Yes I am behind once again but here we go. After arriving in the Chesapeake we arrived Hartges Yacht Harbor in Galesville, MD. We had a couple of weeks, a couple of trips, a few chores and as much visiting as we could slip in!
The Admiral was back to the sewing machine producing some great items for Magnolia. First up was a screen door for the Saloon Entrance. The edge pieces are secured with snaps while the center is a couple of magnetic strips.
In addition to the above the anchor windlass needed a cover made as well. This poor hunk of metal is tasked with bring our hundred pound anchor and hundreds of pounds of 3/8 in anchor chain.
Last but no least was an apron for my Barbeque Grill to prevent any splatter onto the woodwork below.
On the visitor front Annette’s brother, wife and friend came for a visit along with a lovely lunch. (names withheld) Always great to catch up!
We also had a lovely evening with Pentagon Sailing Members Laurie and Sean of SV Bootlegger. They recently complete a trip up to NJ and back which was great to hear about.
Labor Day Weekend we headed for New Jersey to celebrate my friend Jacks Birthday and retirement. To get the weekend started we were invited to dinner at Caitln and Andrews new home. What a wonderful evening and so much pride for these two!
Jack and “Brother Ted” discussing game rules associated the “60 in 2019” game..Dont ask!
Jack and Annette enjoying lunch….see clock
It was a great trip but always nice to enjoy the back porch at home…
We were able to get a Sunday afternoon open to welcome the GenIVs and out token GenIII (James). Always a wonderful afternoon of visiting and catching up. Thank you all for making time to come out. Jim, Kyle and Jeannie
Claire, MaryRose Kaitlyn
Bill & Jimmy4
A visit “home” is never long enough but we got a lot accomplished and managed some great visits. Next a fuel stop in Deale MD and then on to Solomons Island
As was the passage north, the passage south was nearly as perfect! From Port Washington to Galesville is right at 270 nm.
First section, from Port Washington down to the Battery in Lower Manhattan does take some planning. The currents through this section are wicked so you have to think it through. On the recommendation of our friends SV Cutting Class we use the method outlined here: https://www.offshoreblue.com/cruising/east-river-planning.php
We generally stay SE of Governors Island to avoid the busiest ferry routes out of Lower Manhattan. Note each of those dotted lines a ferry route. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Governors_Island )
Once we transit under the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge we are bound for sea…in truth though we run the 3 mile line all the way down the coast of NJ.
This was passing Atlantic City NJ about 02:30 AM
There are some shoals at the cape on the south end of New Jersey. It it is light it is just easier and saves us 10 miles to cut through the Cape May Canal and into the Delaware Bay
An amazing amount of ship traffic in the Delaware Bay – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delaware_Bay This is the route that takes ships to Wilmington, DE as well as Philadelphia, PA
The anchorage is fully protected by a sometimes submerged sea-wall. The swift currents and the somewhat narrow entrance requires close attention.
After a good nights sleep it was a leisurely 20 mile passage through the C&D Canal to the Bohemia River ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohemia_River ) to catch with SV Kismet ( Jim & Laurie). We last crossed paths in Montauk, NY. Since then we of course went to New England and they made a trip up the Hudson River. Of course there was more talking than picture taking…have to get better!!
Monday morning Magnolia was underway before dawn to take advantage of a fare current. It was a long hot day heading down the Chesapeake Bay ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chesapeake_Bay )
Near the Annapolis MD we pass under the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and nothing says like we are like that moment.
We have had an amazing summer! It was just under 1200 miles, we visited friends and memories every mile. Thank you all who shared your time with us…it was great! Kindred Spirit where too next???
As the title suggests, Magnolia has definitely been on the move but at a leisurely pace! After a lovely visit to Newport, meeting up with MV Privateer and delebrating Al & MIcheles Anniversary our hearts were certainly full. We still though were blessed to have dear friends in the area…and we were off to Block Island.
A short hop down to Block and we rafted up with MV Amici. We visited just the one evening but glad to know they will be bringing Amici south this winter so we are sure we will connect!
