Long Cruise Report

[Ann Visser]



The Pantinos and Vissers had a lovely long cruise. Mixed weather, adjusted plans but enjoyed each other's company.

We left Mt Sinai Saturday morning  @ 10, rode the tide out, got some sailing in. WE went to Clinton and they went on to Westbrook. ( A scheduling faux pa by us.)We arrived around 4:30, showered and Ubered to Westbrook. We met for dinner and had a cool, pleasant night.

The next morning we left for 3 Mile Harbor. Again, took the tide through Plum gut, with no issues. We were shocked as our depth gauge registered over 350 feet!!.  We set anchor and relaxed for the afternoon.  We had a lovely dinner prepared by Kathy on their boat.  The next morning, we took our rib to shore and met up with our daughter, 8 month old granddaughter and a long time friend who lives in Springs.  They brought us to Napeague beach, where we had a lovely day at the ocean.  Kathy and Don, opted to enjoy a breezy day in the harbor, swam and visited the Ship store via their rib.

The next morning we awoke to brisk wind. While having brunch together on our boat, Don noticed his boat was drifting.  He and Kathy jumped in their rib, back to their boat, and reset their anchor, with a longer scope.  We also let out some more line.  We decided to stay put and enjoy time in the harbor.  It was a breezy, cool night. The harbor was virtually empty. We both picked out moorings we would move to if any issues arose.

The plan was to head to Hamburg cove @  730 am.  I awoke to David staring at the weather maps, it was windy and raining.  Soon thereafter, Don called,  recommending we stay put for the day. We were in 100% agreement.  Don suggested getting some rest as it was a fitful night with the weather.  I crawled back under the covers and soon thereafter, Dave announced we were drifting.  I jumped up, put on a life vest and a rain jacket, while Dave started the engine.  We got the anchor up with a few glitches along the way ( Need to practice that)  I attempted to grab the tall boy on the mooring we planned on borrowing, it was blowing almost horizontal with the rain pouring down.  It took a few passes to get it. The line to the loop was crazy long and I had to drop it once, as we were drifting faster than I could get to it.  When I finally saw the loop, it was so chunky, I could barely get it on the cleat, but I did.  I layed on the deck, a bit exhausted, with my back a little tense, but it eased with some time. Dave came up and further secured the line. PHEW!!!  We slowly made our way back to the cockpit, changed out of our soaked clothes and got some rest. As the wind calmed a bit, we met on our boat for dinner and slept well.

WE left for the gut, with the tide and headed to Hamburg Cove @ 8am, Light rain, 1-2 ft seas.  The gut was amazing but uneventful.  It was a seamless stop in Essex for gas and  water.  Great gas dock with fenders, easy on easy off.  We arrived at Hamburg Cove around 12. We had a relaxing day of swimming, reading and dinner on Blue Angel with a gorgeous sunset.The next morning we took the ribs down the "river", explored the marina area and admired the beautiful homes and landscape. 

We left for Essex around 2pm, upon arrival, after a shower, we had a lovely dinner at Drift, with a beautiful view of the marina.  This was our last meal together as we needed to head back Saturday morning due to a family commitment on Sunday. We left @ 7am, in light fog, rode the tide to Mt Sinai.  The sound was lake-like, so no sailing.  Saw some large fish jumping. The wind picked up close to Mt Sinai and was blustery in the harbor.  Always good to be back in our lovely harbor.  We arrived around 2pm.  

On Saturday, Kathy and Don left Essex around 1130 am.  They headed to Clinton for their anniversary and reported a lovely meal at Aqua.  They reported some good wind and motor sailed back on Sunday, until gusts of 20-25 knots, sails came down and they got home safely to Mt Sinai.

Looking forward to some late summer and fall sailing and next year's long trip adventure!!

Best,

Ann & David Visser

s/v Ohana