Home again, home again

Home again, home again   ...   14^th September, 2012

We had a more relaxed start this morning, leaving Cuttyhunk at 9 o’clock.  After a short while we put up the sails and turned off the engine.  We were sailing tight to the wind but able to use the SSW breeze to head west.  On a single tack we got to Brenton reef off Newport. In a short distance we rounded Beavertail on Conanicut Island.  Then we were going downwind into Narragansett Bay.  Suddenly we seemed to have entered the ‘highway’.  First, we got into a right of way problem with a sailboat also on port tack but coming out of the Bay.  Then we encountered two ocean going tugs who were not giving way to anyone.  Next came a tug towing a barge laden with what appeared to be giant plastic dome.  Then some sailor had the audacity to overtake us.  All of this had to happen just as we were trying to eat our lunch.  It was almost enough to put us off our food.

The wind seemed to strengthen during the afternoon and we maintained good speed toward Warwick Neck.  The gybe to turn into Greenwich bay seemed a bit more exciting than we might have liked.  Lively sailing was to be had on a broad reach toward “C3”.  Shortly thereafter we started the engine and dropped the sails.  Greenwich Cove seemed so full of boats after the places we have been recently.  An uneventful motor to the mooring completed our “shakedown cruise” to Maine.  Showers on land with plenty of hot water were followed by a meal in town.  We would be sitting pretty if it weren’t for the bands playing in the bars along Water Street….

Beavertail Light - marks the entrance to Narragansett Bay

A fine looking ketch outside of Narragansett Bay