We made it across to Block Island yesterday. Wind was coming from the SW which was exactly the way we wanted to head so not ideal for a sail. Had a couple of big tacks and then used the engine for the last stretch. Heather and her daughter Samantha sailed with us. Its really good having the additional crew. One more person really makes a difference but we will be sailing back on our own. Still learning the boat handling skills. This time when we went to hoist the main we forgot to shorten the dingy tow line and managed to wrap the dingy around the bow. Lesson learned - shorten dingy rope before setting main. After all that we did have a great sail making close to 9 knots close hauled when the wind freshened to around 20kts
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| Samantha and Calley sailing |
After approx 5 hrs we made it safely into the salt pond at Block Island. Lots of boats here since its peak holiday season. The entry into the salt pond is a narrow channel which has sufficient water for Dulcinea and once through it opens up into a natural harbour. We are limited to where we can go due to our draft but managed to get a mooring to swing off. Plan is to stay here for a couple of days at least and then sail back to Newport.
As the post title says its not all beer and skittles and we do have to do the usual everyday mundane things which today involved cleaning the boat. Luckily we have a couple of more or less able bodied (AB) seamen to assist. Deal is the boat gets cleaned and then its pay day.
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| AB Sam |
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| AB Calley |
After cleaning we went ashore for a walk around and some lunch. Island is pretty small and has a real rural feel. Will post more tomorrow after we do a bicycle around the island.
PS. In case you do not know you can comment directly on the blog page and we get the messages. Please feel free to comment as we would love to hear from you all.
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| Dulcinea at Block Island mooring |
Hi Guy's
ReplyDeleteI have been watching with avid interest and I am impressed with your progress so far.
Its not easy jumping out of your comfort zone and learning new skills,I am truly in awe.
How does Dulcinea perform under sail? She impresses me with her lines and appears to be a vessel that will make good headway.I love your blog, it is well written and very informative,well done.I have been wondering when the standard dress code is the order of the day,three cornered hat or red bandana,parrot and an eyepatch, what a hoot.
It will be great when you get on a long cruise thats when the natural rhythm takes over, thats when it all comes together, ahh I'm getting green with envy just thinking about it.
Cheryle and I jumped in the deep end and bought an S80 that was at a good price in Busselton, Cheryle who will be now referred to as Madam Lash has taken over as the "Captain" an guess who does the deck work, the skin omn my back is starting to callous so the lash is'nt quite so bad. It is a nice little boat and fairly slippery too with a good wardrobe of sails, already Mdm Lash wants a code zero headsail. I suppose the next modification will be to her sailing attire, so that the shark fin will come out of her back easier.
Well I must sling my hook as I'm preparing the bottom for antifouling.
May your God bless Dulcinea and all who sail in her.
Cliff & Mdm Lash
Cliff,
DeleteMany thanks for the note and happy to hear you are enjoying the blog. Life has certainly changed for us but we are all getting used to the new routine. Glad to hear you have got yourself a boat and am sure that the discipline metted out by Cheryle is warranted to keep you in line.
Hope all is well in Bunbury
Scott, Nicole and kids.
Hi guy's
DeleteIt's all well here, we are over winter right now as it has been the coldest on record, very little rain but bloody cold.
Summer is not far away thankfully, I think you are in the right spot, even Mdm Lash
(who enjoys the cold) is over it.
Lot's of it
Cliff
Hi Scott,Nic, Sam and Pirate Calley,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on progress seems to be all going swimmingly well. Never mind the little challengers on the way they are only there to enhance the experience?
Scott / Nic as has been stated before we all appreciate your blog it's easy to read informative and most of all we can all feel we are sharing your experience would like to hear from Priate Calley and Fisherman Sam.
Looking forward to catching up soon.
PP
Hi all you sailors.
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear all about your new life and how you are all adapting to the challenges. Hope everything gets sorted out and the new schooling schedule gets under way. School starts here next week but believe me the weather is in no way comparable to yours.
Good luck
Uncle Ian and Aunt Margaret