca Wache Marina.

We loved this stretch of the Intracoastal on the Waccamaw River through the National Wildlife Refuge, with Cyprus trees coming straight out of the water. Lots of beautiful anchorages, but we decide on the Wacca Wache marina, where we tie up and enjoy an early Christmas Eve supper at Hannah Bananas, here on the dock.

Our heads are turned by Nellie D, a 37’ Lord Nelson Victory Tug (see photo) , a splendid trawler we could live with if we weren’t hardcore sailors. We enjoyed spending time aboard Act III with her owners, Dave and Bicki Howell, who shared their vast and varied cruising adventures with us. It was a most pleasant way to spend a holiday eve.

Today it’s raining and blowing, but temperatures are mild, so we’ll continue 20 miles to Georgetown. After this weather front passes, we’ll decide if we'll go outside to Charleston, or continuing down the Intracoastal.

I’ll copy Nellie D’s good example and include a lat/long with our blogposts.

33 33.75N, 079 05.19W

Happy & Merry

Happy and Merry from Act III in Southport NC, at the Cape Fear River. Movie buffs who recall Robert DeNiro in that film will understand why I kept looking under the keel.

It’s not quite swimsuit weather as we travel south relatively late in the season. (Note that our compass cover serves dual purpose as a yarmulke…I’m all set for the holidays!) We often wake to frost on the decks, but nothing like the northeast this week…sorry friends.

Our current plan is to stay in the Intracoastal until Georgetown, then go outside for some short runs down the coast when weather allows. We expect to stop in Hilton Head SC to visit a family friend; then will continue outside the Georgia coast.

While in Morehead City the other day, we passed up a visit to this restaurant listed in Skipper Bob’s guide:

“Tie up overnight at the Sanitary Restaurant for $10. No electric. Restaurant has reddish roof and is located on land on north bank where chart says “Submerged Pile.” Bill says he just wants a napkin from this place.

The Tiki Bar? Your guess is as good as ours.

Happy holidays to all you great friends and loving family. We’re incredibly lucky to have you all in our lives.

Doin' The Fan(belt)dango

I have a little time while waiting for the auto parts store in nearby Morehead City to call back telling me they're ready to deliver a couple of belts we need. We left Oriental yesterday morning and were cruising along nicely about 30 miles into our projected 50 mile day, when the alternator belt snapped. No problem because we threw out the anchor in the river, put out a "securitee" call on the radio for passing boats to know we were temporarily disabled, and reached for the pile of 10 belts we have stowed under our berth. Wouldn't you know NONE of them were the right size...Bill reasonably assumed that the previous owner's stash would be the correct belts, but NO.

After a bit, a passing sailboat offered one they had aboard and we did a neat passing of a belt using boat hooks...looked like a jousting contest, but that belt wasn't right either (nor was it a good time to take a perfect photo). Bill finally installed a belt that was a little too big but allowed us to at least make a little headway as long as we didn't accelerate at all...the current and wind were also favorable. We only had to go 8 miles to a marina, which we made easily before dark. Then a quest for a car and a store. A local shopgirl offered Bill her car, which he filled with gas and took to Morehead city to get a selection of sizes. Today we know the right sizes and I refused to leave until we at least had one spare of each belt we need (2).

Oh yeah, we eventually realized we had one correct belt all along...it just seemed too small until Bill moved some screw or such. Ahhhh, cruising life. We'll make a relatively short run to Swansboro today, then wait out the predicted snow/rain storm. We clearly left a little late in the season, but all is good and we have plenty of warm clothes and heater.

When we get to warmer climes, we'll have a yard (deck) sale featuring fuses, belts and bulbs. Probably will pay for our season.

Frost on the Pumkin AND Act III

We've been at Sailcraft Marine for 10 days, but there is frost on the decks this morning and it’s clearly time to head further south. We leave for Beaufort or Morehead City in an hour or so.

Bill was brilliant this week and (among other things) installed a new (Spectra) watermaker, an Air-X wind generator, and thru-bolted down the deck boxes he built at home. I waxed and caulked and stood by as first assistant. Act III is really ready for cruising now. We feel god-like after making our own water last night for the first time, and a blind taste test showed we preferred it over our bottled water.

We plan to continue down the Intra-coastal for awhile, unless we’re forced outside to avoid shoal water. Florida is looking better every day I put on my long-johns.

No pictures from here…we put in long 10-12 hour work-days and fell into bed at night. No time for frivolity :)

Frost on the Pumkin ABND

We’ve been at Sailcraft Marine for 10 days, but there is frost on the decks this morning and it’s time to head further south, for sure! We leave for Beaufort or Morehead City in an hour or so.

Bill was brilliant this week and (among other things) installed a new (Spectra) watermaker, an Air-X wind generator, and bolted down the deck boxes he built at home. I waxed and caulked and stood by as first assistant. Act III is really ready for cruising now. We feel god-like after making our own water last night for the first time.

We plan to continue down the Intra-coastal for awhile, unless we’re forced outside to avoid shoal water. Florida is looking better every day I put my long-johns on.

