Milford CT to Point Judith RI - Northern Long Island Sound Run

North Dumpling Island Light House   

Sailing Regatta    

What I failed to mention in the last blog was that as the day 7/13/17 wore on, clouds rolled in again and by the time I was abeam Charles Island off Milford, it was seriously threatening a downpour. The storm raced with me into Milford and won, hands down. The seemingly long slog up the Wepawaug River on which Milford Harbor is situated, was wet and tight through a massive collection of predominantly pleasure craft slipped or moored both shoreside and midstream. Milford Boat Works where I grabbed a slip, was at the head of navigable waters, at least for larger craft.

Watch Hill Light House   

The following day 7/15/17 was rainy all day so I stayed put, after a nice breakfast aboard of potato fries, ham, eggs and picante sauce, I wandered about town a bit, read and generally enjoyed a lazy day. I had hoped to meet a friend who lived there but that didn't pan out.

Commuter Yacht "Aphrodite"              

High tide was 4am on the 15th so I was underway early so as to catch a favorable current heading north along shore under a gray, damp sky. By 6:50 New Haven on the Quinnipiac River was abeam. Soon Branford and Guilford were astern. It was in that area that I attained my best speed for the day- 9.3mph or about 8.1 knot. As I passed abeam Clinton about 9:20am, I slowed to "no wake"speed as I came upon a large group of sport fishermen in a variety of boats, mostly small runabouts- perhaps a fishing tournament. By 10:30 I was abeam the Conneticut River to port and the northern end of Long Island in the distance to starboard. By just shy of 1pm I was abeam New London where Suzan had come aboard on the trip south to New York City and the Hudson. About 12 miles later I was passing Watch Hill Rhode Island. Here I had the pleasure of seeing "Aphrodite" a totally restored and beautiful 74 foot 1937 Classic Commuter yacht,  roar by at about 30 mph, her twin 1,000 horsepower Caterpillar diesels just purring.

Point Judith Light House

By this time the sky had cleared to become a mostly sunny afternoon. After passing Watch Hill, the scenery became mostly long stretches of beaches and the occasional fishing vessel til I reached Point Judith Harbor of Refuge. Once inside the refuge, I dropped anchor and settled in for a nice evening on the hook, watching the Block Island ferry and other craft come and go from Snug Harbor, Jerusalem and Galilee. This time around, the sea was a little more calm than last so the boat rocked less and I slept better.

Block Island Ferry heading out.   

Liberty Park Anchorage to Milford

Sunrise over Lady Liberty and Manhattan

United Nations Headquarters

Colorful factory along East River

Stepping Stones Lighthouse off Great Neck, NY

Tug and Barge

      Rested but apprehensive about my trip up the East River I awoke early and was underway by 6am. By leaving this early I knew I had plenty of time to reach Hellgate on the East River at or just after slack water which was at 7:36am. Heading out under a mostly cloudy sky, I passed the Statue of Liberty as Lower Manhattan and the Battery came into view. At this hour of the day there was limited water traffic which made for a much more relaxed cruise across the Upper Bay, past Governors Island and into the East River. I meandered about in the lower East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn awhile, passing by ferry terminals for Staten and Governors Islands, the South Street Seaport, then the Brooklyn Bridge. Then Puffin passes under 3 more suspension bridges- the Manhattan, the Williamsburg and then the Queensboro which places me between Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island, just past the United Nations Headquarters, traveling at about 8 mph. By about 7:45am, the sun had come out to stay.  About 8am I have passed Hellgate and am now on a flood tidal current,  aiding my trip into Long Island Sound: speed has picked up to 9 mph with no change in throttle. Shortly I pass between North and South Brother Islands and put Rikers Island to starboard. By 8:40 Puffin is past Whitestone Bridge and by 9am she has passed under Throgs Neck Bridge and out of the East River into the western end of Long Island Sound. By getting the timing right on current ebb and flow past Roosevelt Island and Hellgate, the whole East River trip was a pleasure instead of a white knuckle ride on turbulent waters in my slow sailboat.

Execution Rocks Lighthouse off New Rochelle, NY            

By 9:15am, I was passing Manhasset Bay to starboard and Hart Island to port. As I worked my way eastward, I passed by several lighthouses marking shoals, ledges and islands; the occasional tug and barge, numerous pleasure and recreational fishing boats, a windjammer, and commercial clammers, draggers and fishing vessels. All in all a very pleasant day. I motored into Milford, CT at 4:15pm, a 10 hour 15 minute run of 55 nautical miles (63.3 statute miles).

Great Captain Island Lighthouse off Greenwhich, CT

Next leg of journey will be to Point Judith and Wickford, Rhode Island.

Penfield Reef Lighthouse off Fairfield, CT

4 weeks out for the Trip

Hi,
Getting you up to date with preparing for the Trip. We plan to start mid May, journey from our home in South Coast Massachusetts down through Long Island Sound, East River to New York Harbor, to continue our river journey up the Hudson, into the Erie Canal, then Oswego Canal into Lake Ontario, cross that to Kingston Canada, up the Rideau Canal to Ottawa, then down to Montreal at the St. Lawrence River. From there we go seaward on the St. Lawrence to Sorel where we enter the Richelieu River taking us to the US border and Lake Champlain. At the lower end of Lake Champlain, is the Champlain Canal which takes us back to the Hudson River to retrace our way home. We decided against making the Great Loop to Florida as we still have many items to change or update on our boat for a longer trip. This journey will take us about 2 months with all we want to see.

