Conference unifix::sailing

    Hello Paul,
    
    Hope is located in Bristol Harbor, a wood 34' Alden cutter. Put
    my boat in late, and except for two weeks in Newport, have not been
    out much this year. Weather has also been a factor, + my wife Ann
    who is not keen on sailing, to say the least.
    
    When things are going well, I don't think there is a better area
    than the Bay. When it is messed up outside, you can usually sail
    the Bay, although I've had to use the compass to get from Rose
    Island to Ft. Adams !!!.
    
    I remember my first passage by the dumplings on an outgoing tide.
    There was this huge boil of water ahead of us. The chart and sounder
    showed 150 ft, but we avoided it, first time!! That is one pile of
    water trying to get out through that passage.
    
    Some really rough stuff from time to time out in front of your basin.
    Swells from the ocean, SW wind driven waves & some swells, the
    outgoing tide from Mt. Hope Bay, I have had some crazy times
    coming up through there. Almost as bad as some days on Buzzards...
    though not as long lasting....
    
    Maybe the weather will hold good this weekend, and no other
    interruptions!  In which case Ann and I will be aboard Hope
    just off Ida Lewis... and dinner at Sala's Saturday night.
    
    One other thought comes to mind, part of the Bay sailing includes
    Harbor of Refuge" off Pt. Judith.  I have no longer included
    that as a place to spend the night!!!!!  It has been more like
    a "Harbor for refugees". That place really churns up and I have had to
    drop a second anchor to keep from dragging!!!
    
    Did have a great time this past Sunday. Did we see you out there?
    I was on board a friends 42' ketch, distinguished by a club to which
    one could affix the roller reefed masthead jib. What was distinguished
    about it is that this was the first time it was really out after
    being just bought. We quickly learned all the hardware that was
    missing. And wondered how the last owner managed. A tale similar to
    my own boat.
    
    What complex are you located at here at DEC, Paul.
    
    Don

    I am located in Stow.  I am a new sailor to Narragansett Bay and the
    few times I have been out it has been great.  I have not encountered
    any of the things you mentioned.  I also will be out this weekend on
    Saturday.  
    
    I sail the boats of the Adventurer Sailing Club located in LIttle
    Harbor, Melville Basin.  I have been using the Pearson 30 called
    Shanty, but this weekend I will sail 34' S2 called Dancer.  My daughter
    has decided to have a slumber party on the boat Friday night with
    sailing on Saturday.  So if you see the Dancer with 4 young girls on
    it, that's me.  
    
    By the way I noticed on the chart of West Passage, just off the North
    pont of Conanicut island a marking for something sunken.  There was no
    day mark or other buoy to signal it as a danger.  Do you know what it
    is and if it ever uncovers at low tide?
    
    Also which do you find the easier access to the ocean, east or west
    passage?  I have been using the east passage, under the Newport Bridge
    and through the Dumplings.
    
    Where do you work and where is home for you?  I live in Hudson Mass and
    it takes about an hour and half to get to the marina in Portsmouth.
    
    Paul

    Will be watching for you this Saturday.
    
    I invariably use the East passage. I don't have data with me, but
    although West passage has lesser currents, it just just plain
    relatively dull. There is so much going on in the East passage.
    There are times I think we could have used a traffic light!!!!
    
    I would have to think it is almost the more direct route to almost
    anywhere outside the Bay.
    
    Another quickie, if you are going to do the Sakonnet, be sure to
    watch the tides!! Be ready to start your engine if sailing with
    the tide ahould you run into some congestion... We'll yak about this
    some time. That railroad bridge current is something else!!
    
    I don't have a chart with me that shos the upper end on Connanicut
    and recall only Half Way Rock, which is really there, though it has a
    marker. 
    
    Night navigation through the East Passage is also made interesting by 
    those big mooring balls hung right out to the channel!!
    
    Don

    I too sail out of Rhode Island at least currently.  We are moored
    in Jamestown off the beach from Clark's yard, between Wharton's
    and Conanicut Marine.  We are the first boat off the pier marking
    the private beach.  St. Kilda is her name, 40' PH sloop.  We have 
    spent most of our time leaving Naragansett for other ports such as 
    Cuttyhunk (4.5+/- hrs.) or Block Island (4 hrs.).  Haven't spent 
    much time actually cruising the bay but would like to poke around 
    next season some more.  Spent last year in Tiverton below the swing 
    bridge and I second the comments on the current.  A stout motor is 
    in order for sure.  I also find the East Passage to be more 
    interesting especially on a sunny Saturday with 50,000 racing boats, 
    windsrufers, banana cruisers, and the odd tanker or auto carrier 
    going up or down the bay and let's not forget the lobster boats.
    