No pictures from here…we put in long 10-12 hour work-days and fell into bed at night.

Thanksgiving

I made slip reservations for Hampton Public Pier about 3 weeks before I left to meet Bill because I didn’t want to take any chances that we’d not have a place to meet Polly & Miles, Miles’ parents, Tammy Hitchcock and Robin Dreyer, and Miles’ grandmother, Donna Jean Dreyer. Then I called the day before our reservation date to say we’d be coming in early, was that OK. “Let me check,” said the girl who answered for the Public Pier. Yes, it was OK. So I felt a little silly when we pulled into the harbor to find we were the only vessel at the pier.

We can’t gush enough over how wonderful the holiday was with our 5 guests aboard. They were funny, competent, daring, interested and interesting, and instinctively knew how to manage the small quarters we shared.

Thanksgiving Day was predicted to be the mildest and warmest of our days together so we went out in the morning for about 5 hours of light winds and sunshine. Then had a Thanksgiving Dinner (buffet) that couldn’t be beat at the Crowne Plaza Hotel next door to the marina.

Friday morning weather report was for SW 35-40 kt winds, with gusts to 45. Bill described what we could expect if we went out and the team quickly voted “nay.” Later, though, the forecast was downgraded to 25-35 kt, winds, gusting 40, and the unanimous decision was to go for the adventure. Bill promised the seas wouldn’t be too bad; we’d be in the lee of land.

The forecast was accurate and we had a thrilling time going across from Hampton to Norfolk to view the navy vessels. Act III roared along under full genoa, then reefed jenny, at 8 to 9.5 kts. Through the rain squall with hail we sailed under deeply reefed jenny alone, and by this time we were a well-oiled performance team and daringly rescued a brightly colored beach ball floating all alone in the choppy sea.

Donna Jean particularly loved the fast ride and being heeled over 20 degrees, but nothing interrupted her teatime. (See photo.).

We were sad to say good-bye, but expect to see everyone in warmer climates before too long. Act III departed Hampton on Sunday, 11/29/09, and made a short day on the water, tying up at Great Bridge for the night. Next day we went on to Coinjock, where we met Captain Peter MacIntosh, who has been sailing virtually non-stop since he was 11 years old, and his crew Frieda. They are bound for Beaufort, NC, close to Oriental, where we’ll stop for a final haul before taking off for Southern waters.

Tangier Island

Milton Parks has been landing and launching boats from his marina on Tangier Island for 60 years; he tells you frequently, so you’d best listen to his instructions.

When we call ahead to inquire about space at Tangier, Milton thinks aloud about the large boats he already has tied up, then says come on in, he’ll find us a spot. He’s seems barely equipped to handle the 60’ length he lists for the cruising guide, but he’s game to try, and he’s fit us in both times, however messy the process.

This time, like last summer when we visited with Susan & Russell, Milton has 2 men who happen to be around on hand to take our lines. “Bring the bow in here,” he hollers over the wind as we approach. “No! I said HERE,” he says with gestures which are just as unclear. Bill brings Act III in as he sees fit and I toss a spring line, suggesting that Milton take a turn around a piling, but he seems to prefer muscling the boats into place.

So, with some adventure but no real problems, we tie up, hug Milton, greet our neighbors and the million cats hanging around. One sailing neighbor was towed in the previous night after losing halyard and engine; the other is on a big trawler, and his wife doesn’t like wind or waves, so they can’t go to the Bahamas. We change out of full foul weather gear and prepare to go out to eat. Milton wants to drive (golf cart) us the ¼ mile to Lorraine’s restaurant, after questioning why a nice lady like me is out on a raw, drizzly day like this, why I’m not home knitting and having babies, but we decline the kind offer and enjoy stretching our legs.

The next morning we’re up early to start a rather long day to Hampton VA, and Milton is already on the dock. He insists we cannot leave today. He gestures to the distance and says the island is completely fogged in, and the wind and tidal currents will keep us on the dock. We note at least ¼ mile visibility and Bill is confident he can move out safely, so despite his disagreement, Milton begins to take lines from our starboard side docking and plan our getaway. Naturally, Capt. Bill and Milton have different ideas about the best way to get off the dock. Milton: “I’ve been docking and undocking boats for some 40 years, so…”

Bill: “Have you ever sailed a long skinny sailboat?”

Well, no, Milton reluctantly allows he has not, so we agree that we’ll try Bill’s plan first, then Milton’s if it doesn’t work. Captain Rescued-man stands by with intense interest…he’s heard the whole morning debate and doesn’t have enough experience yet to know which man is right. Besides, he’s depending on Milton for his own rescue from Tangier.

As we done many a time, Bill springs off a fender positioned at the starboard bow, with me tending the line. On his word, I haul my line aboard, and Bill slides away neatly in reverse, clearing the trawler’s bow and lining Act III up nicely in the channel.

“He DID it,” squealed Capt. Rescued-Man, as I coiled my line.

“Of course he did,” I answered.