We purchased our boat(Puffin) 2 years ago from the original owner (1982). At that time, 2015, we still owned and operated a small Inn north of Boston, so were unable to put much needed time and effort into the boat. Last summer, 2016, we enjoyed a little time getting used to and sailing  Puffin, and also waited for 3 new grandchildren arriving in the early fall.

To date, we have spend as much $$$ as finances allow to get ready for this trip.
Last weekend, we spent a day at Defender Discount Marine www.defender.com  in Waterford, CT, for their Blowout Spring Sale. This place is huge, with lots of parking and a lot of everything for boats and boating, and on a Friday there were cars parked out to and on the main road at 11:00 am.
We find Defender has the lowest pricing on most marine items. You can also visit West Marine stores or online- higher priced, mostly for the pleasure boating consumer, Jamestown Distributers in Bristol, RI, (mostly an online presence with a small retail store) and Hamilton Marine in Maine.
The mast is painted and Dean is putting the radar, radio antenna, masthead light,
loudhailer/PA horn and searchlight on our 8 ft wooden mast. This shorter mast enables our boat to go under bridges and easier time with locks and canals. But because the radar dome will be installed on a slanted mast instead of vertical I had to customize the brackets to make it fit on the horizontal plane.
The toilet has new gaskets, is cleaned, and now reinstalled on the boat. Thank goodness for that. We purchased the parts needed from a supplier in England which shipped to us at a reasonable price.
The boat is uncovered so now we can clean out the lockers, discard what is not needed, reorganize and add what we need for our trip.
I, Suzan, have my lists for kitchen, bed, and bathroom supplies.  Each time I go to the grocery store, I can check items off my list.
One of the color schemes  I wanted was to get pillows and coverings to go with the dark green cushions and window curtains. The great color out this season is pea green or seafoam green, neither goes with Puffin's British green. So- fabric store it is, to make covers that co ordinate. A feat in itself, yet accomplished, using red and red/white accents.

Next time-launching and do sea trials of all systems on Puffin before our journey. And-- the kitchen pantry will be stocked.

Getting Closer to the Goal!!!

What we are working on-
Researching and ordering LED bulbs to replace existing incandescent one and new light fixtures.
Solar for power- do we put on pilot house roof or on dinghy davits or both, how many watts needed, how to incorporate in current electrical system etc. Davits have to be fitted to the back of the boat. Mounting brackets to be fabricated and attached to transom.

partly dis-assembled for repair

New parts such as seals and gaskets-for the head (toilet) parts from English supplier or US supplier, new toilet, or different composting toilet? After sorting it all, we have decided to go with the toilet we have as it is an upscale one Blakes Lavac, manufactured in England and were able to order parts from a supplier there. Dean is cleaning up the faucet/shower for the head as the newer models look like the one we have so polishing it up is a good way to go and save a few dollars.

What has been done---
The 8 ft mast is almost done. Then we will run the antenna, radar, mast head light wiring and be ready to mount on "Puffin" in front of the pilot house.
This mast will enable us to cruise without the tall masts and sails to give us clearance under bridges enroute. This trip will be mostly on rivers, canals, small lakes so not much need for sails, just cruising and enjoying the countryside by water instead of land.
We ordered  a new captain's chair and also a side chair for pilot house seating, some new marine dishware with bottoms that do not slide, and other items for the galley (kitchen). Getting ready to cover some pillows and order some foam for cushions and new carpet.
It's a slow process as retirement finances are limited.
For this trip, we are shortening our "Great Loop" trip to the eastern part-Hudson River, Erie and Oswego Canals.Then Lake Ontario to Rideau Canal system, meandering up to Ottowa, Ottowa River to Montreal. Down the St. Lawrence(heading northeast) to Sorel and the Richelieu Canal/river system, taking us into Lake Champlain and subsequently into the Hudson River system again. We are giving our trip about 2 months starting mid May, may be a little more. In the future we will continue more of the Loop.

Checking off the List for the Trip

The list for getting ready. Our time is shorter to launch, we will be leaving first to mid May to traverse Long Island Sound to New York and the Hudson River..
We ordered and now have a new radio with a DSC button (all new marine radios do) for emergencies, GPS and AIS to assist in  collision avoidance.
Dean is working on fabricating an 8ft. wooden mast to hold the radar dome, mast head light, radio antenna and perhaps deck lights.
We have been reading about solar panels and it seems 2 -160 watt panels, will be adequate to charge a battery bank for powering a small refrigerator, lights, laptop computer and fans while at anchor if used moderately. An inverter will be necessary for the laptop and a few other tools we may use.
A wind generator is helpful on days when there is not sufficient sun, and at night if there is sufficient  wind, but is probably not in the budget
 Our chart plotter uses C-Map charts. Dean has also been talking with Jeppesen www.jeppesen.com for a C-MAP for Lakes and Rivers. That combined with our East Coast and Gulf C-MAP will cover our full trip.
To travel outside the US, including Canada we had to obtain an FCC ships station license (includes an MMSI number $220.00, and a restricted radio operators license ($70.00), not cheap but necessary. Many have suggested getting the license through BoatUS or SeaTow. They will get you the restricted radio operator license for free if you are a member, but their license is only good within the US, not good in Canada, Mexico or the Islands.
Ordered some items from Defender Discount Marine Supplies  www.defender.com 
Purchased 2 new House deep cycle batteries from KMart, which is going out of business in our town.

