Departing Cuttyhunk
We decided to decline the breakfast invitation from our mooring neighbor Al and take off for the canal. We wanted to hit the canal in the early afternoon to catch the favorable current so we left about 0730. We ended up reaching the canal in just 3.5hrs.
Today was to be the longest and most extreme sailing day yet. There was a small craft advisory in Buzzards Bay and we had to traverse the entire length of it from Cuttyhunk to the canal. We were running downwind in over 20kts of wind the whole way. We tried several different sail configurations:First: Reefed main only.
Then: Reefed Genoa only.
Finally: Reefed Main and Reefed Genoa
We rarely fell below 7 knots. In fact, the average speed for the whole 56 nautical mile trip was about 7kts. Amazing.
High winds, big waves in Buzzards bay. Almost nervous
The wind was high and sustained with occasional very strong gusts. The real problem though was the waves. At one point, they were getting very tall and breaking. They were also following us on our quarter so the boat was really pitching a lot and it was hard to keep a good downwind run going. We had to jibe some zig-zags to stay slightly up into the wind to avoid an accidental Jibe. In this wind, it would have been bad.
Fast ride through the canal
As we approached the canal, once again the railroad bridge was down. Fortunately, it was coming back up and we didn't have to slow down for it at all. The current was nearly at peak when we approached the canal. When we turned into the wind (against the current) to drop the main sail, capt Bob enjoyed the feeling of moving backwards with the engine in forward. (That's one way to avoid prop walk). We then enjoyed a 8-9 knot ride through the canal.
Very high sustained winds in Cape Cod Bay after leaving the canal
Things seemed very calm inside the canal. After the morning we had in Buzzards, we were looking forward to a nice easy sail in Cape Cod Bay to Dennis. Wow - as soon as we left the canal, the wind was absolutely ripping. It was not gusty but it was very very strong and steady. Once again double reefed and flying at 8 knots. The good part is that on this side of the canal, there were no big waves. A few 2-3 footers here and there but that's it.
Dennis or Barnstable
These are both places we've never been. Capt Bob has always felt that these would not be great destinations for a deep draft sailboat. Linda didn't buy it. Comm officer Linda talked to friendly harbormasters at both places and asked about the depth. They both advised us not to come in or leave at low tide. It seemed that Dennis (Sesuit harbor) was a better bet.
Dinner
We had a long day. We were tired and hungry. Barnstable has many restaurant choices but Sesuit harbor only a couple. There is a cafe next to the marnina that has lots of fried stuff and burgers, etc with picnic table seating outside. There is also the Marshside Restaurant which is about a one mile walk. The cruising guide says it's also possible to take a dinghy ride there but I can imagine walking in there with pretty muddy shoes (and ankles and knees depending on the tide). We needed to stretch our legs so we hoofed it. The place was packed and they told us to expect a 45 minute wait. It turned out to more like 30 and our Gibson Martinis lasted the whole time. Great menu - some high end entrees but also burgers and fish-n-chips, etc.
Then: Reefed Genoa only.
Finally: Reefed Main and Reefed Genoa
We rarely fell below 7 knots. In fact, the average speed for the whole 56 nautical mile trip was about 7kts. Amazing.
 |
| Leaving Cuttyhunk Channel |
High winds, big waves in Buzzards bay. Almost nervous
The wind was high and sustained with occasional very strong gusts. The real problem though was the waves. At one point, they were getting very tall and breaking. They were also following us on our quarter so the boat was really pitching a lot and it was hard to keep a good downwind run going. We had to jibe some zig-zags to stay slightly up into the wind to avoid an accidental Jibe. In this wind, it would have been bad.
 |
| Lots of 7s and 8s on the knot meter today |
 |
| The dinghy got quite a ride today. Amazed it didn't wipe out and flip over |
Fast ride through the canal
As we approached the canal, once again the railroad bridge was down. Fortunately, it was coming back up and we didn't have to slow down for it at all. The current was nearly at peak when we approached the canal. When we turned into the wind (against the current) to drop the main sail, capt Bob enjoyed the feeling of moving backwards with the engine in forward. (That's one way to avoid prop walk). We then enjoyed a 8-9 knot ride through the canal.
Very high sustained winds in Cape Cod Bay after leaving the canal
Things seemed very calm inside the canal. After the morning we had in Buzzards, we were looking forward to a nice easy sail in Cape Cod Bay to Dennis. Wow - as soon as we left the canal, the wind was absolutely ripping. It was not gusty but it was very very strong and steady. Once again double reefed and flying at 8 knots. The good part is that on this side of the canal, there were no big waves. A few 2-3 footers here and there but that's it.
Dennis or Barnstable
These are both places we've never been. Capt Bob has always felt that these would not be great destinations for a deep draft sailboat. Linda didn't buy it. Comm officer Linda talked to friendly harbormasters at both places and asked about the depth. They both advised us not to come in or leave at low tide. It seemed that Dennis (Sesuit harbor) was a better bet.
Dinner
We had a long day. We were tired and hungry. Barnstable has many restaurant choices but Sesuit harbor only a couple. There is a cafe next to the marnina that has lots of fried stuff and burgers, etc with picnic table seating outside. There is also the Marshside Restaurant which is about a one mile walk. The cruising guide says it's also possible to take a dinghy ride there but I can imagine walking in there with pretty muddy shoes (and ankles and knees depending on the tide). We needed to stretch our legs so we hoofed it. The place was packed and they told us to expect a 45 minute wait. It turned out to more like 30 and our Gibson Martinis lasted the whole time. Great menu - some high end entrees but also burgers and fish-n-chips, etc.
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