It was a brief visit which as I write is our “modus-operandi” this entire trip! Next stop was down to Shennecossett Yacht Club where we met up with Al & Michele along with Dean and MaryJo.
We have met Dean and MaryJo several times over the years. They are members at Schenny as well so the details are all a little fuzzy! Friendly, kind and always fun. We had some leftover Anniversary Celebrating to do so we just continued on!
It was a lovely evening as always. Hanging on the Watson Mooring Ball is a prime relaxation location!
After a night of celebrating and a reprovision run Magnolia was off to Port Jefferson. We had fair current the whole way down Long Island Sound.
In addition to the fair current we had some expected thunderstorms coming in at sunset.
Unknown to us that fellow Pentagon Sailing Club PSC) Members SV The Norm (Rhonda & Bruce) but not only that, another PSC Member, Ross was skippering a Naval Academy Sailboat which also was making a port visit.
First though we had to get through the approaching thunderstorms.
As it turned out much more a rain event…and there was a LOT of rain!
The next morning we stopped by marina where the Academy Boat Captains were and we managed to get Ross off to lunch
We did not find Port Jefferson an overly friendly place for visiting yachtsman but we muddled through.
It really was a fun afternoon catching up and how we all ended up doing what we are doing. I guess self validation we were not completely nuts! (L-R Ross, Bruce, Annette, Rhona, Anthony)
Famous Theodore Roosevelts Rough Rider Equestrian statue, copy from original in Portland, Oregon ( I have no idea why Portland)
To our surprise MV Unforgettable made an overnight visit. A quick visit and dinner plan was assembled…except for the picture!!!!! A great evening and always happy to catch up with Scott & Melissa.
Thanks to some boater advice we were able to beach Blossom and then a mile walk to Sagamore Hill ( https://www.nps.gov/sahi/index.htm ) Gratuitous pictue of Magnolia at anchor
So the dead tree….the tree has not been removed because there is a court fight over who will get the wood!!! 🙁
With an extra day in the schedule the Admiral wanted to look for seaglass at the beach…when the Admirals….well the Captain gets to work. It was a couple mile dink ride out to the beach
with pretty fair success
Next up Port Washington and preparations to go offshore to Maryland
Long time readers of this blog know I have tried to document things we do or have done on and to Magnolia. Some things I miss documenting but if I get a question or two I try and get things written down.
While we were doing the refit on Magnolia in the summer/fall of 2017 we found the hoist that was installed was not serviceable. Notice the wooden frame on the aluminum mast…not to mention the metal wire rope it had on it. I wish I had a better picture but at least it and all its badness is GONE!
Our friends on MV Lali, a KK-42 of similar vintage had re-done their hoist and I did exactly what they did so I this is most certainly NOT my idea or information!
The ease of launching the dink is one of the things I miss about the sailboat, it was so easy, convenient and safe! The dinghy launching on the trawler is a bit more of a deal. Having the davits up so far above the water really really adds to the danger and the necessity for safe handling equipment…hence how we got here.
The hoist system is made up a hoist motor mounted on the boom which actually raises the dinghy.
A second hoist motor is used to raise and lower the boom. Raising and lowering the boom extends the dink over the side of Magnolia.
The first step was to have a bracket fabricated to mount the hoist motor on the boom . We utilized High Seas Fabrication, 151 NW Flagler Ave, Stuart, FL 34994, (772) 692-0000. They fabricated the bracket out of aluminum and I painted it.
There was a metal bracket on the lower part of the mast that I was able to re-use so we only needed to have the boom mount fabricated.
As far as the hoists motors themselves we utilize Warn DC1000 hoist motors. There are two, one for the boom and one for the mast. The part numbers for the hoists, control packs and remote controls are below and should cost about $1800.00
DC1000 Industrial Hoist 82469 Control Pack 278041 Remote 25110
“Jerry” is the contact at Ivy R Redding Co Inc I spoke with. Address: 168 Redding Rd, Calhoun, LA 71225 Phone: (318) 644-2883 ( http://www.reddingco.com/ )
Note to two control packs mounted just below the book hoist.