Next, to order our pilot chairs- 2, as one is needed on the passenger side so the commander can see out the pilot house windows on those long cruises up or down rivers and canals.
I would like to order new carpet, we will see as our list is getting expensive with some of the extras that are required.
To fabricate the dinghy davit mounting brackets is $500.
New dock lines- some of ours are original three strand rope from 1980's-old school.

Unless you have a boat already tailored for the Great Loop or cruising, to install what you want and need before your trips, outfitting with these items can get expensive.
In  the next 2 months, getting our cell phones, data, and internet set up for cruising outside US waters.
GPS and paper maps, mapping your trip including expenses- locks, canals, docking,fuel, pump outs.
Stay tuned

Working on the List for the Great Loop

So far we have a list.
Now we are doing the research for pricing and what else is needed for each project; starting to order a few things and starting work on a few projects. Some will be as simple as replacing old with new. Although, old may be 1980's, i.e. original, 2000- newer, but not used very much so perhaps dried and cracked due to non use as in rubber gaskets and some other parts.  Luckily we have a newer engine with not too many hours on it, so in good shape as the majority of the "Great Loop" will be motored.
Dean purchased wood to make the shorter mast to carry the radar, radio antenna and fore deck lights, since we will be leaving the main and mizzen at home.
Looks like we may either use our 1980's "antique" radar and monitor or purchase a newer unit.
Because our boat is a Coaster 33 English North Seas boat circa 1982, many of the electronics and other parts are original, most in good shape, but old. It is very hard to find replacement parts for older equipment.
The toilet is a Baby Blake from England and you can only buy parts from their supplier in England or one in Florida. A complete repair kit costs as much as many newer toilets.The toilet(head) works fine, a little hard to pump due to stiff gaskets and a build up of salts.
The carpet on the floors, yes, carpet,
plywood underneath, can be replaced by newer and lighter color, ours is dark brown.  The new carpet will come in 6' or 8 ' X 12ft piece. We then have to take the old out. Fortunately, it is not glued down, as there are compartments under that we need access to, to cut the new to fit. Not too bad a job.
I need to measure the porthole windows to make screens  so we don't get no-see-ums and mosquitoes inside. Why weren't these windows made with screens?  We also want to put a hatch in the back berth for ventilation. The existing vent there now does not facilitate much air movement so very warm and perhaps humid to sleep in.
I am looking at new foam 2-3 " thick for a cushion to put on top of what is there for more comfort. And nautical fabric, that will go with Hunter Green cushions and curtains. Any suggestions? Most of the greens are spring green or off green that does not go well with our green. Also new dishes, I had purchased some melamine dishes at a store and through research found there is dishware designed for marine craft with non slip bottoms and smaller mugs to fit in the attached racks.

Warm for the Winter, Readying for the Trip

Safe on land, Holidays are over, now to the feat of readying "Puffin" for our journey. So much to do, so little time (actually 4 months).
Our list-
Dean's List- New Captains Chairs- for Pilot House- two instead of one so navigator
                    sits high enough in cockpit/pilothouse to see forward without standing all
                    day
                    Batteries- 2 additional house batteries
                    C Card for Lakes and Rivers
                    Navionics for PC navigation-Backup to chart plotter
                    Solar panels-2  definitely and Wind Turbine/generator maybe
                    Shorter mast-8ft for radar- probably wooden; leaving the others behind as  
                    we can't sail for the majority of the trip.
                    Inverter
                    Auto Pilot- pretty expensive so maybe
                    Another Anchor  for different bottom type
                    Fuel filter vacuum gauge
                    Water filters each faucet and shore hose
                    AIS transponder
                    Screens all around
                    Mount the dinghy davits
                    Deck lights and spotlight
Suzan's List- Additional foam cushions and coverings.
                     Insert for front v-berth
                     New faucets and shower in Head
                     Carpet
                     Dishware
                     Pots and Pans
                     Microwave
I have conceded to the dark green cushion coverings, for now, as I don't want to either re-cover the cushions myself or spend the money for new before the trip. I can live with Dk Green. I will accent with a plaid, stripe, or nautical that blends. Do you know how hard it is to find canvas or heavy fabric with the color green we need? Apparently Forest (Dark) Green is not popular, so very hard to find. All the greens are that sickly green or grass green, UGH!!
We have found marine carpet in a beige that will go nicely with the interior wood. The carper now is brown  and with Dark Green cushions and curtains, the interior is very dark, especially if you have a cloudy day.
We also have to convert most of the outlets from UK to US. There are 2 US outlets currently and one is in the engine room. The boat was built in England and the original owner did not switch to US outlets. Hence, the Dark Green, which is typical UK Nautical, not US- Red, White, and Navy.
The list is fairly long but does not indicate the work necessary to fit these various items in the boat. Some require a certain amount of design and fabrication to fit the boat. The main stumbling block is cash to purchase the listed items.
We just purchased the wood to make up the temporary mast which needs to be short enough to fit under all fixed bridges en route. I would use one of the existing mast but for the height which will not come close to fitting.
More to talk about in early February.
                   
