| John, I have a couple of suggestions. Depending upon the tide
situation,get up early Saturday, motor through the canal and continue
through Woods hole to the Vineyard. I would go to Vineyard Haven
rather than Oak Bluffs. It really is not that far. New Bedfor
is not all that great, and you are adding miles unnecessarily.
While on the Vineyard, sail over to Edgartown. Lovely place during
the week days and a neat harbor. On your return trip I'd recommend
Marion as a stop before the canal. If you plan to go to Provincetown,
you'll be doing the most open water sailing of your trip. Might
want to reconsider that.
As a point of reference, we sail nonstop from Marblehead to Edgartown
in about fourteen to fifteen hours. Eight hours of sailing per
day shouldn't be too much even for a twelve year old.
Another point. While on the Vineyard, take a taxi to Menemsha.
There is a good beach there (warmest water on the island) and it
is a really interesting fishing village. Good place to buy fresh
fish to cook on board.
Have a blast!
Dave
|
| John,
Concur with .1 that New Bedford isn't worth seeing, and the trip
across the bay to Woods Hole can be very interesting in early morning
fog, which at this time of year can last til 10-11 am. My suggestion
would be to hit the Elizabeth Islands, either Cuttyhunk (small fishing
village, good anchorage, nice walking ashore, clams/lobsters delivered
to boat, etc.), or Tarpaulin Cove (east side of Naushon Island,
small inlet well-protected from southwesterly blows, relatively
quiet and serene, but no services/facilities). Stay away from Hadley's
Harbor (too crowded/noisy) or Quick's Hole (exposed, tidal). Stay
at either will allow easy jaunt to MV next day.
Depending on what you're looking for, MV can be seen in 1-1 1/2
days (motorbike rental or bicycle), so stay at Elizabeth's will
buy you extra day. During this time of year, any MV harbor is crowded,
and all have attractive/unattractive features. I would spend extra
day at Cuttyhunk and relax (again, you may be looking for more excite-
ment).
For trip back, Marion is ok, but crowded also. You might consider
West Falmouth, Pocassett, or other east side of bay harbor, any
of which are generally less hectic and quieter, as well as being
closer to mouth of canal.
By the way, and not meant to be insulting, but have VERY healthy
respect for tides and especially traffic in Woods Hole, and even
moreso if you cross Elizabeths at Cuttyhunk, Quick's or Robinson's
Holes. If you have crew subject to timidity, get them out of the
way before you enter the channel. Ability to react quickly is of
the utmost importance, particularly in view of the fact that many
of the sail and powerboats you may encounter will not have the
slightest idea what they're getting into, and they can victimize
you in a second. Also, do not attempt to enter any of these under
power alone, as there are not many options if you lose way.
I don't mean to be overly sensitive to the dangers, but I grew up
in the area and have seen too many serious accidents resulting from
the failure of people to really anticipate what could happen.
Lastly, I have family in the area, so if you want emergency phone,
transport or similar in Falmouth/Woods Hole area, give me a call
and I will give you particulars.
Good cruising.
|
| Hi John,
I'd have to agree with Dave that New Bedford would be unnecessary
miles. I'd recommend going on to Vineyard Haven too, or staying
at Hadley's Harbor (Nonamesset Island ?) across from Woods Hole.
Vineyard Haven would probably be of more interest to a 12 yr. old,
there isn't much at Hadley's except scenery and a nice, quiet
anchorage.
Stay well off of Silver Beach, a piece of land that juts out near
Falmouth. We struck a rock in there three years ago in what the
charts (and our instruments) said was 35 feet of water. Now we give
the whole area a wide clearance.
Coming up Buzzards Bay you can stop in either Mattapoisett, Marion, or
Onset. We usually prefer Onset as it's closest to the canal entrance.
P'town could be rough, like Dave said it's a lot of open water. If it
was me, I'd rearrange the trip schedule to include a sail between MV
and Nantucket, and skip New Bedford and P'town altogether.
See ya this evening on elysium.
... Bob
|
| re: .1 - .3 THANKS !!!!
The comments thus far are GREAT ! I was hoping not
to go to New Bedford, but Cindy seemed to think that
it might be interesting. Based on these notes, and
a conversation with Bill Corkum (Crewed Interest),
I think we will skip it.
Provincetown plans were marginal and unplanned. Based
on the comments, I think we'll pass on that too. Have
been there before and understand the open water problems.
Fortunately, there are lots of good suggestions - I
am interested in the Edgartown, Cataumet, and Cuttyhunk
ideas. So I guess its back to the charts to replan.
Any additional comments are welcome. By the way, I
am not insulted by any words of caution ! (I may be
stupid, but hopefully I'm not dumb).
JC
|
| Mooring space will be nearly impossible in Edgartown when you're
planning your trip. Vinyard Haven isn't as pretty, but the harbor
master can generally find you a mooring . . . if you arrive early
enough and you can take a cab over to Edgartown to spend money,
see Capt. Ahab's house, etc. If you enter Vinyard Sound through
Quicks or Robinson's Hole, 1. Read Eldridge thoroughly 2. Pay
attention to the bouys that mark Middle Ground off West Chop.
By the way, theres a summer theatre troup every year in Vinyard Haven.
Kind of nice to see the performance then dinghy back to your boat.
|