    Whenever we go out, we are obliged to do a cruise through Newport
    and give the parade wave to the yachtspeople on shore and ooooh&aaaah
    over the various boats in port at any given time.  Like to cruise
    past the 12's and the J's and the Meagyachts.  I also like to see
    who is flying what flag and see how far different boats have come
    to get to Newport.  If you are cruising through the Dumplings, feel
    free to swing on by and say hello.  My partner Marshall and Ellen
    may be there but they are friendly sorts. 
    
    Brian - St. Kilda 

    Another R. Islander out of Jamestown, Conanicut Marina.  Now that
    I know where St. Kilda lives, I realize I'm about 1/4 mile north
    of her . . . the southern end of the Conanicut moorings toward
    the dumplings.  Catalina 30 - Encore un ete/
    
    I've spent the last 7 years in Narragansset Bay.  This is our
    first year in Jamestown and I much prefer it.  There are two
    disadvantages, however:
    
    1.  The currents make swimming off the boat more challenging at any
    time but slack tides.
    
    2.  Trying to get to open water down by Castle Hill light.  If the
    wind is out of the SW (normal), I just power out and get out of
    there as soon as possible . . . then I hoist sail and get my enjoys.
    
    I've never sailed up to Wakefield from Galilee - kind of nervous
    about my 5.5 draft.  Anybody have any opinions?
    
    Adam

    We are spending our first season in the bay,at Pirate Cove on a
    mooring.
    We are a Mooring's 43,aka Beneteau 13.5,and have spent most of our
    time going to BI,Cutty,etc.hope to explore the bay this fall.
    We are considering storing at Jamestown Marina .Does anyone have
    any other suggestions?
    
    Name is Jenna Marie-give us a call and say hello.
    regards,Tony

    Adam,
    We took Elwing (draft 6'9") up to just about Wakefield to pick up our
    daughter at the Y camp, Fuller. Did go on a full high tide but had
    enough water to make it. It was a terror filled experience though.
    

    I sail out of the Barrington Yacht Club and keep my boat there on
    a mooring.  It is an Ericson 32.  My wife is from Barrington and
    I grew up in Bristol.  However we have only been sailing for four
    years.  I often think of how Narragansett Bay used to be; quiet,
    plentiful moorings, and Newport was a cheap time.  The boats name
    is "HAWKSNEST" and I am out as often as possible.
    
    

    Capn Martinez,
    
    You can still get a good meal reasonable at Checkers and Sala's
    in Newport... That is why we like it..
    Don

    Don,
    
    Were you stored at Bristol Marine (Nelson Hawkins) this past winter?  
    Is/was your boat a white(?)  wooden ketch way back in the corner of the 
    yard on the Bristol Yacht Club side?  If so I think we spoke a few
    times during the Spring.  We were a few boats closer to the water.
    
    Brian

    Brian,
    
    No, that is not my boat. That wood ketch belongs to Dwight
    Allensen of Bristol. He bought it in the water and kept it in
    the water for several years. He sailed it and has completely
    rebuilt the trunk cabin, beautiful job!! However, he took it out
    of the water last fall, and it has literally fallen apart! It is
    available if anyone wants to take on a major major rebuild!
    
    Dwight just bought a new boat, which we were out on last Sunday.
    
    Anytime you swing into Bristol harbor, the first boat you will come to
    is mine. It has a mahogany colored mast. Looks like I won't make it
    this weekend, Ann wants to go to the Sudbury fair at the Wayside Inn
    and also wants me to finally get the yard work done....
    
    Don

	
	I too (re: .6) sail out of Pirates Cove Marina in Portsmouth. 

	It's a Sabre 28. Dark Geen Hull, her name is BISCAYNE, but you
	wouldn't know by looking. (Name going on this winter!!)

	RE: .11  It was a shame what happened to Dwights boat, he had
	put many hour of labor into it. (He was my landlord until last
	thursday)


				fletcher hearns

    RE: RI Sailors
    
    I moor up in Marblehead.  It dawned on me that it might make sense for
    me to switch for a month or so with someone in RI.  We have "sailed
    out" Mass Bay for a while and have never seen Narragansett.  Then we
    could drive down to RI weekends and the other sailor could work out of
    Marblehead for the same time frame.  Also, Marblehead could be a
    "jumping off" location to combine with a vacation up to Maine, or other
    ports North. Well, we have just hauled for the season (although my
    mooring is still in), but might be worth consideration next season.  If
    anyone interested, add to the note or contact me DTN 282-1669.  I am
    a 32 ft'r, drawing 5'5", needing a 300 # mushroom or equivalent.

    I just heard that the Masthead Marina in Warwick, RI is going condo
    (docko).  If this keeps up I may be forced to (gasp) move my boat
    to Massachusetts.