Now Milton could have gone either way, but I was pleased to hear him marvel, “He’s GOOOOD!”

And on we went to Hampton VA, to meet the family for the holiday.

Heidi is aboard!

Boat projects and oyster shooters kept me occupied until Heidi arrive on Thursday, 11/19, about 2 PM. Thanks, Susan, for delivering my Babe. Friday was a beautiful day; we slept in, stowed gear, got fuel and water, did laundry, ate at McCormick and Schmidt’s for $18, including two shooters for me.

Saturday we hauled the dinghy and fitted the bag that Heidi made for it. Perfect fit; way to go Heidi! Got under way about 1000; motored to Annapolis; on a mooring by 1430. No one appeared to collect mooring fee. We love these off season freebees.

Sunday was an easy down wind sail to the Solomons. Not our favorite port, but it is in the right place, and, once again, no charge for the mooring.

Monday, 11/21: Fast sail to Tangier Island. 15 to 20 kts with higher gusts gave us 0ver 8 kts on a broad to beam reach. Milton Parks, dock master, once again had a tight berth available for us. Local dinner and nice people.

Paul, Mary Beth, the Worm Famer, Oyster shooters

Paul and Mary Beth earned their stripes. As soon as we rounded Sandy Hook on Sat, 11/07, we started pounding into wind and seas right on the nose: NW 10 to 15 kts. Seas were only three feet or so, but steep and with a short period, so the ride was a little bumpy as we took long tacks during the day, bound for Sandy Hook on Sunday during the day. By sunset the wind was still on the nose at 15-20 kts, gusts over 25 kts, but the forecast predicted lower winds after midnight. In order to make for a more gentle ride and somewhat shorter trip, I elected to motor sail through the night under reefed main alone, taking the wind about 30 degrees apparent. The 10 PM forecast said no decrease in wind until sometime Sunday during the day. By the wee hours of Sunday, seas were making the ride pretty uncomfortable, so we put into Atlantic City a little before dawn. Atlantic City Harbor aids to navigation must have been planned by the folks who designed Vegas and its aids to navigation: toy buoys that are not lighted. The harbor is easy if you plan to sail under the 50 foot bridge to anchor: not an option for ACT III and her 62.5 foot mast. The channel to the marina has no lighted buoys, and runs close to jetties that have no lights. Lots of traffic lights and hotels on shore make it hard to see anything. Fortunately I had been there once before and had some memory of the situation. Another very experienced skipper who also came in before dawn asked the Coast Guard for an escort, and they gave him one. It is a disgraceful situation for a major harbor, and now that Paul S. has broken the bank, Atlantic City will never be able to improve its aids to navigation. (See Paul's comment to previous blog.)

After a day and a night of recuperation, we had a nice sail to Cape May, NJ. Stayed overnight and had an easy motor to Delaware City (around the cape because we are too tall for the short cut). Unfortunately Crabby Dick’s was closed on Tuesday so we couldn’t have crab balls with seaman sauce. I made reservations for four at Delaware City’s second best restaurant. It turned out to be a takeout pizza joint with three booths.

On Wed. Nov 11, we decided to go through the C and D Canal, into the Chesapeake, and to a very well protected anchorage in the Sassafras River. We didn’t feel the 35 kt overnight winds.

Thursday we decided to try the run down the bay to and maybe to cross to the Patapsco River and Baltimore even though the winds were predicted to 30 to 35 kts or more. We found three harbors along the route that we could duck into if the going got too rough. The NE breeze gave us a rip roaring run under jenny alone, averaging 8 to 9 kts over the ground. Paul steered most of the way; he did an excellent job. Since everyone was having fun and ACT III was very happy, we decided to commit to the hard turn to starboard in order to cross the bay to the Patapsco River. This put the seas and frequent gusts over 40 kts right on the beam, so we motor sailed under shortened jenny. By now Paul and Mary Beth were old hands, so they enjoyed the rockin and rollin. ACT III, of course, was a perfect lady.

We anchored in the lee of the World Center and the amazing Baltimore Aquarium where the top of our mast felt 5 kts of breeze.

Baltimore is a gas. The aquarium has to be one of the best; the anchorage and rest rooms are free. Paul introduced me to Oyster Shooters and my infamous worm famer alter ego appeared, possibly because of the ribbing capn Bill took about the reservation in Delaware City. If I ever feel left out because I was never in a 12 step program, Oyster Shooters could be my route to alcoholism. Thanks Lazette and the staff at McCormick and Schmidt. Paul’s lovely daughter, Lindsey joined us for Saturday night. Somehow the worm famer managed to stay up past his usual 8 PM curfew. Sunday morning was sad; everyone left.

Capn Bill

Let The Games Begin

I'm outta here! My friend, and former quartet lead, and deck babe extraordinaire, is driving me to Baltimore today, where Bill is happily anchored in the Inner Harbor.

There was never a question, but I'm ecstatic that I stayed for my chorus and quartet International (Canada) competition. Sounds of the Seacoast took 3rd place medals, and is officially among the "big girls" in Harmony, Inc. All thanks to "BOL".