To power the hoists I chose to mount a seperate group 31 battery on the fly bridge which is charged with a small 100 watt solar panel and in-expensive solar controller. This is the same model battery as the ones used as start batteries for the main and generator engines. A little built in redundancy.
Remote controls, one each plugs into the hoist control pack
In addition to the equipment you also need some strong line and a heavy hook/weight at will keep a load on the line even when disconnected from the dinghy/tender.
I purchased Dyneema line from Defender. I used 1/4 inch, 90 feet for the boom and 50 for the hoist. Dyneema requires some specialized knots to create a splice so I also had Defender put a eye splice on the end. Rookie mistake I should have had them put a eye splice in each end so in case of chaff I could just swap end for end like you do with a rusty anchor chain!
Believe it or not the hardest thing was to find a hook/weight to connect to the end of the line. I finally came across a solution. Not the cheapest but the combination has worked flawlessly for us.
This description is simply what we have done on Magnolia. Launching a dinghy from fly-bridge height in unsettled weather can be dangerous and why the quality of the equipment is so critical. I keep an extra set of lines aboard to replace the the moment chaff develops on the Dyneema. Also, go back to the very top picture in this post. That gooseneck fitting must bare a huge load, inspect the pins and fixtures often!
After a wonderful time in Eastern New England it was time to start making our way west. We planned to visit Newport…..AND THEN…we learned we would be visiting on Newport Jazz Festival Weekend which encouraged us to arrive early to get a safe anchorage spot. We decided to make a long day of it from Hyannis to Newport
We stayed south of Cutty Hunk thinking we would be better able to take advantage of favorable currents.
Newport RI
We encountered a “Pirate Ship” as we passed north of Martha’s Vineyard…thankfully our booty was preserved!!!!
This lovely vessel passed near the end of Cutty Hunk….
A quick “Google” revealed she is available for charter…$238,000 a week…..in LOW SEASON!….just ignore that wealth gap…..
Passing “Sow & Pigs Reef” south of Cutty Hunk…
really…see chart below
After a long passage we arrived a hazy Newport.
Gilded Age mansions everywhere…this is an Inn…room rate $1600 per night
Entering Newport proper is Fort Adams, sight of Newport Jazz Festival. Funny note, within two hours of dropping the anchor the fog was so think we could not see 50ft….i mean THICK!!!!
My cousins Ann Marie & Deb live in Newport as well as fellow Krogen MV Privateer. Do to poor planning my cousins were to be out of town so after a visit with Greg & Lisa aboard Privateer it WAS going to be a quiet weekend in Newport. That was until my friend Al texted asked what the plan was Saturday?…”I have an idea”….Al and Michele were celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary.
Upon their arrival along with Als son Tim & Amanda we headed for Magnolia.
Annette had made a brunch of Quiche, Cinnamon Rolls, Fruit and White Wine Sangria
We later met at thier hotel for a couple of pre-vow photos..
No we did not but the prop was RIGHT in front of the hotel!!!
https://seamensnewport.org/ ) Al and Michele discovered the chappel years ago wondering around Newport. It was perfect for two mariners renewing their wedding vows
Departing Vineyard Haven Magnolia headed for Hyannis MA. Another new stop for us. We departed late from Vineyard Haven and had a fair current the entire short passage.
The Admiral was not a huge fan but I wanted to anchor off the Kennedy in Hyannis Port before moving further into the harbor to Hyannis Yacht Club where we had a mooring ball reserved.
We anchored in at the red spot on the picture. Evidently man people confuse the large house to the right of the dock as the main Kennedy house. In fact it is the house and houses to the left of the picture that are the ones.
Note not the big house on right, but the one on the left.
After moving the boat over to Hyannis, we went for a lovely stroll around town.
