Marblehead to Portsmouth 43. 03.11 N 70.42.76 W

Mandalay
Robin & Jenny Martin
Tue 12 Jul 2011 13:09
Marblehead came highly recommended by Ralph, Captain of Longevity who we met whilst in Nanny Cay,Tortola.
As we entered the harbour it was evident of it's popularity, the bay was packed with boats. To our dismay the harbour master told us that there were no moorings available due to the massing of the yachts for the Marblehead to Halifax race starting on the 10th. Fortunately an earlier VHF chat with David on Moonbeam suggested we ask at the fuel dock - low and behold number 402 was ours for no charge (we had just spent $250 on fuel).
On our first trip ashore we met David, a mini enthusiast who introduced us to the Muffin Shop where we met a welcoming bunch of locals who made us feel very welcome. For three mornings we met at the Muffin Shop for good company and easy conversation.
Eventually we caught up with Ralph and Kipp and spent an enjoyable evening at Boston Yacht Club who were hosting a "Dark & Stormy" party for the MHTH Race.
After a lobster supper at the Landings we wished Ralph & Kipp goodnight and Ralph the best of luck who at 78 was taking part in his 7th MHTH Race on Aliance - and was aiming to win.

Next morning the fog was clearing so it was time to move on. The sun came out and the wind perked up as we picked our way out through the lobster trap buoys. A nice steady SW 15 knot breeze carried us almost all the way to Portsmouth. We found a nice quiet anchorage outside the mooring field in Pepperrell Bay to enjoy the sunset and early night after the excesses of the night before.

Portsmouth and a pre planned rendezvous with the Brants. Chris, an ex RM officer who did the PTI course with Robbie in 1975 and his wife Ellen. Chris met Ellen at a cocktail party whilst serving on board HMS Minerva that was visiting Portsmouth NH at the time. Also  with the Brant's party was Nora, Ellen's mother, who at the spritley age of 88 gamely climbed aboard Maymio for a trip out to the Isles of Shoals.On the sail back in there was great excitement when Chris caught mackeral to take back for breakfast.

All back to their hotel suite and what a treat we had. Chris and Ellen cooked a New Hampshire lobster supper and not only did we have a bath (the first for a year) we slept in a bed. Next morning it was back to Maymio via the supermarket to reflect on a great day out.

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