East Coast of America, Part 3
After Martha’s Vineyard we headed back to Marion, to collect some more parcels, mainly boat parts for the new solar panels and anchor. On Friday 4 August at 0800 hrs we were due to leave Marion, however, for the first time in ages, the engine wouldn’t start. We tried it with the generator running, no joy, so put the engine battery on charge (from the house batteries). After nine hours of testing this and that we deduced it was something to do with the invertor and relay. At 1745 hrs we finally started the engine but by this time it was too late to go to Newport. We left the battery on charge and tried it again at 2200 hrs. No go. We left it on slow charge overnight feeling very disappointed. We couldn’t face going through the stress of all the previous engine issues again. The next morning Ken had to wiggle the relay in order to start the motor, but at least it did start. Saturday 5 August, Marion to Newport, 35 miles, 6.42 hours, 5.45 knots av.speed, 6.8 engine hrs Total Miles: 7455.9 We departed the anchorage at 0800 hrs. The wind strength and direction was perfect so we hoisted the mainsail and genoa, however we sadly had to keep the engine running as couldn’t risk it not starting as we approached Newport. We were both pretty anxious and tetchy – so much going on with insurance claims, trying to find someone to mend the damage, the engine not starting, incorrect parcels being delivered, trying to let our properties back in the UK, student issues and so it goes on! Sunday 6 August was Ken’s Birthday so we tried to concentrate on that and enjoy the day, despite the boat next door dragging their anchor and hitting us. No damage was done and at least it was in daylight. I’d managed to get delivered a laser distance meter for Ken’s Birthday, a great gadget that measures the distance from other boats, land etc. Works in the dark and in fog too. Very useful and he was very pleased with it. I’m not sure he appreciated my home made wrapping paper! That afternoon we had a party in the park where there happened to be a music concert, with Tourterelle, White Ibis, Aura and Kerpa (who we’d not seen since Barbados!). We took a picnic, bubbles and other drinks and had a fantastic afternoon. Ken fell into the water trying to get into the dinghy – he was a touch drunk! Luckily he had the sense to hand over his phone! Simon also ended up in the water trying to assist Ken getting out! Ian eventually managed to pull Ken into the dinghy as Ann and I were struggling. I drove us back to Lady Rebel and we all continued to party onboard, except for Ken, who was sound asleep, having firstly pulled the shower off the wall! He certainly had a good Birthday!
During our stay in Newport we visited Boston by coach. An amazing city. We walked the ‘Freedom Trail’ – buildings, statues, monuments and museums detailing the 1775 American Revolution.
We went on a warship and to the longest serving pub in America!
The next day, after waving off Tourterelle and Aura, I researched and booked flights back to the UK in September. Just me, Ken will stay with the boat. I can’t wait. It’s not viable for us both to fly back unfortunately. Paul and Kirsten (Kerpa) cooked us lobster, delicious. Thursday 10 August, Newport to Block Island, 21 miles, 4.5 hrs, 4.67 av. Speed. Total Miles: 7476.9 A beautiful sunny day, no wind, thus had to motor. We arrived at 1420 hrs and picked up a mooring buoy in order to fit our new anchor. At $46/night we were keen to start work on drilling the stainless steel plate and brackets that would hold the new bow roller, which in turn would house the anchor. I was in the dinghy under the bow ready to catch bits and the sun at the same time! We were up early the next day to finish the job. We managed to remove the old anchor and fit the new anchor without losing any bits and pieces over the side; not easy when working over water! We were off the mooring buoy by 1100 hrs and settled at anchor shortly afterwards. The new anchor dug in first time – an enormous relief – it wasn’t cheap!
We ventured ashore to explore then met up with La Mischief for sundowners and a meal ashore. Block Island is a very lively, fun place. Live music plays most days and evenings keeping the numerous visitors entertained and the beautiful beaches are packed with holiday makers and kids surfing. The anchorage is packed with boats very close to each other and all the mooring buoys are occupied by tea-time, especially at weekends.
We were making our way towards New York, via Long Island Sound, so after Block Island came Fisher Island. It took a bit of lifting up the new anchor that appeared to have pulled half the sea bed up with it! At least we could see it had dug in well. We motored the 16 miles in 3.5 hours and were anchored in Fisher Island by 1400 hrs. There were just three other boats anchored in a vast area, completely opposite from Block Island. We were shattered so didn’t go ashore; apparently there is not a great deal to see.
Next day we motored on to Port Jefferson, a further 53 miles. It was a flat calm day. I was merrily matching landmarks, navigation marks, rocks and lighthouses with those shown on the chart plotter to monitor our whereabouts and I came across what looked like a big black rock in the distance, with a square building on top. I couldn’t see this anywhere on the chart plotter and was getting most confused. I kept an eye on it through the binoculars and as we got closer realised it wasn’t a landmark, but a submarine! It started to head towards us, quite quickly. It was heading back into port right across our bows, from left to right! We then noticed another one leaving port, heading in the opposite direction, again across our bows, but from right to left. I was like being at submarine crossroads! Ken radioed them to ascertain what they were doing and what they wanted us to do. We were fine to hold our course – they could see us – that was reassuring!! I even got a wave from one of the crew standing on the conning tower.
We dropped the hook at the back of the mooring buoy field (our only option) and settled in for the night.
At silly o’clock the next morning we were woken by loud engines very close to us. I stuck my head out of the hatch to see a tug boat manoeuvring some large barges onto a large mooring buoy astern of us! Note to self: if don’t want to be disturbed early in the morning, don’t anchor close to a large industrial mooring buoy!!
We were keen to get to our next port of call, Oyster Bay, reported to be a beautiful anchorage (less industrial than Port Jefferson) and it certainly was. As soon as we were happy the anchor was set, we ventured ashore. Ken was itching to go to the local brewery! He had 6 tasting beers, I had 2 pints of water, then my will-power ran out and I tried some ‘sour’ beer. It was delicious and unfortunately put me in a drinking mood, so we called into the Yacht Club on the way back. At sunset silence descended, the cannon was fired, the US flag lowered, with all the onlookers observing with one arm across their chest, almost standing to attention. I’d have taken a photo if I could have been discreet, but you could hear a pin drop! Very patriotic!
Thursday 17 August, Oyster Bay to Port Washington, 18 miles, 3.6 hrs, 5 knots av.speed, 7589.9 total miles. After frustratingly having to jump start the engine from the generator battery we finally set off, concluding that we should purchase a new battery charger. We were loath to buy a new battery as our existing one is only a year old so we didn’t think it was a battery issue. With all the motoring we’d been doing the battery should have been charging from the engine! Following another morning’s motoring we arrived at Port Washington. We could see the buildings of Manhattan, New York on the horizon. It was an awesome sight, especially for me not having been to NY before.
The shoreline properties were stunning! We anchored in a huge bay next to Aura and Tourterelle and went ashore to collect yet another solar panel from North Shore Yacht Club (disappointingly a yacht club with no bar!). We soon put that right and invited Aura and Tourterelle for sundowners on Lady Rebel. It was great to catch up with them again (and to pick their brains about getting into NYC from Port Washington on the train etc.).
We would venture into Mahattan, New York City, the following day! |
