America won't let go 40:55.5N 68:56.3W Sailed from USA 115 miles; to the Azores another 1951

Ellatrout3
Tue 8 Jul 2014 02:25
 
Paul transmits his position at 1200 bst when we will make contact with one another so my position is at Noon British Summer Time
 
As I told you  last time Paul and I planned to leave together on Sunday Mornining. So we went out to the moorings befroe dark on Saturday  to watch the Independance Day Celebration fireworks display and prepare for the departure.  It was a great vantage point with fiireworks going off all round with the main show at Fort Adams sponsored by Newport City.  Quite a send off really!?
 
We agreed departure would be 0700 and at 0615 we confirmed we would both be ready. The time came and we both let go our moorings and Paul slipped quietly away.  I remained with the pick up line from the mooring around my keel or propellor.  There you are, sails up ready to go and this rope disappears under the boat and she lies tethered by this unseen hand.  No matter what I tried I could ot get free. The boat yard and Club do not open till 0800 so I rang Norm Bailey for advice.  True to form he said "I know a guy who can sort you out, I will bring him out to you" and sure enough soon after 8 oclock  he appeared with Captain Seaweed a local diver. He was only under water a couple of minutes and I was free, and the only damage was to the light pick up line which was cut through.  Norm took care of everything and I was underway at 08.45.
 
What wonderful support we Jesters get from our American friends, Norm resolved a potentially dangerous situation in less than an hour, what an asset this man is? A  real  resourceful Jester!  Thank you very much Norm, I'll see you  next time you come to the UK.
 
The late start meant I missed the tide and the flood had set against me before I got clear of Narraganset Bay so the next time Paul and I made contact he was 23 miles ahead of me.  It seems I must always follow Paul Mead and Independance.  However unlike the trip out the wind was with us and as you can see by the miles I did 115 miles in the first 22 hours and the sun shone al the way!
 
Perhaps things will be different this time, we'll see?
 
Love Poppa/Dad/Roger