    Hi, folks,  We are Orion out of East Passage Yachting Center, also
    known as Bend Boat Basin - for those that have been around awhile.  We
    have spent our summer in Boston (Hull, actually) but will be returning
    home next year to EPYC.  We have a Freedom 38, new this year.
    
    I'll second anyones' comments on the area between the breakwater and
    the railroad bridge on the Sakonnet.  You absolutely need to watch your
    tides and currents there.  We find the West Passage at the bridge,
    especially now with the construction, to be tricky especially if there
    is any congestion.  If you think that Narragansett is busy you should
    try Boston and it's tides!  Another buoy to monitor closely is the one
    off the bottom of Dyer's Island, there is a very long shoal south which
    is why the buoy is there.  Potters' Cove, off Prudence I. used to be a
    great spot for overnight, but we have found it is getting to congested. 
    The other conditions we have found to be tricky here are fog south of
    the Newport Bridge and none above, and the shifty winds under the same
    bridge.
    
    We belong to the Barrington (RI) U.S.C.G. Flotilla.  Our friends tells
    us that it has been a busy summer for "assistance calls".
    
    Thanks for all the comments,  look forward to seeing you next summer!

    We sail the Scotch Mist out of Norton's Marina, East Greenwich.  We've
    been all around the Bay and have seen most of the things other noters
    have mentioned here.  One place we haven't touched yet is Mount Hope
    Bay up toward Fall River.  My son want's me to take him up to
    Battleship Cove sometime.  Has anyone been out there?
    
    We belong to the West Bay Yacht Club located at Nortons and have found
    that for a low membership fee ($75) last year there is quite a lot to
    do.  They have a two week cruise every year, Monday night racing,
    Clambake, and a host of other activities.  Anyone interested in more
    information, just drop me a line.
    
    See you on the Bay.
    
    John Budzinski

    We kept our boat in Tiverton and sailed through Mount Hope Bay under the
    bridge to get down the bay further.  The bay seems nice though I think
    it gets shallow in spots.  Did not spend alot of time cruising it, just
    passing through.  Battle ship cove is a nice destination for a day
    sail.  Not much to do there for my tastes but it is interesting to sail
    past the big boats.  The thing we have been looking for information on
    is where in the bay to go for overnighters.  Newport is an obvious
    destination but I would like to explore some quieter spots next year. 
    Fogland Pt. on the Sakonnet and the beach at the end of the river seem
    to be a few.  What about Mackerel cove or other spots?  Anyone in here
    cruised the bay extensively?  We will also be on Block Island next
    weekend, if anyone else is going to be there, give us a shout.  
    
    Brian - St. Kilda

    Wickford (Quaint shops, nice waterfront village)
    Potter's Cove (A muck-about kind of anchorage)
    Hope Island (Bird sanctuary -- restricted access)
    Dutch Harbor (Good swimming, fun coastline hike to Beaver Tail)
    Brenton Cove (Nice view of Ft. Adams and the mansions)
    
    Plenty of fun places to poke around.  Whale Rock (west passage)
    makes for quite a sight sometimes -- like a submarine.
    
    I do miss the Bay!
    
    Dean (Mrblhd)

    Dean mentioned Whale Rock, in the West passage. A friend of
    mine. We had had a beautiful sail all the way down from 
    Connimicut light. The wind just stopped dead as we were off
    Whale Rock. Well, just start the engine. First and only time
    it would not go!  Turns out there is a tidal set there which
    was going to beach us hard on the Rock!!! Managed to find the
    problem with the engine just in time. Even setting the anchor
    would not have helped and Castle Hill would have been our
    next call!!
    Don

    I have a question for Narr. Bay Sailors.  I sail out of LIttle Harbor
    in Portsmouth and usually access the ocean via East Passage.  According
    to the chart Kettle Bottom Rock, across from Castle Hill, is marked by
    a green buoy, #7 with a gong.  This buoy sits just off Southwest Pt.,
    near the opening to Mackerel Cove.  Just last Saturday I sailed pretty
    close to the shore in that vicnity and could not find the buoy.  Am I
    blind or is it really there?
    
    Also, I agree with a previous noter who advised having a strong motor
    when going through the bridge at Tiverton. I went through it with the
    tide against me and felt the tide trying to push me to one side or
    another.  Under power, my Pearson 30 can make about 5.5 knots.
    
    Also, did anyone happen to read Sailing World this month.  They have 'A
    Picture of the Month', with what they consider a major boo-boo by a
    sailor.  It seems Timberland, a large cat, fouled one of the spinnaker
    lines on a buoy, thus anchoring the boat to the buoy, while a crew
    member was perched atop the buoy trying to free the line, with the
    spinnaker lying in the water.  Timberland has a slip just across from
    my boat in LIttle Harbor.  I don't feel too bad about my mistakes now.
    
