Through Woods Hole and the Cape Cod Canal
Moorglade's Voyage
Ted Wilson
Wed 18 Jul 2012 07:53
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Our position is 41:46.301N 70:31.315W
Woods Hole passage takes you between the very end
of the Cape and the northern most of the Elizabeth Islands. It has several
channels and is renown for strong tidal currents which run across the direction
of navigation. We studied the Noaa tidal current tables carefully before
departure to arrive at slack before the flood. It was reassuring to be in
company of several other craft as we made our way across the sound to Wood's
Hole. As it tuned out it is very straight forward when the tide is slack. Then
we headed North up Buzzards Bay towards Cape Cod Canal. This also has a
reputation for very strong tidal flow, so sail boats only take it at slack or
with the flow. We were early and hove to for a while so as not to have to push
against the ebb. The canal is straightforward and we had booked a slip in the
harbour of refuge at the NE end, as we did not want to go further that evening,
so all seemed to be going well. However we could see storm clouds forming to the
NW and the US Coast guard were putting out warnings on the vhf. As we made our
way along the canal gathering speed as the tide strengthened we had our fingers
crossed that we would get in before the storm hit, it looked like it might even
pass by South of us. We were not to be that lucky with only a few miles left to
run a wall of water came at us from behind, the wind rose to 35 knots and
lightning seemed to be everywhere. One bolt struck the canal bank between us and
the power station and cannot have been more than 200 metres away. Very scary! We
could see nothing in the rain and Kirsty was shouting to tell me my position in
the canal and where the opening to the marina was, but it was hard to hear
anything but the storm and it was painful for her to turn round to face me.
Water was cascading over the toe rail and gurgling down the cockpit drains. We
made it into the little harbour and managed to come alongside our slip. The
harbour master appeared briefly out of his office on the pier head in a large
yellow waterproof but did not offer to assist. Fortunately a friendly American
powerboater braved the deluge to help us get secured.
Shortly afterwards a small sailboat came in to the
dock next to us. He had had a tough time and had lost his dinghy in the storm.
The storm soon passed and after a shower, dry clothes and a drink we went
up to the nearby restaurant and had a very pleasant dinner. We learned the
following morning that the storm had caused serious flooding with
disruption to power and phones and several home had been set on fire by the
lightning.
  Wood's Hole Harbour (it was very hot and
humid)
Lunch in Buzards Bay
  Approaching the
canal
Handy sign for the less confident navigator
  We did not see much traffic but some was quite
large Black
clouds closing in from astern
 the Harbour at Sandwich before we went to
dinner.
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