It seems unreal to be leaving, but there's frost on the ground and I'm looking forward to sunshine.

Come visit soon! I'm already lonely for my girlfriends...

Heidi

Atlantic City and Chesapeake

Bill, Mary Beth Lambert and Paul Shumway, who Bill knows from tennis, ducked into Atlantic City after a long, cold night sailing into near gale winds. They stayed fairly cozy with the detachable cockpit sides installed, but it was an uncomfortable night. Several other sailboats also came into port that night because of the weather, and some were damaged. Act III didn't blink a spreader...it was the crew who wimped out. (I'm not there, so I can throw down the challenges.)

After a day's rest and just a little gambling for Paul--I heard he was only down $2.50--they had a nice sail to Cape May for a night, then onto Delaware City. Paul slowed the ride up Delaware Bay by catching a couple of nice bluefish, which he filleted live and grilled on the barbie when they got to port. The crew found the bottle of Meyers rum and the bottle of wine I had secreted aboard, and had a fine meal in mild-ish weather.

The plan is to leave Delaware City tomorrow (Weds. 11/11) and anchor in the Sassafras River near the top of Chesapeake Bay. Then an easy sail puts them in Baltimore the next day, where Paul and Mary Beth will head back to their car in NYC, and Bill will wait for me to arrive next week. (11/19). I'm grateful for my friend Susan (also the fabulous lead in our quartet, Sound Investment) whose sister lives in the Baltimore area, as she'll drive me there and visit her sib. It takes pressure off me to meet a plane deadline, and I can haul even more stuff aboard, like the nifty patchwork dinghy bag I'm making to protect the inflatable from UV.

After I hop aboard, we'll hustle to Hampton VA (across from Norfolk) where we'll meet Polly, Miles, Miles' parents Tammy and Robin, and his grandmother Donna Jean for Thanksgiving and a little cruising. No, I'm not going to do a turkey in the galley stove.

Long Island Sound

Bill and Act III are cozily anchored by Little Calf Island in Long Island Sound. Bill calculates the tides and daylight will be right for transiting the East River on Tuesday, so we hope the weather stays nice.

Ira Colby left Act III last Monday and made his way home by bus from New Bedford, leaving Bill to happily single-hand to Mystic CT, where he picked up a mooring and Russell Prescott on Thursday 10/29. They ate at the famous Mystic Pizza, visited Mystic Seaport, and on Friday they had a somewhat choppy sail to Bradford and Westbrook CT. Russell departed on Saturday afternoon, taking Amtrak back to his truck in Mystic.

Since I'm not aboard, I can't relate adventures of Act III. Bill is terrifically excited about the boat and pleased with his ability to handle her alone. I'm not surprised, but it's a big confidence boost to actually do it. He's had small issues...maybe the engine's running a little hot and the autopilot fuse blew one day, but he hove to and managed to fix it and make a snack. He'll delve into the engine tomorrow while he waits to do the East River. I recall from our cruise north last summer that Little Calf Island is a lovely spot off Greenwich CT, where Bill and Cousin Jim played on the water and invented the famous "off the roof" ball game.

She's Outta Here!

Bill and Ira left Friday afternoon, 10/23/09, and made it to Gloucester before deciding to wait out the frigid rain and gale winds. Today, Sunday (25) they are merrily flying along at 7.5 kts. to Provincetown, and they'll make the Cape Cod Canal transit tomorrow. Ira will de-board from New Bedford and bus home; Bill can continue through Long Island Sound with day hops (at least that's the current plan.) Bill promised me to not do any overnight passages alone. He's fully capable, but I can't afford the nail-biting with chorus and quartet contests coming up...I have to have long nails to paint brightly for the stage in 3 weeks.

So far the water pump pressure sensor has failed.

Back at the ranch, I'm organizing and finishing the leftover errands like banking and cell phone plans. It's still hard to imagine leaving. Scary and exciting!

Weather Delay

Act III was due to head south on 10/17, with Captain Bill and Crew-extraordinare Ira Colby, but a nasty Nor'easter with snow and gale winds keeps her at the mooring in Little Harbor for now. New date is likely next Thursday, 10/22, and the route is through the Cape Cod Canal into Long Island Sound, where Ira will step off and Chief Engineer Russell Prescott will come on to enjoy the trip toward NYC. After that...? I'll meet the boat and Captain in Oriental, NC on November 18, in time to celebrate Thanksgiving with Polly and Miles, and Miles' parents and grandmother, Tammy, Robin and Donna Jean coming aboard. It'll be grand!

Bill's nearly finished making deck boxes, there's plenty of food, tools and nylon net for scrubbies aboard, all the canvas is new or repaired and we're itchin' to leave. Keep your fingers crossed for some Indian summer weather to follow this weather front. (is it PC to say "Indian" summer? What does that mean, anyway?)

So, while you're waiting for news, feed the fish on the right!

Gloucester with Dane & Co.

