Tuesday 28 September 2010

Landfall in Cape Cod

We left the Brooklyn marina on the 23rd with the intention of sailing directly to Cape Cod. We were traveling with three other boats: REBOOT, HOBO II, and, EXCALIBER. The latter boat had been in there for about a month with engine trouble and was finally ready to join us in the move south.
Once underway, the wind had died down and on came the engines, at which point EXCALIBER found he had water in his fuel. So he left he flotilla and we have not heard from him since. And then there three.

Brooklyn, Nova Scotia



Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
The supposed 3-day weather window abruptly shut when we rounded the 'corner' off Brazil Rock and we decided to seek shelter from the strong adverse winds that would blow us north. We made for Yarmouth to await favourable winds.
We had a chance to look around the town and it had the look and feel of a dying town at the edge of the world. As everywhere in Nova Scotia the people were very friendly, so our brief stay was pleasant.
The fair winds returned so our flotilla of three left port at midnight in thick fog to take advantage of the high-tide currents. This was the first time that Maggie and I did anything like that, so it was exciting. Once out we set sail westbound for Cape Cod.
Voyage across the Gulf of Maine
Cape Cod
The passage is 230 nm. long, so we were going to be out for over 48 hours. There are strong currents that flow in and out of the Gulf of Maine, to and from the Bay of Fundy, so winds and currents can create some confused seas. The northeasterly wind that was blowing us on a downwind tack was creating some impressive seas, but it was taking its toll on HOBO II's autopilot and Jim had to hand steer the entire time. Without being able to rest, Jim decided to head for Gloucester. As I write this, we have not heard of Jim's safe arrival, but our traveling companion on REBOOT has put out the word through the Maritime Mobile Net on ham frequency 14.300 mhz to keep a look out for him.
The entire crew of H20B0 was greatly relieved to pick up the mooring in Provincetown for a good night sleep. Only Sophie managed to get any shut-eye during the entire 46 hour passage. We came in with fog and woke up to sunshine. Unfortunately, Provincetown is not a customs entry point, so we cannot leave the boat. We will stay on the ball until we leave tomorrow morning bound for the Cape Cod Canal and Groten, CT.
NEWS FLASH: HOBO II has been located in Rockport, ME, and we will meet up with him later on.

1 comment:

The Stows said...

Glad to hear you had a safe passage. Wondering why Groton, lots of Subs and the Coast Guard Academy. Though you might have aimed for Narraganset Bay and Newport area. J's eye doing well. Look forward to future postings.
Peter and Jennifer