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.   

Hudson River Alone-Coeymans(New Baltimore,NY) to Haverstraw Bay

Roundout Lighthouse

Tanker Palanca Montevideo   

Esopus Meadows Lighthouse   

Galleon Replicas    

Bannerman Castle/ Arsenal

Pete Seeger's Clearwater

At Coeymans Marina, I (Suzan) jumped off Puffin and headed home by land to Massachusetts leaving Dean to captain alone the mighty and sometimes rough Hudson River to and around New York City. So, July 10th, heading out of Coeymans with a 5 to 7 mph wind on the nose, Woodstock, the cat and I (Dean) had a pleasant trip down to Roundout Creek and the Hudson River Maritime Museum and Boatbuilding School. About two hours into the trip I spotted 5 deer playing and grazing along shore. A bit further along I noticed a bald eagle and blue heron standing on the shore right next to each other, which I thought to be kind of curious, like a couple of fishermen discussing tactics and gear. Periodically a tug and barge on water or AmTrak or freight train along either shore would pass by, whistling it's approach. We made 41 statute miles that day. Once secured dockside in Kingston I took the bike into town for some sightseeing and groceries. The following morning I was underway downriver at 6am. Ten minutes later Puffin was exiting Roundout Creek, passing Roundout lighthouse and back into the main body of the Hudson River. About a half hour later I'm passing Esopus Meadows lighthouse, warning of a large area of shallow flats at a bend in the river. Just off the town of Hyde Park on the eastern shore, on the charts, is an anchoring ground for vessels awaiting loading or unloading. There sat the Palanca Montevideo, a 182ft asphalt/bituminous tanker, obviously awaiting loading as she sat very high off the water. Another large tug and barge passed by creating a wake which sent Woodstock scurrying below decks. Shortly a breeze sprang up creating ripples across formerly placid waters as Newburgh came into view, where two black Galleon style ships like the Nina and Pinta, appeared to be taking on passengers. Next Woodstock and I passed by Bannerman's Castle on Pollepel Island. It is a Scottish style castle/ armory and residence, built around 1900 by Francis Bannerman for safe storage of his company's munitions and war materials and a summer residence. A little further downriver we pass by West Point, home to the US Military Academy for the Army, perched on a plateau above the river. It is the oldest continuously occupied military post in the US, established by George Washington in 1775. About an hour later off Peekskill I noticed a large sloop that looked like Pete Seeger's Clearwater, which, it turned out to be! The Clearwater, a replica of the sloops sailing the Hudson in the 18th and 19th centuries was created to bring attention to the toxic chemicals, raw sewage and oil pollution fouling Pete's beloved Hudson back in the 60's and 70's, decimating fish populations along much of it's length. It made me happy to see she was still at it. Pete and his boat have been very successful. You can now fish the entire length of the Hudson though one must still be very cautious of what you eat from the river. That afternoon I decided to drop anchor in Haverstraw (Half Moon) Bay. 56 miles this leg. It had been a hot sticky day so after a light dinner, just before dusk, I took my first swim since starting the trip-much of the water having been to muddy or the weather to cool or rainy. The water was so cool and refreshing, I went back in several times before turning in after a beautiful, peaceful sunset.

West Point Military Academy  

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Sunset Haverstraw Bay

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Some things to know

Boats- the type you choose is a big consideration.  Most of the Loopers (boats cruising the Great Loop or any part of it) we connected with had power boats a bit larger than ours.  Ours being 33 ft motor sailor with masts down, and 10ft 2 in width.  Some of the power boats, trawler style,  were from 36' to one we met from Marathon, Fl. a live aboard, at 58 ft, a bit larger than they had anticipated, to a 48 ft live aboard.  These couples no longer own land homes, their boats are their homes.  A little scary for me at present although, I would like to perhaps have a 36' ft trawler on the intercoastal down south.  And there were a few hard core sailing people making the Great Loop in their 40 some feet sailboats. One couple we met were from Finland and sailed to the US from there to travel the Great Loop.

Coming from South Coast Massachusetts down to NYC, there are many coves and tucked in harbors and marinas to spend the night, not much in anchorage or moorings. Many along the way to NYC charge from $2.50-3.50 a foot for dock space. We had to tuck into some of them as our weather beginning the trip was not ideal- much rain, wind, and high seas. We were able to get  free moorings with the town of Fort Washington in Manhasset Harbor but is was too windy and wavy for me that day so chose to go into a dock.  You can anchor behind the Statue of Liberty if the waters aren't too busy.
As you journey farther up the Hudson River you can find Anchorage and Moorings at least 50, 60 miles from the Statue. There are many areas to tie in the Canals or at a Lock with nice parks you can be on land for a while. 2017 is an Anniversary for New York so the NY State canal system is not charging for canal travel and tie up.

