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Cape & Islands Cruise - June 2023

A Perfect Cruise To Start The Sailing Season
By John Garner
Posted: 2023-06-13T17:10:14Z

A Small Cruise Was a Perfect Start to the Sailing Season!

June 6 - 12, 2023

 

Sailing Cape Cod early in the season avoids crowds, promises a good breeze, and satisfies the itch to start the boating season. Thus the 2023 Cape & Islands Cruise was born.


While planning the cruise last February, there were three goals:


  • Visit normally crowed Cape Cod harbors in the shoulder season staying more than one night so there’s time to explore.
  • Plan to use currents of Vineyard and Nantucket Sounds to our benefit.
  • Use a text group to communicate updates real-time instead of relying exclusively on VHF role call.


The first port of call was Edgartown for a two night visit. Members left their homeports for Martha's Vineyard with brisk winds and light seas - it was a fabulous sail. The first night had the arrival of John and Chris of SV Christina, Eric and Jackie of SV Sconset, and Mike and Anna of SV First Light.

 

Mike’s a new member so it was a great way to introduce him to members and share our experiences with the Blue Water Sailing Club. We opted to visit the Port Hunter for drinks and dinner in lieu of the usual drinks at 5 on the boat and had long conversations.

 

The next day we spent the day on our own. In the evening we met for dinner at Rockfish. We added one boat to the group, Mark and Sue of SV Thomasina. Thomasina was delayed from a large low pressure sitting off the coast of New England.

 

Thursday we departed Edgartown for Nantucket for a three night visit. We left Edgartown by 10am with a favorable current to push us along. Light winds and seas made for a comfortable motor sail. Happy Hour was on SV Christina at the Basin Docks. 


 

The next day we road bikes to Madaket beach and had lunch at Millie's. It was a fun Friday as we chatted at length about summer plans, family, and sailing. Win and Martha of SV Kitty Hawk and their guests sailed in to ACK after a spirited sail with a dousing of hail along the way.

 

Saturday the streets of Nantucket were void of massive summer crowds. Shopping, beach exploration, and more biking were on the schedule. We met up for pot luck dinner on the docks at sv Christina. It was a feast! An impressive meal of grilled meats and sides appeared as if carefully orchestrated by a caterer. 

 


The next day would bring light winds and gentle seas. The current was favorable to push us to Stage Harbor, Chatham for our next port. Despite some the sketchy Chatham town moorings, Stage Harbor was enjoyed as its a beautiful and well protected harbor. The seals and fish were jumping among the moorings. We took our dinghy’s to the head of the harbor and walked up the road to the town. Fred and Anne of Sea Hawk II joined us for dinner. We enjoyed long conversations and sushi at Bluefins and walked around to find an ice cream.

 

The final day of the cruise evolved on Monday as we scattered for home ports. Rainy weather was coming for the next few days so we all opted for home port shelter. Otherwise we’d be facing the famous square waves of the sound.


 

We had some good sailing, a bit of motor sailing, and the opportunity to get to know one another quite well. We all agreed, a small cruise was a perfect start to the sailing season!