After a very pleasant stay in Block Island we decided to move on and head west into Long Island Sound. We had several destinations in mind, including Montauk, Sag Harbor, Stonington and Mystic Seaport. All had their unique appeal and we had different reasons for wanting to visit each one. Continue reading First East Coast Cruise -Part 2 – Mystic Seaport
First East Coast Cruise – Block Island
Although we still have a long project list (doesn’t every boat?), we have headed out for our first east coast cruise in the new tug. It is bizarre traveling these well-known home waters in a power boat when I have spent my entire life exploring them in a sailboat. The Twilight Zone. Our priorities have changed, our decision-making parameters are adjusting, the passages are faster and the destinations are different. Continue reading First East Coast Cruise – Block Island
♬…on The Road Bay Again…♬
Seven days and five hours after she rolled into New England Boatworks on a truck, Esmeralde headed out onto Narragansett Bay for the first time. We were joined by my brother Charlie, his wife Maria and son Bret, all seasoned sailors. This trawler business is new for all of us, but we’re adaptable! Best of all, they arrived with a lovely bottle of Veuve Cliquot, which we stashed in the fridge until we were organized and under way. Continue reading ♬…on The Road Bay Again…♬
Putting Her Back Together
The boat finally arrived at New England Boatworks on Thursday, June 8 at about 12:30 in the afternoon. Thanks to the quick response by our driver, Alan, and the NEB travel lift crew, she was floating by 1:20. After so many delays getting her here, including a 10-day stint at a truck stop in Maryland waiting for permits, this quick splash was a welcome relief. She was very dirty from all the road filth, but aside from that and a few superficial scrapes from tree branches and other flying debris, she was in great shape. Continue reading Putting Her Back Together
She’s Home!
It was The Trip From Hell, but it’s over. She’s home! After a planned 10-day trip across the country morphed slowly and painfully into a 25-day odyssey, Esmeralde finally arrived at New England Boatworks yesterday, June 8 at about 12:30 on a beautiful sunny afternoon. Continue reading She’s Home!
Homeward Bound
We spent a great final four days in LaConner before hitching up the Airstream, saying goodby to Esmeralde, and heading home. We left the boat in the care of the folks at Tomco, who would go through our punch list, make a few tweaks we requested, and pack her up for her truck ride across the country. Final goodbyes — to the people, the town, and our favorite new hangouts — and off we rolled on a grey, drizzly, quintessential PNW day. Continue reading Homeward Bound
Back to LaConner – Cruise Over
Wow, the end of our shakedown cruise in the PNW was emotional.
We had grown to love LaConner during the three weeks we spent there prior to taking delivery of the boat, while living in our Airstream at the LaConner Marina Campground. So while we did have reason to celebrate our return to the little town, we were very sorry that our excellent cruise on our new boat was drawing to a close. Continue reading Back to LaConner – Cruise Over
