Mackerel Cove, Swans Island, Maine

Serafina
Rob & Sarah Bell
Tue 6 Aug 2013 02:12

44:10.4N 68:26.7W

 

Saturday 3rd August

 

Despite the favourable weather forecast we woke to find the harbour shrouded in dense fog which rather lowered our spirits, but by the time we had got sorted out, breakfasted and ready to set off, the fog had lifted and we had just a gentle breeze as we set off to Black Island for a lunch stop.

 

The usual lobster pot buoy slalom under engine at first got us clear of Great Cranberry Island where we hoisted Flossy and the mainsail and we were soon powering our way across the expanse of water called Blue Hill Bay, which is off Tinker Island. The family competitive spirit soon kicked in with Chris determinedly calling out the speed as we sailed up and then back down the reach before heading into a cove on the north end of Black Island.

 

Here we picked up the conveniently placed buoy and had lunch and then just as Sarah was marshalling support for a foray ashore to explore the rocks, the owner of the buoy turned up and politely invited us to relinquish it. This turned out to be a bit of real luck as the wind soon picked up in the middle of the afternoon and again the three Wreghitts were vying for the fastest recorded speed.  Chris achieved this, but only by snatching the wheel from Wendy as the wind peaked!

 

In the early evening we made our way into the wonderful and very protected Mackerel Cove which we were sharing with just two other boats. Ted and Barbara from Rosa dos Ventos popped over in their dinghy to say hello, on their way ashore where they were dining at a friend’s house (there are only two houses here!!). They had seen us in various places before and we certainly remember seeing their boat at anchor close to us in Rockland a week ago.  We had a BBQ on board and a full game of Mexican Train which resulted in a very loud Chris winning handsomely which seemed a poor way to repay Sarah’s hard work……. although it was nice to have a different result for a change from my point of view.

 

There was an outstanding rainbow just before sunset which due to the reflection in the still water was a complete circle – but so close to us that it was impossible to capture in a single photograph.