                    

On land, nice and cozy for the winter, easy to work on.

Puffin is wintering in our yard. How awesome is that? Why, might you ask, do we want our boat so readily accessible?  We can winterize and do the myriad thing necessary to prepare Puffin for our trip in 2017, right here at home instead of carrying tools and supplies back and forth to a boatyard. Additionally, it is less expensive than boatyard storage.

Dean piloted Puffin around the corner to the Niemiec Marine boat ramp and hauled by Brownell Services, Mattapoisett, Ma. Specialized boat movers and sailboat transport services, South Coast Massachusetts. The Brownell people were awesome, Jonathan the hauler, knew and handled everything to do with getting an 18,000 lb. sailboat's masts unstepped and the boat safely to it's destination. We would highly recommend their services including their stands - they manufacture boat stands for all sizes of boats-"Best Boat Stands Ever Made" many distributers worldwide.

Now to our coming out of the  water experience.
As we came around the corner to the boat ramp, Jonathan was there with trailer backed into the water waiting. He had told Brownell he'd like to haul our boat as it was an older boat from England with classic design. The boat is a North Seas trawler style sailboat, very sturdy and rugged, with nice lines. Dean motored the boat onto the trailer with the hauler's direction, and was pulled up the ramp to a resting place at Niemiec for unstepping (taking down) the masts.  When that was finished, the masts were strapped to each side of the trailer ready for the short journey to place Puffin in our yard.

The driveway was empty, the fence was taken out, and low branches were cut from the trees. Jonathan backed the trailer with boat diagonally into position as close to the side fence as possible while being able to drive the empty trailer straight out of the yard without touching the boat. For us it was a feat, for the hauler, all in an afternoon's work.,

The boat was backed into the yard diagonally, not as close to the side fence as I would have originally liked and actually where it ended is a better position, nestled among the trees before the back deck with masts laid along side on stands.
Now we can get electric to the boat and ladder to reach the side deck to organize during the winter.
Now comes winterizing water tanks, lines, engine, and whatever else is needed.

Almost September and here it is

It has been a busy summer with family and friends, not much time for getting the boat ready for adventures and ventures. Not boating much this summer. It seems to have passed too quickly. Most of the boat is ready for travel. We ordered a replacement battery holder for the stove igniter, ready to install. Put off working on the antenna for the top of the mast and installing a new mast head light until the mast is on the ground end of season.

Just recently we had the remnants of Hurricane Hermine. It was not too bad on our South Coast, the winds were from the N NE.15-25 mph.  We secured Puffin from the winds by adding additional bow, stern and spring lines. Dean went to the boat at our slip many times to make sure we and others were secured for no damage to the boats.
We have made a new list of boat items we want to accomplish this winter while out of water to make the boat comfortable and tech savvy for our Great Loop trip next spring.
We need to have a chart for our expenses while traveling and those at home still being paid. Someone on Sailblogs.com just posted their boat travel expenses for 2016 so far.
These expense charts give a wealth of information generalized for the Great Loop trip.
You can find these charts on various sites including AGLCA site.
Back to the List:
1) Puffin is a ketch sailboat, thus we have 2 masts- you can not have your masts up while traveling on the rivers and canals due to low bridges to pass under. Maximum height for the trip is either 15ft. 6 inches or  19ft depending on your route. We have to decide whether to take the main mast onboard, put up a small back mast for radar, radio, and mast light which can act as one crutch plus an additional crutch forward, or just leave the mast at home and motor the whole trip. I believe carrying both masts and booms, the majority of the trip in crutches above the pilot house will be too much gear overhead, and too much hassle and cost to take down, store on board then put up again in the Great Lakes and then again in the Gulf. Having the masts trucked to the Gulf to await our arrival is another option, but I think,an expensive one.
2) We would like to install 2 solar panels and a wind generator for energy independence on mooring or at anchor and change the lighting to LED.
3) Screens for ventilation in cabin windows and hatches are a must as we will be traveling where there are many insects I don't care to have inside the cabin and a ventilation system for the aft cabin.
4) Mount the dinghy davits so we don't have to drag the dinghy behind-especially handy in locks.
5) To ease the strain of many hours of piloting -an Auto Pilot
6) Inverter to change 12 V to 110, and
7) I-Pad for backup technology for the chart plotter and trip planning.
There are a few more items, but you get the idea- we have from now to spring to prep and be ready to roll - sail/motor to and up the Hudson River in May, 2017. Our boat will be stored in our yard so easy access for repairs and completing our list.

