It’s Wednesday, July 16, 2025 and after a four day filled schedule during the Marine Trawler Owners Association (MTOA) Rendezvous, it’s time to say, farewell and move on.
While it would have been fantastic to stay in the New England Region and continue exploring, we have other land obligations such as emptying our storage rental and medical specialist appointments in August forcing us to slowly head home. We will return next year without other land obligations.
Costs:
- Dining: $0
- Marinas: $918
- Mooring Ball: $150
- Provisions: $0
- Uber: $0
- West Marine: $0
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 (Day 16)
Departure: Mystic Seaport Museum Marina (Mystic Seaport, CT) 10:35AM
Captain’s Report:
- Calm Waters
- Clear & Dense Fog Visibility
- Cruising Average Speed 6kn, Peak Speed: 7.5kn
- Outside is Hot (82°F) & Humid (97%)
- 10:45AM Mystic Highway Bridge Opening (10 MTOA Vessels)
- 12:04PM Passed M/V Wanderlust on our Portside Bow
- 1:59PM Passing Bells Island, RI.
Arrival: Oldport Marine Services (Mooring Ball#8) 4PM
Distance Cruised: Miles
Special Comments:
- Fun to hear the Bridge Operators wish the MTOA Fleet farewell.
- Kelp Farm lines had us threading the needle amidst the dense fog.
- Lots of Sécurité chatter on VHF.
- Dense fog in the Northeast Region is a result of cool ocean temperatures, high humidity, and winds.
- Unlike the depth of crab traps that we’re familiar with in Maryland. Lobster traps can be found in depth of 13′ – 2,000′.
- Our approach to Mooring Ball #8 was flawless at the start but quickly turned into a circus show. Once, partially secured, I left for Jacques to adjust which ensued a call to the Attendant, who boarded to render aid. Two men struggled yet as First Mate I’m expected to out do what they themselves were struggling to do. The turn of events was the moment Jacques did not trust my call that the mooring bridle was too small. The bridle loop barely fit on our cleat. Once the attendant boarded, he shared with Jacques that he’s never been on a bow this how or even seen that style cleat. If I could have walked on water and gone home, in that instant I would have! Quick to realize, I am home. Oh, crap! I could stay in a hotel or fly back to Maryland and stay in a hotel. Tears just flowed as my mind was flooded with emotions. Now, neither we nor any vessel/persons within our proximity were in danger, it was stressful. It was then that I realized our definition of “adventure” vastly differs. Navigating dense fog is not a fun challenge nor liability risk, I would personally take on. It’s not because the vessel isn’t equipped with AIS and radar but, for all the vessels that aren’t. I would never drive my vehicle with my eyes closed and rely on the audio of my GPS. Yet my limitations are being pushed! Give an inch, take a yard. Afterall, he is entitled to breaks and head use is a requirement. The more he pushes me, the more I’m beginning to push back. Over the many years that we have been boating, and all the Captains that we have met over the years, this is the “breaking point” where they’ve gone from being onboard to selling. This feeling may pass or maybe it won’t, which will require a reassessment.
Next Stop: Unknown (Friday, 7/18/25)
Thursday, July 17, 2025 (Day 17)
Oldport Marine Services (Mooring Ball#8)
Special Comments:
- Bellevue Avenue is lined with Gilded Age Mansions (1870 – 1890).
- Newport City is on Aquidneck Island along Narragansett Bay.
- Since 1930 Newport has been annually hosting the America’s Cup, a popular sailing regatta. Certain there were 3 sailing vessels practicing as we approached the harbor.
Next Stop: Harbor One Marina (Old Saybrook, CT) (Friday, 7/18/25 – Monday, 7/20/25)
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