Brother Dan and his mates, Steve and Rick, visited from California just after Labor Day and we enjoyed a picture-perfect sail to Gloucester on Tuesday. No sooner had we left Little Harbor than the USCG stopped us for a "courtesy inspection", which we learned we could not refuse. ("No thanks," tried our Captain) The good part was...well just look at how cute he was! Act III passed with flying colors, for those of you who worry about those sorts of things.

In sunshine and light breeze we made the sail around Cape Ann into Gloucester Harbor in a little over 5 hours. We picked up a public mooring for $25, launched (dinghy) Intermission, and roamed Main Street before an exquisite meal at Passports Restaurant. We tucked into our berths and slept soundly until the wind woke us in the morning. After a fine feast at Zeke's fisherman's breakfast place, we returned home through the Annisquam River for a change of scenery, where the houseboats made us smile. Bill slickly slipped us through the narrow RR bridge that didn't open 90 degrees, requiring us to stay close to the starboard side, then make a sharp left turn to stay in the shallow channel.

It had been blowing 25 kts out the the Northeast for 12 hours, creating 5-10' chop. Exiting the river with opposing tidal current and wind was a thrill. We crested one wave, then slammed the bottom just at the mouth of the river, but sturdy Act III is showed no sign of interior shifts upon later inspection. With a reef in the main, we made 7-7 1/2 kts. on a close reach home. The biggest surprise was even Bill got seasick, for the first time in 50 years. Steve was hit hardest, even wearing a scopolomine patch, but he reports that he'd do the trip again in a heartbeat, because the ride was such a thrill. Rick and Dane were only slightly uncomfortable, but the experience prompted Dane to kindly supply us with more potent seasickness meds for our boat medical kit.

After a day of recovery, the team enjoyed a lobsters, steamers and shrimp at Chauncey Creek. We took a little tour of Portsmouth, including the commercial fishing pier, where we learned not even the fishermen had gone out on the day we sailed home. Our crew deserves medals!

Unlabor Day (Title courtesy of Leif)

Sunday afternoon was sunny and breezy. We thought about sailing to Gloucester, MA; but, feeling lazy, the crew voted to overnight at Gosport Harbor (Isles of Shoals) instead. It was a good decision because we were able to enjoy a beautiful sunset and moonrise while eating Heidi's excellent pasta dinner, enjoying the wine that Leif and Brandy brought, and laughng a lot.

Labor Day morning was beautiful and warm. Leif and brandy took the dinghy to Star Island for some exploration and couple time, while Heidi, Bayley and I stayed aboard. Although Bayley is only eleven, she is excellent company and a great crewmember. She asks what she can do to help, and she is rapidly becoming an accomplished helmsperson.

When Leif and Brandy returned, we sailed around a little looking for whales, but no success; then we broad reached back to Little Harbor.

These excellent photos are courtesy of Leif. He prints and sells photos as well.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=leifperc&target=ALBUM&id=5379603726643659873&authkey=Gv1sRgCMLIsL3vwoPerAE&invite=CO3H3OwL&feat=email>

Leif, Paul and Mary Beth

A beautiful day, a great crew, and lots of laughs. Paul is one of my favorite tennis partners and Mary Beth is his S.O.
We purchased our previous boat, Dragonfly, from Leif. They all love sailing. Mary Beth and Paul may have some free time, so look for them in future posts as we cruise south.

How did we not get pictues of Mary Beth and Heidi, our hot deck babes? I guess it is because Mary Beth took the pictures.l

The Winning Bid

When we donated a day sail and lunch aboard ACT III to the "Breast Cancer Stories" silent auction, we had no idea who might win. Lucky for us it was Audrey and family. We could tell from her emails that they were a cool group, so we changed our maximum number of guests from four to seven. Audry, her partner, her parents (visiting from Isreal), and her three kids (high school to college age) were great shipmates.

Sunday, August 16 was a beautiful day: very hot ashore, but perfect on the water. The group agreed that anchoring in Gossport harbor and taking the fast dinhghy to Appledore Island for some hiking and swimming would make for a nice afternoon. After a gourmet Kosher lunch courtesy of amazing Heidi, that's what we did.

Maybe people who bid on sailboat rides at fund raisers are all fun people, or maybe we just got lucky. It was a great day.

Family and Friends (and Pirates)

We had a great time on August 20 with family and friends. Our daughter Shellen and Granddaughter Fionna are experienced hands, and they were a big help. Fionna not only demonstrated safe use of the companionway ladders, but she pitched in and helped Heidi and me get ACT III ready, and cleaned up at the end of the day. As you can see, Shellen was confident enough with Fionna at the helm to enjoy a brew.

Shellen's old friend Michan and her wonderful family joined us. Race and his dad, Alan, kept a sharp lookout for pirates and treasure. They took their hand at the helm too. Maz was assistant pirate and Mommy Cuddler.

We all had a ball.

Jill, Damian, and Theo at the Challenger's Cup

18th annual Challenger's Cup Regatta

We had been unwinding at home for a week when I discovered that the 18th Annual Challenger's Cup Regatta, hosted by the Portsmouth Yacht Club and organized by "One Sky Community Services, Inc." was going to be held on Saturday June 27, instead of the traditional September date.