August 2016

Enjoying what little time we have for the Boat. As stated, life gets in the way. Working some and with 2 children pregnant and helping them care for their little ones, sometimes doesn't leave time for our time.
Dean- still working on the mast issues. Have mizzen and main sail in place, jib is not roller furling, so hank it on for each use. And still looking into electrical/technical issues or add-ons that would make our boat more energy efficient and independent for mooring and anchoring, such as LED lights, solar panels, and wind turbine among the options. The new masthead light is LED.
We have been out a few times so far this month, same areas, a little further reach.
Suzan's sister was in town so we motored around the area one day. We were going to take the boat to the Newport Jazz Festival and moor or anchor off around Fort Adams. There are some mooring/anchorage areas around Newport Harbor run by Old Port Marine Services that also offer launch services to and from the moorings. You can reach them on Radio VHF channel 68. Good to know. During the Festival it was "first come" so we opted for land parking. Next time we will take the boat over early for the weekend.
As mentioned in July's post, our first overnight was just off West Island to our north. Suzan is learning anchoring strategies to make overnights on anchor comfortable and worry free.

Ty at the helm

The 2nd overnight was Dean and his son in the same cove. That was quite an experience. We anchored off like last time. Grilled some burgers. Chatted over a beer, and I hit the sack around 11pm. Tyler (son) still up on deck enjoying the night air and peaceful setting. Wind about 7 knots out of the west. Suddenly about midnight I hear a disturbing sound-significantly more wind 25 to 30 knots whistling thru the rigging. As I came up on deck to get Tyler's stuff-cushions etc. under cover, the wind shifts quickly around to the north, giving the water a lot more fetch to build up seas and pointing the aft end of the boat at a spit of land not more than 400 to 500 feet  away and shallow water a lot closer than that, leaving  very little maneuvering room if the anchor were to let go or drag! Quite scary I must say. As expected, the waves built up very quickly, putting more strain on the anchor and rode. We both put on life jackets and waited it out in the cockpit, me at the helm, ready to start the engine to prevent us from grounding. Then the rain came, knocking down the waves and calming things a bit. Not long after, the wind died off and things eased back to normal. Thank God we set the anchor well and gave plenty of scope so Puffin held her own. So glad Suzan wasn't there to suffer through that!

Hammock with a view

The following morning was fogged in but cleared off early and presented another fine day.
Our zinc on the propeller shaft is being eaten quickly and fell off in my hand on an inspection dive, due to the salt water and stray electrical currents in New Bedford harbor. A day later, with a friend on board to keep an eye out, I installed a new zinc. We are learning.
August is almost gone and we haven't spent nearly the time we want with and on the boat. Still, September and October here in Southern New England offer nice boating time.

New Bedford Hurricane Barrier

Tidbit of Information for those who don't know the Hurricane Barrier History

Largest Hurricane Barrier in the World

Started Planning in 1957, Construction in 1962 and Completion in 1966, creating one of the safest harbors for commercial and recreational boats on the East Coast.

High and Wide as the Great Wall of China

The New Bedford Hurricane Protection Barrier lies across New Bedford and Fairhaven Harbor. It is approximately 50 miles south of Boston. The project protects about 1,400 acres in New Bedford, Fairhaven, and Acushnet from tidal flooding associated with hurricanes and coastal storms. This acreage is thickly settled with industrial and commercial properties, particularly along the waterfront and the shores of the Acushnet River. The area represents about 80 percent of land flooded in the September 1938 and August 1954 hurricanes, the latter storm causing $8.3 million in flood damages.

Construction of the New Bedford Hurricane Protection Barrier began in October 1962 and was completed in January 1966, costing $18.6 million. The project required the relocation of power cables, modification of sewerage and drainage facilities, and acquisition of a small boat yard, several buildings, and about 36 acres of land. The city maintains the project, with the exception of the navigation gates and the barrier extending across New Bedford and Fairhaven Harbor which are operated and maintained by the Corps. The project is divided into three principal features: a barrier extending across New Bedford and Fairhaven Harbor with an extension dike on the mainland; Clarks Cove Dike in New Bedford; and Fairhaven Dike. The project has prevented $24.1 million in flood damages and coastal tidal surge since it was built (as of September 2011).

The barrier extending across the harbor consists of a 4,500-foot-long earthfill dike with stone slope protection. The barrier has a maximum elevation of 20 feet and a 150-foot-wide gated opening to accommodate commercial and recreational navigation. It also has two gated conduits that are each nine feet high and six feet wide. The extension dike starts at the western end of the main dike and stretches for 4,600 feet along Rodney French Boulevard East. It has a maximum elevation of 22 feet. The extension dike has three circular gated conduits with diameters of two, three, and four feet, and a street gate on Rodney French Boulevard East. 

Clarks Cove Dike consists of earthfill with stone slope protection. It is 5,800 feet long and extends around the north and east sides of the cove, tying to high ground at both ends. On the north side the dike has a maximum elevation of 22 feet, and on the east side the maximum elevation is 23 feet. The dike also has street gates at Rodney French Boulevard West and Cove Road, and a pumping station.