Marinas- Many of the larger and better equipped Marinas, especially on the Hudson River,  are very familiar with Loopers and welcome them. The boats traveling the Great Loop or any portion of it Triangle, Champlain Canal Loop, will spend $$$ for supplies, groceries, any boat repairs, restaurants, laundry, fuel, pump outs, at the Marinas with these conveniences. The dock fees range from$2.25/ft to less than $3.00/ft plus a few $$$ for electric. on Hudson River Marinas as you get up the river about 50 miles.  Sometimes the dock fee is worth it if you have been traveling 6-7 hours a day for a few days,  and need a shower and laundry, or a meal you did not prepare on a boat. Stay tuned for the Hudson River and the NYState Canals

Almost Launched!!

Puffin hits the water on May 8th.
Steadily preparing for the journey- The Triangle Loop- a northern side trip of the Great Loop- around May 20th.
Scrambling to get electronic things done on land, much easier.
Almost finished sanding the bottom and hope to paint as soon as it stops raining. We have had so much rain in the last few weeks, our yard looks like a jungle. Where was this rain when we really needed it?
Our 8 ft mast is propped in place, waiting for the OK from marine electronics  people that we are wiring correctly and then finishing up and securing in place in front of the pilot house.
Dean is attaching a first mate chair on the opposite side from the captain's chair and wheel so I or whomever not steering can sit high enough to see what is going on in front and all around us. He is making a wooden insert for the front V-berth so we can have a larger and more comfortable sleeping area. I have ordered the foam  we need ( a 28"X 28") piece that we can cut to size.
We are anxiously anticipating the arrival of davit mounting brackets so when attached to the boat the davits can swivel together across the back of the boat at a dock or slip so we don't get charged for an extra 3 feet or get tangled with another boat in tight docking situations.

I, Suzan, am gathering items from my extensive list, and finding places to stow onboard.
Bed and bath linens, food and food containers- non perishable food in plastic bags or containers and other containers for leftovers. My list is very long. I am trying to take as much as we can for most of the trip in non perishables so we only have to purchase fresh along the way. See Joy Smith's www.joysmith.net books on "The Perfect First Mate", and "Kitchen Afloat". Joy has lots of great ideas for making your boat your home away from home.
Dean has secured a place to dock Puffin where we can work on her until we start our journey.

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.
                   
                    

Safely nestled in the yard, winterizing

Now that Puffin is resting in our yard, we have some winterizing to do.  Boats are used to living in the water, salt or fresh, in the warm weather. We could have left the boat in water until mid November. Unfortunately the Marina we were docked at for the season, pulls boats out the end of October, unless you want to pay on a weekly basis for off season dockage. In the future, we hope to moor in front of our home or dock at a Coast Guard affiliated Club Marina for smaller seasonal fees.

We (Dean) have power washed and scraped barnacles and slime off the bottom of the boat. I supervised, not really, I didn't even watch. Meanwhile I am taking stored food off so it can be used in the house before we go. No sense leaving food onboard that has the chance to spoil. I also removed the bed pillows and quilts so they would not get moldy.

Winterizing---
The water tanks, lines and faucets, head (toilet) and holding tank get drained and antifreeze added to prevent freezing, just like a mobile home stored for the winter. Oil, oil filter and fuel filters get changed. Fuel- top off and stabilize. Charge the batteries. Ensure the antifreeze in engine is adequate for the winter. Install frame and cover the boat to protect from damage of freezing rain, snow and sun.

I will have to figure a way to easily access through the cover to work on the various projects needed to be done this winter in preparation for the coming spring trip.
Some of the projects I want to work on through the winter are: 1) new faucets 2) water filters for faucets and on hose used to fill tanks. We will be filling our water tanks many times and places throughout our voyage. No telling the condition of water supply along the way 3) vacuum gauge for fuel filter, so I know in advance when it is getting clogged 4)temporary mast for radar and radio antenna and deck light mounting (the regular masts are too tall for bridges along the route until I hit the Gulf of Mexico.), 5) solar panels, controller and inverter, to keep the batteries charged while on anchor or moored 6)mount dinghy davits, and the list goes on.

At some point, after the Holidays, we will open up all the storage spaces and decide what to keep.  The previous owners left everything onboard the boat when sold to us. Some of the tools are doubled and tripled- probably 5-6 storage areas with tools and parts in different areas on the boat. There are 2 storage spaces with plastic containers for food items. Lots to go through, lots to decide on. As this is my first boating adventure, I'm not quite sure about all kitchen stuff to be equipped with. I will learn.
I have my books- 2 by Joy Smith, www.joysmith.net "The Perfect First Mate" and "Kitchen Afloat".
We have introduced our cat "Woodstock" to the boat as he will be taking our Great Loop trip with us.

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.