We had been disappointed last year when the regatta was rained out and we couldn't show off ACT III. Previous years, we had participated in our Columbia 22, "Dragonfly", almost always the smallest boat in the fleet. We were looking forward to taking out more sailors with disabilities, and their helpers in our much bigger boat. Unfortunately, I had removed the raw water pump from ACT III's engine for replacement. After calling the pump supplier on the west coast and requesting rush delivery, I knew it would be close. But UPS kept their promised delivery date of Fri., June 26. I met the truck en route to take delivery in the early afternoon instead of evening so I had time to install the pump. After discovering and correcting a mounting plate reversal that must have occurred at the pump factory, she was good to go.

With my friend Leif Guerjoy and his daughter, Bailey Irish as able crew, we motored over to the Portsmouth Yacht Club in a dense fog early on Saturday morning. Thank goodness for chart plotter and radar! By the time we enjoyed coffee, doughnuts, introductions, and the Skippers Meeting, the fog had cleared and a perfect sailing breeze had sprung up. Besides Leif and Bailey, our crew were Theo, Jill, and Damien. They had great questions, big smiles, and a cooperative attitude: we all had a ball. After the sail, there was an excellent BBQ for everyone at the PYC. As always, Jesse Gage and his staff and volunteers made the 18th Annual Challenger's Cup Regatta a smashing success.

Mate Heidi had chorus rehearsal all day so could not join the regatta. She was proud to find that Act III had won a number of regatta prizes and she quickly filled the new sailfislh cookie jar, donated by West Marine.

Wyatt and Bill at Birdland circa 1962

Home

We set sail from P Town at sunset on Wednesday evening in a 5 to 8 kt. westerly breeze. It was a beautiful starry moonless night with the dramatically lit PTown monument behind us. Our speed was a leisurely four to four and a half knots; we were in no hurry. Around midnight Heidi was dozing on the starboard cockpit seat and I was steering and enjoying the always satisfying soft gurgling sound that ACT III makes as she glides gracefully through small seas when my 50 bpm resting heart rate suddenly doubled. I had heard what sounded like a large gas explosion behind us. I turned around expecting to see a huge propane carrier in flames. Then there was a smaller "explosion" a few yards off our port side. Then more, some very loud, some fairly loud, all of them louder than any Humpback we had ever heard (and we have been practically on top of Humpbacks when they spouted). By now Heidi was wide awake and sitting at attention on the port seat. We looked at each other and whispered, "Whales, and REALLY big ones!" In the dim light we could see spouts and brief glimpses of backs, but that was all. The explosive spouts were close by our port side and coming at an an avarage frequency of one every two seconds or so. Heidi suggested maybe we should get the spotlight. I whispered that I thought it would be disrespectful, but really I was mainly afraid we might piss them off: by now I was sure our visitors were Northen Right whales, which can reach ninety feet in length, and they sounded bigger than locomotives. After ten minutes or so, we could only hear an occasionl "explosion" way astern of us. I marked the spot on the chart plotter and saw that it was right under the "W" in "Right Whale Protected Habitat". The night returned to normal, but we will never be the same.

Josh kindly met us at Pepperrell Cove on Thursday morning with the truck so we could unload gear and take our going ashore dinghy in tow. Then Josh Nute met us with the truck at Wich Creek by our home mooring field in Little Harbor. We arrived home in early afternoon to a very well cared for house, again thanks to our good friend Josh.

We are eager to set sail on extended adventures in the Fall; the cruising life seems so natural. But first we'll enjoy a summer filled with family, friends, singing, tennis, Polly's wedding, and endless preparations, nautical and land based, for extended cruising.

Johnny Greshner Orchestra--50 years later.

Here's the drummer (Berkeley) and bassist (Julliard) from the one-time hottest band in Greenwich CT:  The Johnny Greshner Orchestra.  Imagine them in their matching plaid tuxes driving to gigs in Bill's 1948 Buick Super Convertible, with Bill  carrying his waiver of curfew for young men being out after midnight, and his $12 share of the band's earning.

(Wyatt Bennett and Bill Raley)

Home Waters

We're happily sipping cappuchinos at our favorite caffeine dealer's outdoor patio, hooked up to wifi, in one of our favorite ports: Provincetown.  Came in yesterday afternoon from Padanaram MA (where's that?), through the Cape Cod Canal.  The weather's been a bit gray and wet the past week, but today is sunny and warm.  We're well fed, as usual...al fresco dining at The Patio on Main Street is still the best for eats and sights.

After transiting the East River on a gray, wet day (UN Building and Rikers Island), we first anchored off Great Calf Island, then had friends of the Wittys offer us a guest mooring at the hoity, toity Riverside Yacht Club.  We had a delightful dinner with Lynn, Sean, Jacob, Luke and Ethan Henry, then came back aboard for a short harbor cruise before sundown.