    Paul
        

    The buoy is there or at least it has been all season.  I think you can
    go inside of it if you don't have a deep keel.  We don't with 5.5'.  
    Don't take my word on it.  I know you cannot go inside the green 
    closest to the ocean as you approach the dumplings from the sea.  The
    buoy mentioned is very low in the water and is not your normal can
    shape.  It may be difficult to spot and may even get dragged under on
    occasion.    

    Glad to hear someone else could not locate that bouy! I think it
    perhaps is difficult to see against the background, or something.
    But there have been occasions over the past years that I have not
    been able to spot it. But it is there!
    Don

    Hi,
    
    I'm another Narr. Bay sailor. I recently abandoned Newport and moved
    the boat to Portsmouth. I'm at Lighthouse Marina just north of the
    Sakonnet river bridge. I gave up on Newport when I learned that the 
    first step of any sailing trip is not jumping in the boat, it's parking
    the car! Having grown up in Newport when it was a scruffy navy town,
    the congestion on the land and water is tough to take. The zoo
    atmosphere may be fun if your sailing in for weekend, but always being on
    constant alert for fear of collision is not my idea of sailing. I can't
    describe how much more enjoyable the place was 15 years ago. 
    
    Now that I'm up in Mt. Hope bay, I can race on weeknights and enjoy
    some uncrowded waters. It's a shame that we've never gotten together
    for a raftup. We should try harder in the future.
    
    -Paul

    If any of you other R.I. sailors will be in the vicinty of Block Island
    this weekend, give us a shout.  We plan on going over for a last
    weekend prior to pulling out for the winter.  
    
    Brian - St. Kilda
    

    I just heard weather report for Friday Oct 13 saying 70+ degree
    weather.  I plan on taking a last minute vacation day to squeeze in
    some sailing.  But, alas, need a crew.  Anyone out there available for
    a last minute Indian Summer Sail.  I am located in LIttle Harbor Marina
    in Portsmouth.  Plans are for getting down there early am 8-9, sail
    until 4:00, so home by 5:30.
    
    RSVP, if interested.
    
    Paul
    
    Phone is 276 9400 or home 508 -562 2346, Hudson Mass.

    RE: .20
    
    	Several weeks ago, I had the same problem finding #7 marking 
    kettle bottom rock.  I believe it was removed for a short period 
    of time. 
     
    	On Saturday of this week what used to be a relatively small frame 
    only a few feet high has now grown into a larger unit more easily 
    visible.  Probably about the same size as #9 and #11 which sit 
    north of it.
    

    Yup, saw the mark this weekend too on the way out to Block.  Had a great
    motor over Saturday and a rough ride on the mooring that night.  Lots
    of lightning Saturday night, a real light show.  Have no idea how
    strong the winds were but it sure was howling out.  The sail back to
    Jamestown yesterday was great.  
    
    

    I went out on Friday, Oct 13 and saw the buoy for Kettle Bottom Rock. 
    It is clearly a clearly visible, green, standard size buoy.  I wondered
    how I could have missed it.  But, reading that it had been removed has
    reassured me that not sighting it previously was due to that reason.
    
    While I was out there, an elderly couple in about a 30 footer sailed
    by.  I have seen this couple several times before.  They are very
    distinctive because they both wear identical white hats.  The boat's
    name is something like "Squal", and it is an older boat. They always
     wave back.  Anyone else notice them?  What a great way to spend 
    retirement years!
    
    This season is my first sailing Narr. Bay.  Sept and Oct have been
    absolutely fantastic sailing months.  Is it always like this or has
    this season been unusual?
    
    Paul
    
    
    

    I feel the whole season has bee good on the bay.  It was not as warm as
    I expected especially at night but the fog seemed to have been less
    this year.  All in all it has been an excellent season I would say. 
    Sorry to see it end.  But as mentioned in a previous note, isn't the
    off season the time to be collecting ideas and planning a local
    rendezvous in or near the bay?  Ideas? Interest? 
    
    Brian

    I have a question for those who sail Narr. Bay and vicinity.  How would
    you describe the oeverall weather patterns for the sailing season? 
    What I mean is that I have heard the following and want to verify it:
    
    April - bitter cold, unpleasant sailing weather
    May - cold to cool weather
    June -OK
    July - fog and light winds
    Aug - less fog, warm, better winds
    Sept- Predictable winds (usually brisk), 60-75 degree weather, no fog
    Oct- Brisk winds, cool but pleasant, 55-65 degree weather
    
    I will be glad for any input you could give me.  
    
