Boston, MA to Gloucester, MA

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Departure: Constitution Marina (Boston, MA) Slip D8 9:15AM

Special Comments:

• Yesterday, 6/30/26 we pivoted from anchoring out to decompress to docking due to the Excessive Heat Wave, local temperatures 100°F, feeling like 113°F.
• Departure day. I’m absolutely dreading todays sardine extraction from the slip and marina fairway. Absolutely, NO room for error! If anyone has stayed at Soverel Harbour Marina (Palm Beach Gardens, FL) if you can imagine this is even tighter! Now, were usually very independent about our departures, infact much prefer not to have any assistance as we have a rhythm. Well, today was a first that the Admiral requested a dock hand to untie the lines. If the line got caught combined with the sporadic wind gusts experienced throughout the morning, there was very little room from both us. Also, with the humidity (already at 66%) and my cardiac issue the bending and running as required today would pose a slower pace than normal. EUREKA, we nailed it!
• YIKES, the harbor was busy with barges, ferry boats, and tug boats.
• WOWser, trap lines in 100′ of water.
• Believe we spotted another Nordhavn, M/V Asturias (N76) anchored as we approached the harbor.

Arrival: Ocean Alliance Docks (Gloucester, MA) 1PM

Next Stop: Unknown? (Monday, 7/6/26)

Thursday, July 2, 2026

Docked: Ocean Alliance Docks (Gloucester, MA)

Special Comments:

• Sipping my early morning coffee, I was amazed by the volume of commercial fishing vessels headed out. Calm waters with such a peaceful view.
• Eventually, Jacques awoke and greeted me outside where I stood watching a Egret patiently waiting for the opportunity of a fresh morning breakfast catch. Fascinating to observe his attempts and stance. OMG, have I become a birdwatcher?!?
• Observed seniors rowing southbound (Gloucester Gig Rowers). Upon their northbound return with marine traffic oars were vertically up into the air (aka: tossing oars), a traditional maritime practice primarily known as a traditional sign of respect, a ceremonial salute, and/or a safety protocol.
• Machines still spinning…six loads of laundry to catch up including linens. Thank goodness, we have hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle because perfect timing was a bloody crime scene overnight from Jacques face. Neither of us know what he did other then a hairline scratch on his nose.

About Gloucester, MA:

• America’s oldest seaport (1623).
• Attractions: Annisquam, Cape Ann Museum (CAM), Dogtown Common, Norman’s Woe (aka: The Wreck of the Hesperus), Ravenswood Park, Rocky Neck Art Colony, Sargent House Museum, Stage Fort Park, & White-Ellery House.
• Average annual income $119,066 (2024).
• Average residental property, $844,495.
• Birthplace of Marvel character Dane Whitman whose superhero alter ego is the Black Knight.
• Birthplace of the first Schooner (1713).
• Clarence Birdseye (1886 – 1956) invented the quick-freezing method (1922) after observing how Arctic Inuit froze their fish. Transforming the food industry globally.
• Early immigrants of Italian and Portuguese influence remain evident.
• Eastern Point Lighthouse marks the entrance to the harbor.
• Film setting for The Perfect Storm (2000).
• Formerly included the town of Rockport (1840).
• Ghost Town of Dogtown, located in the city’s forested interior is an abandoned colonial village turned ghost town. Featuring dozens of massive boulders carved with inspirational words like “Courage” and “Help Mother” during the Great Depression (1929 – 1939).
• Greasy Pole Contest (St Peter’s Fiesta) requires brave participants walk a greased, horizontal 40′ telephone pole suspended over the harbor. Capture a flag at the end before slipping into cold water.
• Hammond Castle Museum is a striking medieval-style castle (1920) overlooking the Atlantic that houses a massive pipe organ.
• Home to iconic seafood company Gorton’s of Gloucester, pioneered salt-dried cod packing.
• Largest annual event is St Peter’s Fiesta (June), sponsored by the local Italian-American community.
• Local skipper, Tom Johnston painted canvas clothing with linseed oil and waterproofed it with yellow paint. The iconic yellow, “Cape Ann Slicker“ raincoat used by fishermen worldwide.
• “Man at the Wheel” statue honors the thousands of fishermen lost at sea (1600).
• National Geographic Channel films its reality television series Wicked Tuna, documenting and chronicling the lives of commercial tuna fishermen, and the lucrative bluefin tuna industry here.
• One of the most active fishing ports on the Eastern Seaboard.
• Resident population, 30,627 (2025).
• Rocky Neck Art Colony (Smith Cove) is North America’s oldest continuously operating artists’ lair.

Next Stop: Unknown? (Monday, 7/6/26)

Friday, July 3, 2026

Docked: Ocean Alliance Docks (Gloucester, MA)

Special Comments:

• I really enjoy watching the school of sailing vessels pass by us while docked. Wind was good because they were leaning, which would have had me screaming and yelling.
• Had the pleasure of interacting with the crew onboard M/V Jean Elizabeth (their traps are that close) offering fresh lobster for sale. I respectfully declined, Jacques was willing, it’s the kill process that turns my stomach even though I do eat meat and seafood.
• Apparently, the 100′ vessel stayed where they were as we’re getting two dock arrivals today, a 48′ and a small sailboat dock neighbors today.
• Borrowed the car ($40/Daily) for a scenic drive, Essex Coastal Scenic Byway (Route 127).
• Shocking to see how many folks early this morning were already claiming their spot for the 6PM parade, even though suggested not to do so before 12PM. Bummer to bummer traffic.
• Even more shocking is just how hilly, narrow, twisty, and windy the roads are throughout Gloucester, MA. Place a parked vehicle on barely a shoulder and in many places it’s one lane passage. Can’t imagine driving here during the winter months with the steep roads.
• Passed through Salem, MA neither of us particularly liked it. Haverhill, MA and Hanover, MA downtown area was charming.
• Was to suppose to provision afterwards but, tensions were too high after Jacques made a left hand turn into a “do not enter” area of a bypass. Honestly, I can’t make this ship up!
• Upon our dock return, we couldn’t help but to notice the vessel behind us pitching (upward and downward) with vessels passing by us and their anchor only 15″ directly behind our stern staples (yes, I tape measured it). WTF!!! Now, upon the sailboats arrival behind him they insisted that they move back. Yet, you’re bouncing this close to our cockpit. Dock hand notified, moved us the very few inches available forward which required for the research console vessel drop their outboard engines. Unnecessary stress! According to Jacques who walked the docked, the sailboat is hanging off the end of the dock by 8′.
• The poor couple behind are not utilizing power because they have a electrical short onboard, that if they were to plug in, the would short the dock power. Initially, we thought it was the low voltage as we experience at various marinas requiring a booster. Not the case. What ever their issues is, requires that they change their zincs regularly. According to Jacques this electrical leakage is why folks get electrocuted at marinas.

Next Stop: Unknown? (Monday, 7/6/26)

Saturday, July 4, 2026 ~ Independence Day

Docked: Ocean Alliance Docks (Gloucester, MA)

Special Comments:

• Early this morning, coming down the steps I notice the dock sailboat owner in his underwear heading up to presumably the bathroom. I get it, it’s that hot and with only three boats docked can feel as though your anchored/moored.
• For a weekend and holiday the harbor is relatively quiet.

Next Stop: Unknown? (Monday, 7/6/26)