Next morning Wyatt Bennett took the RYC launch out to Act III to reminisce with Bill about their high school days.  We were 3 hours late for our intended departure time, but the chat (and the amazing warm handmade doughnuts Wyatt brought) was well worth the delay. 

We left in the rain and cold, and were delighted to anchor protected among the Thimble Islands, off Guilford CT at sundown.  We stayed there an  extra day to avoid a foggy slog onward, and it was wonderful to relax among this little bit of paradise, which reminded us of the Maine coast.

Next we anchored outside Fishers Island harbor, off Mystic, CT for a quick sleep, then moved on to famous Block Island for an evening on a mooring.  Took the launch ashore, ate, and ate up the funky ambiance at the Mahogany Shoals Bar.

We moved on to Padanaram MA (near New Bedford) the next day, took a mooring among the beautiful classic Conchordia wooden yawls that were once built there. 

And now here we are, soaking up the love in P-town.  Feeling like we're home.  We're dragging our feet a bit, not eager to end this cruise.  We learned how easily we fall into the cruising lifestyle.  There are many exciting things to do before we take off again for any length of time--Sounds of the Seacoast annual show, Heidi's trip to Ireland next month, Polly and Miles' wedding on July 25,  a visit from Bill's sister Edie and Frank in August--but we are excited about next fall/winter/spring aboard Act III.

We welcome your phone calls, comments and messages.  It's great to be untethered to land knowing so many people we love are around.

Heidi, Bill and Act III

Lorenzo, Mando & Act III

Where's Waldo?

heehee

Bright Lights, Big City

We felt like Scuffy the Tugboat, coming into New York Harbor at daybreak on Snday morning, after sailing and motorsailing 24 hours from Cape May, under a beautiful full moon.  It was especially sweet after we'd spent 2 days holed up in Cape May, waiting out heavy wind and rain.

Act III is merrily riding on a mooring in the Hudson River at the W. 79th Street Boat Basin, directly across the river from Wendra, Armando & Lorenzo's apartment in NJ., and only 2 blocks from Broadway.  $30 a night gets us the mooring, protected dinghy dock, showers and free laundry.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art was closed on Monday, so I tried Bloomingdales for a mother-of-the-bride dress.  I found only one interesting enough to think about trying on, until I noted the price of $1600 marked down to only $1200! 

We spent Sunday afternoon with Lorenzo (and parents), enjoying a gorgeous sunny time at the playground by the boat in Riverside Park, with wading stream for us all to cool our feet in.  We ended the day with a cruise up the Hudson to Yonkers (where Bill lived until 3rd grade).  Fantastic.

We'll leave NYC tomorrow (Weds. 6/9), bound for Greenwich CT.  We're eager to sail the East River past the U.N. (if Homeland Security permits) , Gracie Manson, and other NY landmarks.  Also eager to leave the crowds.  We country mice nearly got run down trying to cross the jogging path.   We smiled to see avid photgraphers in Riverside park aiming their telephoto lenses at a hawk nest by the river.  We passed such nests on nearly every Intracoastal and Chesapeake marker on our way north.

Chesapeake With Friends

Our week on the Chesapeake in brief:

SUNDAY:  Hampton (VA) Public Docks were NOISY over Memorial Day weekend, but we didn't complain about paying $1/ft.   The Air and Space Museum was worth the visit; the actual Apollo 12 capsule amazed Bill and Russell.  

MONDAY:  Anchored off lovely, quiet Kiptopeake State Beach Park, behind breakwater made from WWII Liberty ships. 

TUESDAY:  Left Cape Charles in still water and sunshine, then finished the journey to Tangier Island in rain, 6' chop and 30 knot wind on the nose.  Yuck, but Act III motored into it at 7 kts.  She and Skipper were the only ones thrilled with the ride.  Arrival at Tangier was exciting as the dockmaster Milton Parks, 78, didn't know exactly where or how to dock us.  He and 2 volunteers tried to haul Act III against the wind, not thinking to ever take a turn around a piling.  Softshell crabs were amazing; Heidi and Bill managed to sneak in a skinny dip before we left on Weds.  This island was the highlight of the week.  

WEDNESDAY:  Sunshine returned and we crossed to the Western shore to anchor in Mill Creek.  Pastoral setting, warm water for swimming, good holding.   Russell coaxed the recalcitrant outboard to take him a couple of miles to Reedville, where he reminisced about a childhood trip with his dad.  Reedville turned out to have little to offer, so we fueled up and continued to Solomons Island.

THURSDAY:  Solomons Island, recommended by the waterway guides and other cruisers, seemed overrated to us.  We picked up a mooring ($25), dined ashore, and left early the next morning.

FRIDAY:  Fabulous weather for a motor boat ride to Annapolis.  We have set some sails most days, but no wind for this leg.  We arrived Annapolis, picked up a city mooring (again $25) and celebrated Susan and Russell's 27th anniversary ashore with a progressive dinner and bar hopping. 

SATURDAY:  We bid sad farewell to our crew in the afternoon.  It was a terrific week with only the one day of inclement weather.  We find the Chesapeake a splendid place to cruise, although we've only touched the surface (except for Act III's keel a couple of times.) 