    Paul
    

    I have heard May 1st described as being equal to December 1st for cold
    and weather patterns.  We started working on the boat in March which
    was really too cold to do anything varnish or paint wise but we were
    able to get the heavy work done like scraping.  The weather was
    generally cold and blustery through April.  It was not uncommon to see
    snow in April.  The winds also tended to be more Northerly.  May was
    definitely cool, the water temperature was still around 45 F when we
    put in on the 15th.  The weather in May the last few years has been
    generally good on the bay.  Memorial Day weekend is a definite for
    planning the first long weekend.  June can still be cool especially on
    the water.  It was almost July before the water became comfortable for
    me to wade in.  I think the weather patterns start to normalize with the
    prevailing winds blowing up the Bay.  July and August can be hot with
    persistent fog.  I think this summer was cooler and the fog was not as
    prevalent as the previous year which was a scorcher.  The winds during
    July and August are definitely lighter though September wasn't very
    windy this year either.  We sailed through October and pulled out
    because our insurance ran out and it seemed the prudent thing to do. I 
    do not know if this was normal or not but I thought September and 
    October this year were spectacular both for wind and temperature.  I 
    think your summary is pretty close to the "norm" whatever that may be.  
    As far as your sailing season goes,  I say sail as early and as late as 
    is comfortable for you.  We have a pilot house which really lessens the 
    affects of the weather on the crew and will keep us dry in every 
    condition I've seen so far which isn't too extreme.  I cannot say I 
    would be out as long if we didn't have that feature.   
    
    Brian  
    
     
                                            

    This was my first year sailing in Narr. Bay as I was transferred from
    Manchester, NH to Providence.  The other two previous years my Pearson
    26' "YIN YANG" was moored at Falmouth Foreside in Maine (Portland
    area).  I liked the blue water sailing, the islands, the seals, whales
    in Maine but the 1 3/4 hr trip from Manchester to the dock plus the 1
    hr row to the boat often tested my metal.
    
    Now, I am moored at the Rhode Island Yacht Club in Cranston, park at
    the dock and use the shuttle service to/from the boat.  I live 2 1/2
    miles from the boat and visit her at least twice daily.  I think I've
    fallen in love.  The sail or motor to Newport is about 4+ hours and
    th it is about another hr to open water.
    
    My significant other and myself go to the boat during the season Friday
    after work and sail away until late Sunday night.  It's fun to explore
    the beauty of this world.  
    
    We sailed from Falmouth Foreside during the first week of May and took
    five days to get to the RIYC.  It was an exciting trip.  It was only
    the second time my companion had ever been on the boat (or any boat!)
    and do we ever learn things!  (Like, I really know now what a jerk I
    was to wing it through the rail road bridge of the Annisquam River.  It
    might have been pretty but I was less than two seconds from being
    demasted!)  The end of day one found me up on the bow lowering the 1.5
    jenny in 35+ knot winds in 8 foot waves.  The halyard flew out of my
    hand, came back and just touched the main sail.  Rippppp!  The rest of
    the trip was done with jib or jenny only!
    
    Other than enjoying long weekend trips around to all different spots of
    Narr. Bay and beyond, our other highlight was taking 2 1/2 weeks to
    sail from the RIYC around the Statue of Liberty and back.  What a great
    trip throught the Northern end of Long Island.  (Try the dunes
    sometime in Port Jefferson - they are magnificent!)
    
    Next year we would like to make significant trip somewhere and would
    love to either be joined or join others in the venture.  If you're
    interested in taking a one month trip, let's figure out something
    together.  I'm far from being an expert sailor but I have good sailing
    discipline and love the sport.
    
    	Regards,
    
    	Ron
    

    
    Another RI sailor checking in.  I sail the Irish Mist, a 25' Catalina
    out of Narragansett (Pt Judith).  The local weather (as .0 knows)
    there is a bit windier, foggier, and choppier than inside the bay,
    but the sailing is about as wide open as it gets.
    
    RI sailing trivia question:  if you set sail from Pt Judith and
       steer a straight course, what would be your farthest destination?
    
    re: .5  (navigating Pt Judith Pond)
    
       the Irish Mist draws 4' and can navigate the channel at low
       tide without any problems.  During a moon low she may rub
       just slightly between R12 and R10.  A 5.5' draft (draught?)
       would be a problem at dead low tide, but there's 3'2'' of
       tidal range, so you wouldn't need to wait too long if at
       all.
    
       the 'local knowledge' about the pond is as follows:
    
    	  o  Above G3, stay to the West (green) side of the channel.
    	     In 1989, at least, the depths were slightly greater there.
    
          o  The shallowest section is between R8 and R12.  The current
    	     bears somewhat East of North on the flood, which will 
    	     sweep the unwary into the shallow side of the channel.
    
          o  The current runs quite strong around R2, R2A near where
    	     the channel splits (as do the power boats).  Assert your
    	     rights as a ragman (or ragperson) and leave your boat
    	     some extra room around the buoys... you'll need it, because
    	     the current bears somewhat into the buoys.
    