One of the two big reason to come to Hyannis was so Annette along with her friend Debra could attend a Sea Glass Festival taking place in Hyannis
Debra had never visited Magnolia so of course was able to give Debra a tour of our home. She seemed to really like her time aboard.
We wrapped the day up with lunch ashore at the Hyannis Yacht Club…the ladies seemed like they had a terrific day and I was happy to meet Debra again!
The next day we walked around Hyannis and marveled at all the Kennedy historic locations. Here is the JFK memorial just up from the yacht club where we were moored.
Looking out to the harbor with Annette in front of the large mooring field.
There was also a Memorial to the Korean War as well.
Now here is the really bad news…our friends Frank and Elaine came to visit the following day. Frank & Elaine were some of my oldest friends from the condominium we lived at in Arlington VA. They have a summer home on the Cape and came for a visit. Sadly we had such a lovely visit aboard Magnolia and lunch ashore no one remembered to take a picture!
Hyannis was a wonderful stop and so glad we made the effort to come up to the South Shore of Cape Cod!
I have to say I had never heard of Oak Bluff until the day before we arrived. The original plan was to head for Vineyard Haven but some significant weather forced us to seek better protection than offered by Vineyard Haven
…and time to chill and enjoy a morning cup of coffee. Oh yes, there are limited mooring balls and no anchoring so we chose to share a ball than being assigned a stranger later on.
Wesleyan Grove – “Wesleyan Grove is a 34-acre National Historic Landmark District in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. Also known as the Martha’s Vineyard Campmeeting Association (MVCMA) or the Campgrounds, it was the first summer religious camp established in the United States. It is famous for its many Carpenter Gothic[3][circular reference] cottages with Victorian-style, gingerbread trim.[4]Wesleyan Grove ” ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wesleyan_Grove )
Magnolia peeking out between the houses
The original Vineyard Vines….No, Edgartown was the original
Our favorite Ice Cream Shop….2 visits in 3 days…..
The morning of the “BIG” storm we decided to head in for a trim….insert dark humor here
Returning with the booty…a watermelon!
In the end we survived the storm though we did have a few tense moments…when you are on a mooring ball, not many feet from the neighboring boat and you it is blowing 40knts…you damn well better be a little tense or you are in the wrong business.
I did not know until researching this blog that Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis had a farm in the area. Her Red Gate Farm is available for 65 million if you are interested.
Long time readers know Greg & Marie Rogers (SV Second Sally) taught us most of what we know and gave us our start in cruising. Its was great we were able to meet up in Vineyard Haven
Having SV Second Sally (Greg & Marie), SV Pegasus (Rod & Mary), MV Kindred Spirit (Al & Michele) & MV Magnolia all together called for a party!
Every good party starts with good food which often and particularly this one starts early in the day. Todays main menu is Anthony’s Famous Barbecue Pizza. The beer based dough spends several hours resting and raising in the darkened but warm engine room. For more details see ( http://a2baker.com/magnoliablog/?p=4143 )
The dough is rolled and placed on the grill for to bake one side
The crust is then flipped and the desired topping applied
10 minutes later…poof pizza for the gang!
Early the next mornings it was time for Kindred Spirit to head for home. It was has been an amazing couple weeks shared with Al & Michele.
Kindred Spirit underway and heading for Groton CT with Second Sally behind..
Next it was time for Second Sally to get underway, they will be along the Maine coast in a couple days.
Annette and Mary went for a morning walk & shopping before Magnolia got underway for the trip across Vineyard Sound to Hyannisport, MA on Cape Cod.
Departing Nantucket was a little on the sad side since that was as far east as were going to make it this season…it was also the first step in heading back home though we have LOTS to do before that happens!!!!
We departed Nantucket to a little late in the morning to better take advantage of the tides/currents in Nantucket Sound. The tides through there run over two knots and so you certainly do not want to be pushing AGAINST that and better yet letting it push you along in the RIGHT direction.
The First order of business was to find where the Vineyard Sound Acapella Group ( https://www.vineyardsound.org/ ) were performing. I was a bit skeptical if I would enjoy going in but the show turned out to be very good.
