16 July - Damariscove, Maine 43:45.12N 69:36.97W

Opus
Bridget & Nick Gray
Wed 16 Jul 2014 14:50
Got up at 05.00 again in readiness for another early departure. Too much fog so we waited until it started to clear at 08.30. Set off in reasonable visibility but within 30 mins the fog descended again.  This time it stayed and we spent the day in a bizarre grey twilight world. We could see about 20m judging by the passing lobster pots but the air and sea were the same colour anyway. We did have an extraordinary game of 'I Spy' - with the rule that it couldn't be anything on the boat. Waves, sea and fog led to much more creativeness, like 'north' and 'overboard'.
We arrived at Damariscove about 19.30 and tried to anchor for the night but too much fog, too many rocks and too much swell. Our one attempt was thwarted by electricity cables on the only area we found that was shallow enough.
A real shame as these islands are beautiful with a large colony of Eider ducks and waters full of seals. 
Our only option was to sail overnight which was an unpopular choice for us all as the fog remained thivk and the lobster pot density really high. We also had to rig up the lights and a green rice packet as navigation lights. They were pretty good - particularly as you would have had to be within 20m to see them through the fog anyway. This was the first time I have had to sail with the radar on all the time. It is an energy hungry beast but as we had to motor all the way there was plenty.
The lack of view and pervasive dampness were too much for Benj who succumbed to sea-sickness. We will all be pleased to get to North Haven tomorrow. 

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