          o  Don't try to cut the corner when heading from R2B to G3.
    	     Favor the beach side (West) to some degree.
    
          o  If attempting to enter at night, the main part of the
    	     channel (R4 through R8) can be piloted (except in a fog)
    	     by following a blinking radio tower behind Plato Island.
    	     The hardest part at night is the passage from R2B to G3,
    	     which can be quite difficult to spot, and not without
    	     danger of running aground (on mud).
    
          o  Don't stay in the Harbor of Refuge(es).  Come up the
    	     pond and lay anchor Northwest of Gardiner Island in a SW
    	     wind (in protected "Smelt Brook Cove") -- enter on the
    	     South end, or in Wheatfield Cove in a North or East
    	     wind (where the Irish Mist is moored).  Expect 20 to 40
    	     minutes to work up the channel, depending on the current.
    
    re: weather
    
    	Except for unusual years, and last year was unusual, I think,
        expect June to be cold and windy around Pt Judith.  Also expect
        to get plenty of fog for most of the day, even if the Bay is
        clear and sunny.  Why Block Island race week is in June is hard
        to fathom.
    
        September is the best time of year for sailing in that area,
        in my opinion.  The air and sea temperatures are about the same,
        and the winds are lively, but not too much so even for a somewhat
        tender boat.
    
    My only regret about sailing around "Pt Jude" is the predominance
    of power vs sail boats, and in particular the lack of anyone to
    race against to sharpen my skills.  
    
    If you find yourself planning a trip out the Bay to Block I., let
    me know and I'll try to bring the 'Mist out to join you for a
    daysail.
    
       /Jim and Linda Finnerty
    

    Any of you Rhode Island sailors have any info on the fire at
    Norton's shipyard?  

    The Norton's Ship Store and the attached building is entirely gone. 
    About three boats south of the building are destroyed and three or four
    others are badly damaged.  I don't know what started it but no one was
    hurt.  Norton's have set up a temporary office in the West Bay Yacht
    Club and they hope to rebuild their store by Spring.
    

    Here's a question for RI/Conn sailors.
    
    Do you believe that Mass sailors prefer the MASS and Maine coastal
    waters to RI/Conn waters?  If yes, why so?
    
    Since living in Mass, I have noticed a real condescending attitude in
    Mass people about RI. I wonder if this attitude extends to sailing.
    
    Having sailed and gone swimming in Mass/Maine waters which measure
    about 60 degrees in mid-August, I cannot understand why anyone would
    chose this frigidity over the warm Gulf Stream waters of RI/Conn.
    
    Anyhow just a thought.  Any ideas, anyone?
    
    Paul
    
    understand the attraction to

    Having grown up sailing LI Sound and off Newport, I can understand
    local views.  The Sound and off RI are great in the early spring and in
    the fall.  The weather is a lot warmer down there and that is where the
    early and late regattas are (i.e. Manhasset Spring and Fall series).
    
    Summer brings a major case of the flats.  Racing in the summer becomes
    a case of playing the tide and often "passing" your competition by
    silently dropping anchor and letting the tide push the others back.  
    Even for cruising there is often not enough wind.  We complain of no
    wind up here, but it is nothing compared to the Sound.
    
    As for swimming, there are large areas of the Sound I wouldn't WANT
    to swim in.
    
    Keep in mind that to get to that part of the world is a pretty long
    trip from the Mass Bay shore.  The 17 hours it takes me (non-stop) to
    get from Marblehead to Newport puts me well up into Maine.  Please
    don't include me in those that think cruising Maine is all that fun
    either.  Fog and freezing water do not a pleasant time make. I'll take
    the islands and Buzzard's Bay.  Plenty of breeze with warm enough
    water.
    
    Another problem with the Connecticut shore is its proximity to New York
    and all the awful things that crawl out of the city on weekends.
    
    Dave

    Having lived aboard in both Conn (Clinton and Stamford) and New York
    (New Rochelle) and now having been a live aboard in Apponaug, RI for 
    the past 4 years, here's my opinion.
    The Western end of Long Island Sound has some nice harbors but is very
    conjested. The Eastern end has fewer places to anchor but also fewer
    boats. In both cases in the summer you get an chance to parctice your
    drifting from about 11am till 3pm. The water is nice and warm for
    swimming at the Eastern end.
    The Bay on the other hand has yet to present us with more than small
    number of "drifters" in the past years. The onshore/offshore breezes
    have allowed us to sail almost at will. Much better sailing than Long
    Island but fewer anchorages. Of course my bias is towards Newport and
    Block Island so I'm happy here.
    I've also had to reef more often in the Bay than in the Sound.
    
    whpIII

    Thanks for the reply in .37 and .38
    
    Your responses did prompt another question.  How would you compare
    Narr. Bay with Buzzards Bay and Nantucket Sound?  Wind and sea
    conditions, squalls, harbors, fog, interesting places to go,
    congestion, etc.
    