Fairhaven Dike consists of earthfill with stone slope protection. It starts at high ground near the foot of Lawton Street and runs easterly about 3,100 feet, with a maximum elevation of 20 feet. The dike also has a four-foot-diameter gated conduit.

Courtesy of US Army Corp of Engineers/New England District website

---

 

July 2016 Summer Fun and---

We really haven't had the time we want to spend on our boat this summer, so far. Seems like life gets in the way. In July we have gone outside the hurricane barrier a few times to visit Padanaram Harbor in Dartmouth. Also ventured to Mattapoiset waters, both along south coast Massachusetts Buzzard's Bay area offering some interesting cruising grounds, both busy and secluded. You can see the spires and steeples on some of the structures that Henry H. Rogers (Standard Oil in 1800's) had built while he was on the South Coast. You also see the wind turbines along the shore and estates of the rich and famous? don't know about that.
One of our girls came down with her children and husband to spend some time on the boat and go fishing. Her son, Toby, age 5, is really into fishing, mostly in fresh water. We took them out past the hurricane barrier and tried to catch a few- to no avail. None the less, it was a fun day just to be on the boat with family.
Dean-  A day later, I climbed the mast for our radio antenna issue and mast head light. I used a mast climber and ladder to reach the top, once there, I used a bosun's,
chair while working. Unfortunately the mast climber was for a smaller mast, thus too short by about 12 feet so I had to stand a 12 foot ladder on the cabin top, against the mast to reach it- very amateur, but it worked. the radio antenna had a badly corroded connector, so that has to be replaced and reconnected. The mast head light base, made of plastic, which sits atop the masthead was broken and corroded-  so we are taking the opportunity to get and install a new LED light. The one removed , probably original to the boat, is tri-color/ anchor with strobe.  The newer LED lights have deleted the strobe. We are moving toward having as much of the boat electrical power source done with energy efficient lighting (LED), solar panels, and perhaps some wind power.

So far our boat under motor seems to run quite smoothly and Suzan is getting used to the boats response to wave actions with our normal breezes of 10-15 mph. the sails are not yet attached as I wanted to finish the project at the top of the mast before attaching the sails for use.
 She is getting the galley, berths, and head organized with what we need to be comfortable for an extended stint aboard. Each time we venture out, we make a list of items that would work for us.

We've gone out again a few times down to a small harbor - Padanaram (South Dartmouth). It is a picturesque little harbor with many sailboats moored. Also ventured out of the hurricane barrier east toward Cape Cod. Stayed overnight in a little cove off West Island, dropped anchor and enjoyed the peace and quiet of a secluded anchorage and  beautiful sunset, sunrise and more stars than I have seen in a long time.
There are many islands and harbors to explore close to Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket. We can moor or anchor in at Cuttyhunk, the south western most island of the Elizabeth Island chain off Woods Hole in Falmouth, just 15 miles away from Fairhaven/New Bedford.
 Loving life on Buzzards Bay.

June 2016 Boat in the Water, in a slip, By the Bridge

Dean -
    Finally in the water and at a home for the season. Now we can start to get some items replaced, repaired, organized, and whatever else to do on a boat that is now your own and are getting ready for our boating venture May 2017. We purchased a mast stepper so I can climb the mast to finish my electrical wiring and attach the wind indicator, radio antenna, and mast head light. I have installed a new wind indicator guage in the pilot house and as in replacing most old with new, it doesn't fit with the other older gauges. I had to create a new casing out of some scrap mahogany I had on hand so it would match with the speed and depth finder already in place. Also had to clean and re-attach the depth finder transducer under the forward v-berth cabinets. The masts are up and booms in place.

Suzan-
    Meanwhile I am trying to organize the inside- galley, sleeping, and head items for our small trips this season to Martha's Vineyard, Block Island, Cuttyhunk, and Nantucket. It is much like camping supplies and food staples. I am reading some books by Joy Smith- "The Perfect First Mate" and "Kitchen Afloat". Very informative!!
We washed all the cushion covers and cleaned the galley, bathroom, and whatever else could be wiped down. Joy suggests dish detergent w/ non-chlorine bleach in a bucket of water.
We have an ugly brown carpet over plywood in the main cabin which I would like to replace with something more Nautical. Not to be found online, only the dull colors of grey and brown. Let's brighten it up a bit.
We decided to keep the cushion covers for now- Forest Green and accent with lighter colored pillows. Again, Do you think I can find canvas fabric that is a bit in the Nautical colors- something that has the green, blue, and red.Why is this so hard? Were all these designed  by men for men, who care more about the technical aspects than comfort and style? Boring!!
So much for now. This brings us to July.
Oh yes, friends from North of Boston came to visit and we motored outside our Hurricane Barrier for a cruise to Padanarum. Beautiful Harbor!! Very Yachty!