There were a couple of songs that went way beyond good…they were amazing!
Thanks go to our Vineyard experienced tour guides!
I have not been to many churches in the USA that were established before 1650!!! I find that utterly amazing…..
Next up was a road trip over to Vineyard Haven….
in search of the Original Vineyard Vines Store…..no silly…
The church is in an amazing neighborhood AND you can pick this “little” place up for a few million…dont expect us to be retiring here!
If you are going to live on the Vineyard, you had better like Cedar Shingles….in Washington DC if you want a job for life you become a Escalator Repairman on the Vineyard, Cedar Shingler!
Long time boat friends Cheryl and Lee came by for a visit. We first met our freshmen year in Wardwick Wells and have crossed paths all over the east coast ever since.
National Ice Cream Day was appropriately celebrated oboard Kindred Spirit….YUM!
Edgartown Harbor has a floating barge/dock anchored out that allows you to take on fresh water. Never sail past easy access to fresh water….even if you have a watermaker!
This picture is actually from Tashmoo but forgot to include….one of my favorites!
Magolia being passed by a sailboat…not the first and not the last….the life of a Krogen Owner….
Arriving Tashmoo we met up with our mutual friend Colin. (MV Tortuga)
Al Watson in his natural habitat
Colin aboard Tortuga
Magnolia’s Official Photographer, Mrs Michele Watson and her able assistant Alan Watson captured the below photos. They will become the center piece of our new note cards!
Departing Tashmoo Magnolia and Kindred Spirit made passage for Nantucket.
The crew of Magnolia has never visited Nantucket before so we all took a bus tour of the island to get an overview. I thought Sankaty Head Light and the surrounding area was really beautiful. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sankaty_Head_Light )
Enjoying a beautiful sunset aboard Magnolia
We could not visit Nantucket without a beach day. Even anything made a rare beach appearance!
Celebrating Annette’s Birthday started with a her favorite sparkling rose wine. Michele wove the amazingly soft dish towel.
We then visited a lovely restaurant in Nantucket for dinner.
As is always the case we had a terrific celebration.
These are the people most like the image behind!!!
Heading back after a wonderful evening
Cedar Shingles are definitely the siding of choice along with beautiful flowers!
Yes, lets go to the Brewery today cause it might rain TOMORROW!!!!!
Kindred Spirit departed Groton and Magnolia Lake Montauk. We both arrived Block Island in the afternoon for a brief stay. Weather was closing in and we wanted to get further east before its arrival.
We did make time for a sunset ice cream run!!!
The following day we were off to Cuttyhunk which would give us good weather protection and less crowds than Block
Kindred Spirit is actually a bit faster than Magnolia but I did have to catch her on our poty quarter.
Rounding north shore of Block Island
We did see a couple other Krogens out. One was an unusual version that had a couple of masts for sails!
I guess sails do help!
We have favorable west winds and fair current making the passage a real delight.
Arriving and getting settled we headed to Lookout Park Cuttyhunk to get a view of the island.
Thats Magnolia anchored in the outer harbor right in the middle of the picture.
Descending from “Mount Everest.”
As is often the case, the sea and wind delivered yet another voyager to Cuttyhunk . SV Cutting Class, (Dan & Marcia). They returning west as we headed east which made the visit to Cuttyhunk all the better!
We fired the barbecue on Magnolia and everyone brought what they had aboard.
A wonderful evening of eating drinking catching up…..and CHOCOLATE!!!
As Dan and Marca headed off to Connecticut but crews of Kindred Spirit were in search of breakfast…which brought us to the Cuttyhunk Fishing Club. ( http://cuttyhunkfishingclub-bb.com/ )
I will say the breakfasts were fine, not extraordinary, but the view of Vineyard Sound was amazing
As we travel more and more in New England there is one aspect to the area that really appeal to my OCD. The rocks! All over the islands the rocks have been collected stacked into fences, houses and many other structures.