    Also anyone ever sail over to Watch Hill?  What was that like?
    
    Thanks,
    
    Paul                                   

    Buzzards Bay and Nantucket Sound offer more of an offshore feeling than
    Narraganset Bay.  Buzzards has a southwest breeze that pipes up at 3:00
    every afternoon.  Great sailing!  Many interesting places to see
    including the Elizabeth Islands.  Go through Woods Hole, Quicks Hole or
    around Cuttyhunk and you end up in Vineyard Sound and eventually into
    Nantucket Sound.  
    
    Navigation is key here because fog can come up quickly and there are
    plenty of places to stick your boat aground.  The reward is Martha's
    Vineyard or Nantucket and both are worth the effort.  Before the days
    of Loran my family used to sail to and from Nantucket with a great
    probability of fog for some reason.  On numerous occasions a line of
    power boats would form up behind us on the assumption that sailors
    obviously knew where they were and where they were going.
    
    All these areas are very handy to Newport and worth doing.
    
    Dave

    re; .39
    
    I grew up sailing and fishing out of the Watch Hill area. The harbor is
    a bit off of the beaten track if you are looking for a place along that
    coast to drop a hook for the night. Watch Hill Harbor is accessed by
    entering into Little Narragansett Bay over by Stonington Ct. with a 3 to
    4 mile channel to get to the harbor itself. However if you are looking
    for a good place to drop a hook and spend some time swimming, the
    inside of Napatree Point makes for a good protected and often crowded
    anchorage. Access to this swim area is through the same channel and
    bear to starboard after Seal Rocks. 
    
    Coming from the east out of Narragansset Bay or Buzzards Bay (I too
    have done alot of racing and cruising there), Point Judith is the last
    harbor along that coast for 18 miles, which by the way runs a perfect
    090 - 270 magnetic, with Block Island some 9 to 12 miles offshore. Once
    you get to Watch Hill Point, there is a fairly narrow passage between
    some barrier reefs (which run from W.H. to the eastern end of Fishers
    Island N.Y.). There can be as much as 4 knots current at the corner but
    it runs pretty much with ya or agin ya. Unce you come to Napatree Bell
    (2 miles or so) you can bear to starboard toward Stonington and into
    the channel and thus into Little Narragansset Bay and into the mouth of
    the Pawcatuck River where there are a few good full service boat yards,
    Hall's B. Y. would be my recommendation. 
    
    Getting back to Watch Hill Harbor, there are many shops but the prices
    are quite high for the "touristas" but you can get essetial
    replenishments there. Kind of a snooty place with some big mansions and
    a social yacht club where they race a glass marconi rigged version of
    the old 'Herrishof 15' which is quite similar to the gaf rigged
    'Herrishof E Boats'. 

    It was a great place for a kid to grow up with the protected waters
    inside the point. Also, Fishers Island New York was only a 20 minute
    outboard ride and the beer store was close to the dock in West Harbor. 

RE: Maine vs. RI,

Thanks to fog, cold air and cold water, big tides, lots of serious rocks 
within a few feet of the surface, and relatively few services, Maine is 
relatively untraveled and untrammeled.  I can find a quiet cove to share 
with one other boat or perhaps none on *any* summer weekend.

Nothing against RI, but I much prefer the road less traveled.

J.

Maine is a TERRIBLE place to sail, foggy, cold, ledges everywhere, 
few services and restaurants, definitely unfun, and I wouldn't recommend
it to anyone. 

Alan



Now John and I can continue to enjoy sailing in these lovely waters and 
spending evenings listening to seals splashing and watching ospreys soar 
over quiet, uncrowded anchorages far from the crowds. Julie and I have
spent all but two vacations since 1978 sailing in Maine, mostly in
September. 

    If Alan says not to go, I am getting rid of all my charts...
    
    All thoes years of planning and dreaming,,,  How about Boston
    harbor????  8^)  
    
    `Charlie'
    

    Well, St. Kilda is in the throes of spring commisioning which equates
    to nothing short of total disarray and utter pandemonium.  We can see
    the launch date looming on the horizon though.  Any other Bay sailors 
    looking in anticipation to an early launch?  Is anyone in the
    neighborhood interested in starting to plan a raft up or other social
    type on the water activity?  Never too soon to start planning.  We are
    shooting for a May 1st dunk but will probably make the 12th +/- a day.  
    If you are near Clark's in Jamestown, stop by for a visit.  I would
    like to see some other DEC sailors on the water this season.  
    
    Brian
    
    

    Hi Brian,
    
    I'm shooting for May 5th. But an 8"x8" rotted section of my deck 
    will probably blow that date. I've already been at it for six weeks,
    rain helps when you're wet sanding!
    