May 2016

     Since we had decided to postpone dropping a mooring until we return from our trip, we chose a Marina to dock Puffin for the summer. Now to get the masts back up and our boat launched. We are not docking at the same marina where it is stored, so need to put in water to motor to a new home.
     Dean has pulled some new cable but not connected the wind indicator, radio antenna or masthead light, all at the top of the mast. We get a call from the company that steps the masts and launches the boat.  They are ready to launch tomorrow, Thursday, May 12, 12-1:30. We are there. The truck arrives and launches 2 other boats and then sends a truck to step our masts. We are not finished with our mast work yet, but if they can put the boat in the water, we can finish the rest on the water. So- the masts are put up and-- it is now after 3:00, the tide is too low to launch.

We are told we will be put in shortly- within a few days. We wait and call and wait and call. One week goes by. 2 weeks and finally on Thursday, May 26,  the marina owner calls and says "be there at 12:00 noon". The launch truck does not arrive until after 1:30 and by then , the tide is going down. Now we are frustrated, we can't finish the mast work without the equipment to climb the mast ourselves, the professionals are all too busy at this time, yet it seems we can't get the boat in the water, either.  The Marina owner is on the phone with the launch company to see how quickly they have a slot for us. It is now 2 tries. Perhaps third time will bring good luck, if it doesn't take 2 weeks again. He gets a definite date and time for Tuesday at 11:00. We will be there. It is almost June and we have paid for a new Marina for the season. Before I leave this Marina, the owner tells me they called back and can launch the next day, Friday at 12:00.  Seems to me a magic time for launch companies. Apparently high tide is around 1-1:30 so noon is good.
By 1:30 I am in the water and Suzan is at the new Marina, less than 1/4 mile away. Third time is the charm!!
Both Marinas are north of the New Bedford swing bridge so we have to call ahead for the bridge to open for us to go to open sea. It opens every hour at quarter after if you call or radio ahead.
We are now secured at our slip, Puffin's new home for the season.
Much to be checked, replaced, cleaned, and trial run and familiarize ourselves with before our Great Loop trip this time next year-2017.

On the Hard 2015/2016

     Our boat, Puffin, is finally at our new home South Coast of Massachusetts. We scheduled to have Puffin put on the hard (on land) 2 days later not knowing we would have good weather for the month of November. We also had the masts un-stepped and laid on sawhorses next to the boat.  I (Dean), had some work I wanted to do with replacing cables inside the main mast and thought it easier to work on land than  on the boat. I needed to reattach the radio antenna cable, at the top of the mast, and pull new cables for the wind indicator and the masthead light.
     Winter season passed and a cold early spring.  In April we started thinking about doing the cable work so the masts could be put up and our boat launched to a mooring or dock slip. We investigated a mooring in front of our home in New Bedford Harbor area. I went out with the Harbor Master and Mooring person to figure the best place we could drop a mooring.  The estimate from the mooring person was between $2500-$3000 to place the mooring.
     At the same time Suzan was suggesting that: 1) As we are not going to be in the area summer 2017, to wait until returning to drop a mooring and 2) Would like to be on a dock so we can meet other area boaters and it's easier to do some inside and outside work on the boat requiring electric and/or water.

Summer/Fall 2015

     We are safely moored in Salem, Massachusetts Harbor. Unfortunately with our Bed & Breakfast business we were too busy to spend much time with our new boat. I got in only one short day trip with my son in Salem Sound. As our season closed and the Inn was sold, we wanted to venture south coast of Massachusetts so Suzan would feel more comfortable sailing/motoring on coastal waters than direct ocean. We purchased a home on Buzzard's Bay, south coast, in October and proceeded to move our boat, Puffin, to it's new home, a feat in itself. I did not have much experience on Puffin before sailing to our new home and wanted someone onboard. Suzan had other commitments at our new homestead so I recruited Justin, her daughter's husband who is chief engineer on an oil tanker from California to Alaska,

Justin looking out t'ward Boston
 

for part of the trip, stopping in Plymouth, Ma and Dean's daughter's inlaws, Alicia and Paul, who are sailors, for the rest of the trip.
     Justin and I, both lacking much sailing experience, waited to put up sail until just out of Salem Sound at the Channel entrance buoy. Out there, the waters were already rough and Puffin was bouncing so much, neither of us felt comfortable enough with the procedure to unfurl and raise the jib or main sails, so we just motored with the mizzen as a stabilizer to Plymouth completing that part of the trip. Justin is the navigation/technology person and we chatted about the technology onboard Puffin. Total trip time to Plymouth Harbor was about 7 hours for a distance of 41 nautical miles. Justin jumped off and the following morning, Alicia and Paul jumped on for the trip through Cape Cod Canal and on to New Bedford area.

At rest in Plymouth Harbor

Tug and Barge on Cape Cod Canal

             That next morning it was beautiful and
unfortunately for sailors, almost no wind. So we again proceeded under power for Fairhaven/ New Bedford via the Cape Cod Canal. I had planned the trip to give us a good tide through the canal, otherwise the canal authority will force you to take a tow (very expensive) as the currents can be very strong, slowing a sailboat to a crawl. Thus we hit the canal at slack and got a boost into Buzzards Bay on the ebbing tide. Eight hours later we were approaching New Bedford swing bridge at Popes Island. Once through, we tie up at Cozy Cove Marina and are home.

Tied up at Cozy Cove
 

June 2015 Decision made, offer accepted.

