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Stamford to Block Island

Details: Written by Susan Susan; Category: Mate's Log Mate's Log; Published: 10 September 2021 10 September 2021; Hits: 71 71

We left our home port a bit more than six weeks ago. The first two weeks we navigated the 30 locks in the Erie Canal and made our way through NYC. We got to Long Island Sound and spent a night in Oyster Bay then headed east, motoring. The boat came to a grinding halt outside of Stamford Connecticut and we had to suffer the indignity of being towed into a marina and subsequently spent almost three weeks in and around there while we got our transmission diagnosed and replaced. The boat had to be hauled out of the water, the quarter berth (where most of our stuff is kept) had to be emptied out in order for the mechanic to gain access to the engine, the refrigerator had to be emptied (because we were not connected to power) and we had to pack all of our clothes.

Under different circumstances we might have enjoyed Connecticut but honestly, we just weren’t in the mood. We were fortunate to have our boat in the capable hands of the Hinckley Boat Yard so while the delay was frustrating, we were confident in their ability to do the job and the staff were all good and friendly people. They were genuinely happy for us when we pulled off their dock last Saturday morning. (Or maybe just glad to get us out of their hair, hard to say)

Since our re-start things have mostly been wonderful. Our first night was spent anchored at Charles Island near Milford, a beautiful spot recommended by a a friend of Dave’s from one of the sailing forums. It was Labor Day weekend so it was festive until sunset and then settled into a peaceful place. The next morning dawned silver as we set out for the day. The wind picked up immediately and we were able to sail for 50 miles to Chocomount Cove, Fishers Island without having to tack..

Sailing, Finally!

Details: Written by Dave Dave; Category: Captain's Log Captain's Log; Published: 06 September 2021 06 September 2021; Hits: 72 72

It has been a long time coming. Over a year and finally Second Star was moving under sail. She was re-launched last Friday, and we moved aboard. Saturday morning, we set off for Charles Island near Milford, CT. Noticed I wrote “set off” not sailed off, once again the wind was mostly absent and what wind there was light and not in our favor; a good opportunity to try out the new transmission.

Sunday dawned with gray skies and mirror seas. The forecast was optimistic for south to southwest wind at 10-15 knots. Within a half hour of weighing anchor, the forecast winds arrived gradually building to 15-20 knots all on the starboard quarter. It was a fast sail with speed through the water in 7-8 knot range. At the halfway mark, the tide changed and soon were making 9 knots or better over the ground, even hitting 10 on occasion. And best of all, no tacking or gybing for 50 miles! We had a peaceful evening in Chocomount Cove on Fishers Island. Labor Day was spent relaxing and addressing never ending chores.

Waiting for Paint to Dry

Details: Written by Dave Dave; Category: Captain's Log Captain's Log; Published: 27 August 2021 27 August 2021; Hits: 92 92

The new transmission has arrived, earlier than expected. The paint is drying and it will be installed by early next week. If all goes as planned we'll be sailing again in a week.

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Waiting for Henri

Details: Written by Dave Dave; Category: Captain's Log Captain's Log; Published: 25 August 2021 25 August 2021; Hits: 123 123

Nine days ago, we were towed into port with a dead motor. Today we are in our second hotel and on our third rental car. Henri has come and gone, leaving western Long Island Sound unscathed save for a few trees and lots of rain. Eastern LI Sound and Rhode Island were different stories, near hurricane strength winds, tidal surge, and rain. If all had gone according to plan, we would have spent most of last week looking for options to avoid the storm. Instead, we spent the week trying to solve the transmission problem.

In the last post I noted that we had found a transmission. Well that was almost correct. More accurately stated, we learned a direct replacement was no longer available or being built, however, we were able to identify a suitable alternative. There was a twist. This new transmission came in two flavors, one with a 2.1:1 gear ration and in a 2.6:1, neither matched the existing 2.45:1 gear ratio. Which one to choose?

Stuff Happens

Details: Written by Dave Dave; Category: Captain's Log Captain's Log; Published: 19 August 2021 19 August 2021; Hits: 116 116

Stuff happens. When it does, we humans are quick assign it some value or make some judgement about the occurrence, is this good stuff? Bad stuff? Terrible stuff? Just what kind of stuff is it and how will this stuff affect the future? I would like to report that on Monday, July 16, 2021 at 1000 these were the lofty questions being contemplated, but I would be lying. At the time I was busy practicing my bad language. What happened?

At 0830 we left Oyster Bay in light winds headed east towards the north shore of Long Island Sound. Of course, the wind was absent, and we were motoring along making about 6 knots and then we weren’t. That’s when the bad language practice session began. We had been warned.

The Hudson

Details: Written by Dave Dave; Category: Captain's Log Captain's Log; Published: 15 August 2021 15 August 2021; Hits: 79 79

At 4200 feet above sea level, Lake Tear of the Clouds, on the shoulders of Mt Marcy is the source of the Hudson River. From a small rivulet in the alpine regions of the Adirondacks, it flows through valleys, gorges, and wide bays to the sea. We joined the Hudson on its journey to the ocean at the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers at Waterford, NY about two weeks ago. Since then we have made our way downstream with extended stops in Catskill, Kingston, and now Croton-on-Hudson. This is not the typical itinerary for a cruising boat trying to reach the ocean.

If you are following us on Spot you might have noticed our extended stays in Catskill and Croton. Old slow bodies kept us in a Catskill for an extra day or two. The mast was stepped and a new Mack Pack sail cover was installed. Our stay in Croton was not so pleasantly disposed. Recipes in gourmet magazines often omit a critical ingredient or two to keep you coming the restaurant. The omission of a critical piece of information is not unique to gourmet magazines.

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