    I drop the boat in at Ft. Adams, and keep it in Tiverton. But I go
    to Newport several times during the Summer. I'd like to raft up some
    time - but not at Pt. Judith. How about Mackeral cove, Dutch Harbor,
    or Potters cove?
    
    See you on the water!
    
    Paul

    Yee haw!!  We're in!!  St. Kilda went slpash this AM and is reportedly
    still floating.  If any of you RI sailors will be in the Greater
    Newport/Jamestown area this weekend stop on by!  We may try to get to
    Edgartown or Block Island since we are taking Tuesday off as well.  If
    there is anyone else floating around out there give a shout. 
    Unfortunately, we have many niggling little chores to accomplish prior
    to going anywhere but in the water is on the water!  
    
    Brian, suffering from severe spring maintenance burnout >:-9  

    We are planning on taking the week of July 1st for our vacation and was
    wondering if anyone knew of scheduled fireworks that could be enjoyed
    from the boat anywhere between the Cape and Long Island.  Anyone have
    any info?  If any of you folks will be floating around out there at the
    same time let us know and we'll keep an eye peeled.  

    Last months issue of OFFSHORE had quite a list of waterfront events
    from Cape Ann to NY. I will try to remember to Bring it in. If you do
    not have it give me a call Brian.
    
    Fred 223-3935
    
    

    I'm hearing rumblings about a $150 "user fee"=tax which will be levied
    on boats in Rhode Island.  Supposedly is started July 1 and Rhode
    Island marinas are required to turn over to the state a listing of all
    their customers.  Has anybody else heard of this?

    No I haven't heard of this, and I spoke to my dockmaster last week. I
    would have thought he should inform me if I had an extra gratuitous
    $150 in taxes to pay.
    
    But this wouldn't surprise me, in that the information on these kind of
    things seems to generally "sneak" in, when it's too late.
    
    I thought this was a democracy?
    
    Mind you, its hard to imagine anyone in Rhode Island getting any
    unbiased information on anything, judging by the quality of the local
    press there.
    
    Ray

    Yes it's true.  The September Soundings (page B3) has an article about
    the new tax structure.  If new taxes are bad news, the good news is
    that town imposed property and excise taxes are now rescinded.
    
    The new law applies to all vessels over 12 feet in length and to those
    under 12 feet with motors.  It exempts houseboats, ferries, canoes,
    rowboats under 12 feet, foreign vessels, government-owned vessels,
    ship's lifeboats and motorboats used exclusively for racing. 
    ["Motorboat" is defined to be any vessel whether or not said vessel is
    propelled by machinery.]
    
    The fees:
    	00-16 feet		$ 15
    	16-20 feet		$ 20
    	21-25 feet		$ 30
    	26-30 feet		$ 50
    	31-35 feet		$100
    	36-40 feet		$125
    	41-45 feet		$150
    	46-50 feet		$200
    	51->  feet		$300
    
    Non profit organizations' boats have a maximum fee of $25.
    
    Boats that are in Rhode Island waters for fewer than 90 days do not
    have to register or pay the fee, but the old gamit of sailing out of
    R.I. and returning won't cut it as a loophole, and the 90 days is TOTAL
    and not consecutive.  All boats passing the 90 day limit, even if
    documented or registered in another state, must register and pay the
    fee.
    
    [All of the above information is from the Soundings article.]
    
    -gayn
    

    
    >> the good news is that town imposed property and excise taxes are now
    >> rescinded
    
    The town of Narraganset instituted a mooring fee last year (a fee for
    the right to place your mooring in Pt Judith Pond).  Does this come
    under the category of the taxes which were rescinded?
    
    Note: no products or services were provided, it's just a naked grab
          which they can get away with because many of the boaters are
          not RI residents/voters.
    

    I would doubt that mooring fees were rescinded as they aren't a
    property tax on the boat per se.
    
    The point on services is sadly valid.  The Bristol, RI representative
    Kelly Parella claims he was not in favor of the bill.  In part this was
    because the town of Bristol doesn't see a dime of extra revenue for the
    next two years!  Since this year is an election year you (if a RI
    resident) or your local yacht club could harass their representative. 
    Kelly's number is 401/253-8869.
    
    -gayn
    

    Well an interesting piece of excitement went on last weekend. 
    Apparently a few boats over in Jamestown decided it was time to get out
    of the water and headed for shore, on their own.  At least one boat
    ended up totalled on the rocks near Clark's.  Worst part of it was 
    St. Kilda ended up on the beach near Green pier.  Miraculously there was 
    no damage, none, not even a scratch.  She is out for good now waiting to
    be hauled to her final storage sight.  The season went too smoothly,
    something was bound to happen.  
    
    Good bye St. K its been good to know you :-(