SUNDAY:  Boat projects kept us in Annapolis one more day.  We leave in the morning for one more port (TBD).  Weather permitting, we'll pass through the C&D Canal to Delaware Bay, hoping to get through the bay on Wednesday.  Then we start up the New Jersey coast and go into the Hudson River.  

Wireless access has been sporadic, our computer(s) even more fussy.  We'll keep up as best we can.  Over all, we're happy, healthy and thrilled with our vessel.

Beginning Chesapeake Bay

The original Chief Engineer Russell and First Deck Babe Susan (Prescott) joined Act III this evening for a week of exploring Chesapeake Bay.   It took some clever planning, with them coming from NH and us not knowing exactly where we'd be, but we successfully met at Hampton Public Pier ($1/ft special deal) and were happy to find one of the last slips in the area during a marvelously sunny and mild Memorial Day weekend.  

The next best news is that the depth sounder is working again!  There are many places to hide a little amplifier on a boat this size, but we finally found it and Bill repaired the loose wire.  Phew!

Pleasant, uneventful motor through the last of the ICW, until we reached the final bridge this morning and hailed on the radio for the next lift, please.  The bridge operator came back with a terse, "I'm having problems with the bridge," and no further info.  Another sailboat said he had a similar situation a few years ago and was stuck for 3 days.  Ouch.  We hung around so Heidi could practice her figure 8 turns a bit, and the bridge was open about 45 minutes later.  That could have been a show stopper.

TTFN, Friends.  The next post will have soft shell crab ratings.

HJB

Water water everywhere

Yard gave her two coats of bottom paint by Fri. afternoon.  Hung in slings On Sat. afternoon so I could fill and fair scratches in bottom of keel.  

Lots of sailing tales and laughs at birthday dinner with Heidi and yard friends Jean and Derrik.

Sunday morning clear enough to paint over epoxied keel bottom.  Then down came the rain.  Heavy rain all night and today.  Launched this morning at 0800.  Neuse river staying outside the boat where it belongs.  Engine started right up.  Shaft alingnment excellent.  Reefer working fine.  Rafted up to similar sized boat while we struggled to get foller furling and forestay reinstalled.  Heidi had the brain storm that ended what was shaping up to be and endless loop of "that should do it... oh shit how are we going to get x on or off now."

If all goes well we will depart tomorrow AM for what should be a week of rainy sailing.   Oh well, just so long as we are under way.

Happy sailing everyone, sailors and lubbers alike.

Bill and Heidi

Work, Work, Work

Bill and I arrived at Sailcraft Marina in Oriental NC on 5/7, and have about 10 days of boat projects before launching and taking Act III north through Chesapeake Bay.

We've nearly completed re-installing the propeller shaft and reconditioned MaxProp, and I cleaned the heavy coat of yellow pollen off the decks and cockpit.

Oriental is hopping now that the weather is fine, This "sailing capital of the world" has 3 boats for every resident.

Short and sweet post today...no one wants to hear about work. We want to be sailing!

November, 2008

Jim and Ira  on the ICW                                                              Skipper working hard

S/V ACT III is a Kelly/Peterson 44 we purchased in the summer of 2008 in Oriental, NC.   We enjoyed a great shakedown cruise to our home port of Rye, NH.   We went to Norlolk, Va. via the less conventional route through the sounds, then a few miles of ICW . We sailed outside from Norfolk to Cape Cod (with an unscheduled stop in Atlantic City for engine oil hoses). Russel and Susan Prescott were a terrific crew, but they had to jump ship in Norfolk because of business and family obligations.  Heidi and I continued alone to Cape Cod and on to Rye, NH.  We fell in love with our Peterson 44.  

Several great sails in the summer included a nice week or so in Mystic Conn. with my Cousin Jim and Kylea as crew.  Klyea had never been out of sight of land or offshore at night in a sailboat so she was a little concerned at first, but by the end of the voyage she was an old hand.  We were thrilled by the sight of two humpbacks cavorting off our starbord bow on the last leg home.  

Great day sails with kids, grandkids, and friends rounded out the summer and fall.

In November my intrepid mate, Ira Colby and I sailed for Oriental via the the route outside of Long Island.  Ira is the perfect mate: an enthusiastic and competent sailor no matter what the conditions, good company, a great cook in all weather,  careful and cheerful about cleaning and maintenance.  Cousin Jim joined us for the ICW route to Oriental.  We had a ball.  There were no mishaps, and I was thrilled with ACT III's performance.  Several hours at 7 kts or better were commonplace, even hard on the wind.  On one beam reach leg, we never dropped below 8 kts. She has easy motion and is easy on the helm.

On May 7, Heidi and I will fly to Oriental to launch ACT III and sail her back to her home port. This time we'll be taking the inside route, including the Chesapeake, Delaware Bay, and Long Island Sound.  Russel and Susan will join us for at least part of the journy.

This fall we plan to depart for the Carribean and beyond.  No schedule:  one year, two, who knows?   

Let the adventures begin.