Survey is scheduled for June 25, 26. First we will haul the boat from it's protective covering for over 2 years. The protective covering is not a tarp but a large barn on the owner's property in Appleton, Me. The survey will first be done on land and then Puffin is transported by Drinkwater Boat Transport to Rockport harbor, Maine for an on-water survey. Alan Drinkwater was chosen because he is the only driver the former owner trusts to extract the boat through the tight confines of the barn door. The trailer literally drags on the ground as the boat exits.
Once in the water, masts stepped, sails on and covered, a pretty sight. Now for a few preparatory steps for the trip to Massachusetts, roughly 140 nautical miles. Take care of any operational details mentioned in the survey, condition the diesel fuel which sat for 2 plus years in storage and top of the tanks, stock the galley and we're ready to go.

Scott, our broker and a seasoned sailor, graciously volunteered to make the journey with me. So as to arrive in daylight and meet prior commitments for the day, we began our voyage south around 4:30pm. Clearing the Islands of Metinic an Monhegan, we set a course for Nun "2" off Thacher Island, Cape Ann, Massachusetts then steered a more westerly course into Salem Harbor where Puffin would spend the summer. About 22 hours later we were on our mooring, awaiting a pickup by the Hawthorn Cove Marina launch. Unfortunately, no lessons in sailing were to be garnered as the wind was on our nose the whole trip so we motored. 

 

 

Mid May 2015 A Few then ready to choose

We are pretty much at the end of our search, traveling around New England  to find the boat for our venture on the Great Loop.
Locally we visited a Mariner 36' in Easton, Ma. Suzan liked the layout of the sail boat, but then it is a typical sailboat with steering in the back and no pilot house steering. We felt it was on the long side to be maneuvered alone. Pretty boat, though.

May 13,14,15 back to Maine for third time to see the motor sailor that has the most to fit our needs..
 While in Maine, we looked at a Grand Banks Trawler in Portland. Nice 2 bedroom apartment on the water. Still too many finances for fuel while traveling.
The Coaster 33-Puffin is a one owner boat and very well maintained. We can't get an outside view as it has been housed in a huge barn for 1 1/2-2 years. Has not been in the water. The engine is newer 2001- very few miles on it
The inside needs some updating and everything is in working order.
The decision is made. Now to put in an offer with a lower price than it is marketed for.
After a few negotiations, we agreed on a price- next step- Survey/ land and water.

May 2015- On Our Way to a new Boat

It is now May and we have a business to attend to. The Bed & Breakfast business. We are Innkeepers on the North Shore coastal Massachusetts and are accepting reservations for our summer season. So--- Boat looking is starting to take a back seat to our revenue making business.
We are narrowing down our search and the two of us visiting some boats I have previously viewed. This included a whirlwind trip to Stoney Point, NY, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
Stoney Point is the Mariner Pilothouse 38, I really did like the layout. After seeing sailboat, Suzan still felt it was too long to be maneuvered singlehanded and didn't like certain features such as the reefer being too deep and inaccessible and inside pilot located right beside the galley, additionally too much work to make it "Loop" ready. 
Next, Connecticut, to see a 36' Marine Trader Trawler. We felt we needed to see a few of the most popular style of boat on the Great Loop. A Trawler is literally a 1-2 bedroom apartment on the water, maximizing usable storage and living space. Some are complete with full size refrigeration, laundry, AC, queen size bed etc. After the Great Loop venture, I would consider a Trawler parked in Florida waters for our winter getaway.
The Marine Trader was a nice looking boat, but Suzan did not like the small ladder to the top deck and no railing on the second deck. If we are considering bringing children aboard, this is a safety issue.
On to Rhode Island to see a Morgan Out Island Pilothouse 33 in Portsmouth. 
All were ruled out for several concerns.
As said in the beginning, we had to make some decisions before our busy Inn season started or wait until after the season to purchase our Great Loop boat.
I still have my eye on the Coaster 33 in Maine. It has not much to do to be in the water and a length, draft,  and room to be comfortable for our trip.

End of March 2015

We are getting more excited with our new venture and search for the boat that we can make our journey in comfort ( more or less).
This is the end of March- one year ago- and we are traveling to Maryland to view yet another sailboat and attend an AGLCA ( America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association)www.greatloop.org seminar held 2 times a year in different locals. We spent time with friends and viewed a Nauticat 33 while there. Also purchased tickets to the seminar and with that, became members of the AGLCA.
The seminar was awesome, lots of great speakers and many attendees in different phases of their journey. Some were just thinking, some like us, were looking for a boat, some were making the Great Loop venture shortly, some had finished, some on their second Great Loop trip.
Some of the speakers had finished the Loop and could answer many of the questions from novice Great Loop to be participants. Lots of knowledge to be gained and many introductions including Boat Brokers, Insurance persons, and Boat Loan officers.
We were looking at older boats so there is a learning curve for Boat loans and Insurance. Many companies either do NOT loan and insure boats older than 1990's or there may be a premium to pay for insurance and loans. Much like a home near the water or a below average credit score. All in all, when we decided on a boat, there were originators that would work with us. You have to research to find them.
Next time- April 2015!!!