Say Goodbye to the water and hauling to land for the winter

The area we live in, South Coast Massachusetts, seems to want to haul boats out by end of October, probably as the weather can turn cold and windy anytime.
We have to do what needs to be done to the boat before it is hauled out. Holding tanks need to be pumped, we have some water leakage in the bilge that we need to figure out while in the water.  Luckily, we may be able to store "Puffin" in our side yard and ready it for our May trip. In our yard we can work on the boat at our own pace.
Dean is getting the boat ready to have the masts un stepped and hauled to it's resting place for the winter months before our Great Loop journey. Taking down the sails and booms is step 1. Disconnecting any wires, connections that are in the mast is step 2.
We reconnected the auto pilot for the stove and oven so are ready for cooking inside aboard. The stove is powered by propane that is stored outside the cabin in a nook in the pilot house. He also tried the heater for the cabin and it works fine- powered by diesel fuel.
Boat is out of the water, settling on land for the winter.
Will attach pictures in next blog.
Sorry this is so late, we had new grandchildren arrive. twins on 17th.

Comfort and Convenience while living aboard

We spoke with a friend who lived on a 42"sailboat with his wife and 2 children-this is what he had to say.
Outfit your boat as if it were your home. Comfort is key and convenience for cooking, communicating.
Make your berth like your bedroom using comfort items that are easy to maintain. Flannel sheets are good for all seasons and easy to wash and dry without a dryer. Remember quilts, comforters for those chilly days and nights. A net hammock is good for towels, sheets, and extra blankets, also clothing up off the bunks and out of the way. Many pillow cases can be stuffed with extras and used in the main cabin or outside for lounging.  In the galley and dining area use another hammock for crackers, pastas, snacks and other items that don't have to be kept cool, cold,  and hanging tiered baskets for fruits and vegetables.
Dean is listing mechanical and technical items to be done before our trip in May 2017.
Solar panels, outline for the chart plotter (I-Pad or other small laptop), LED lighting where possible, wind turbine, any advantage to use more natural resources for traveling.  He also wants to get another anchor for areas that may have different bottoms to anchor in. We will be in fresh waters for the majority of our trip and anchoring circumstances may be different than ocean waters.
Many of our friends and neighbors are excited for our adventure and may be meeting us along our way. We hope to have some companion boats to travel parts of the trip with. Some 100 boats a year make this trip, all sizes from small sailboats to large power cruisers.
Next- Hauling our boat out for the winter, to our yard, and getting ready for the Great Loop Trip.

Puffin Travel Adventures at Cuttyhunk Island

Our first longer overnight getting used to the boat before our Great Loop venture in the Spring- May 2017.
We ventured outside the hurricane barrier about 2 1/2 to 3 hours from New Bedford Harbor to a little island, Cuttyhunk, at the western  end of the Elizabeth Islands, a chain of islands extending west from Woods Hole in Falmouth,.  This island is close to Cape Cod (Woods Hole), Martha's Vineyard (8 miles) and a little further, to Nantucket. On a clear and bright sunny day, one can see from the Bourne Bridge connecting the mainland to Cape Cod, down the shore line to Rhode Island. The trip was great, beautiful weather, motoring at about 6.5-7 knots, for approximately 14 miles total.
Several ledges, Phinney Rock, Great Ledge, and Wilkes Ledge to name a few, appear along the course to Cuttyhunk forcing the skipper to stay  alert to keep the boat in deeper waters until you reach Penikese, a small island in front of Cuttyhunk, and the mouth of Cuttyhunk Harbor. There are two separate mooring fields to use in the Harbor, some in shallow water. We decided to bypass these and go in to Cuttyhunk Pond. Incidentally, Penikese was formerly used as a leper colony, then a home for troubled boys.
Once in the harbor you can see an opening leading into Cuttyhunk Pond with moorings and dock slips to the very small town of Gosnold.  Cuttyhunk Island is part of the town of Gosnold. We arrived on a Friday afternoon after the busy summer season and made our way through the narrow and shallow channel to the pond. We picked up a mooring, had dinner on the grill then dinghied into town for a little tour. Gosnold has under 20 residents in the winter, yet offers Library, Schooling, Methodist Church, Post Office, Town Meeting Hall, and Cuttyhunk Market.   During the summer  the town swells with seasonal residents, both on land and in the water. There are rental homes and apartments during the season plus Cuttyhunk Fishing Club Bed & breakfast Inn, and Avalon( The Inn at Cuttyhunk). Many homes are multigenerational dating back to the early 1900's. Cuttyhunk Ferry brings visitors to the Island at 9:00 am and leaves at 3:00pm weekdays for New Bedford. One needs to check with the Ferry company for weekend times. Transportation on the island is mostly by 4 wheel ATV's and golf carts, or bicycling or walking. There are very few cars or trucks on the island

Cuttyhunk Island has a small beach, a great harbor, good fishing, some beautiful hiking trails- I have pictures from the top of the hill.
Shellfish Farms "Floating" Raw Bar delivers to your boat. Cuttyhunk Oysters delivers meals to your boat also. Cool!!
There are a few other places to eat, Cuttyhunk Corner Store, and of course, Ice Cream.










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.