The Log of Quiet Passage
Choices:
Lat: 41 29.146N
Long: 71 19.568W
After a day if dithering, we decided we�d make for Newport, Rhode Island. It is a long haul there. However, the weather is threatening. We hear forecasts of 20-30 knots from the southeast tonight and that does not bode well.
Initially we had decided on a short hop to Naushon Island, owned by the Forbes clan. We�d been there in the past and knew the owners have set out and made available a number of moorings for visiting boats. We liked the protection offered in the harbor there. But there are no services. We thought it might be better to head for a location that would offer some services since our fresh food is low.
We charted a course to Point Judith, Rhode Island, with its Harbor of Refuge. And we were doing well on this voyage till I changed my mind again. Point Judith is a decent anchorage, but, in the event we wished to go inside the harbor, we would be forced to take a slip. This is not our idea of cruising. Nor do we have the funds for tying up at marinas. And, if the weather closed us down for two or three days, this might get to be a little pricey.
Instead, we decided to make our way to Newport where the big boat show is being held this very weekend. This might be expensive. But we figured it would be a much better way to spend our money if we were trapped.
So down through Buzzard�s Bay we sailed on a light southeasterly breeze. Two greyhounds of the sea passed us: 12-meter racers out of Rhode Island. One was Intrepid, the other Columbia. Now this is pretty fine company to be sailing with.
A handsome red-sailed cutter that we�d anchored next to in Onset was ahead of us the whole way south. Imagine our astonishment when we arrived in Newport Harbor and were hailed by Dr. Jim Stuart, the former owner of Quiet Passage. He complimented us on Quiet Passage (formerly known to him as Albatross. He had taken a berth at American Shipyard, while we asked the Harbormaster for a mooring. We were tucked away across the harbor and settled down for the night.
The Newport skyline at sunset.
Our Info:
Name:
Bob & Jo Mellis
Email:
Email:
When you use Pocketmail, please note that. Pocketmail cannot transmit attachments.