Mystic Seaport, CT to Georgetown, MD

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: $330
• Marinas: $1,384
• Mooring Ball: $388
• Provisions: $332
• Tips: $25
• Uber: $30
• 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 (8​2°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: 38 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)

Friday, July 18, 2025 (Day 18)

Departure: Oldport Marine Services (Mooring Ball#8) 7:15AM

Captain’s Report:

• Choppy Waters
• Clear Visibility
• Cruising Average Speed 7.4kn, Peak Speed: ​9.3kn
• Outside is Comfortable (8​0°F)& Humid (​60%) 
• 8:55AM Passed Martha’s Vineyard on Port​
• 9:01AM Car Ferry Crossed Our Bow from Starboard
• 9:22AM Cruising Block Island Sound Area
• 9:53AM F/V Nicholas Sea Crossed our Bow from Port
• 11:15AM Passed Watch Hill, RI on Starboard
• 11:43AM Passed Wicopassat Island, RI on Port
• 11:59AM Open Recreational Fishing Vessel on our Bow Passed our Starboard 12kn – 14kn with Nobody at the Helm or Cockpit Area

Arrival: Harbor One Marina (Old Saybrook, CT) 2:20PM

Distance Cruised: 52 Miles

Special Comments:

• Pleased to say, Rhode Island didn’t break me! In a weak vulnerable moment I wanted to walk on water and runaway. Long story short, I believe that I had a touch of Heat Exhaustion as my symptoms (fatigue, headache, irritability, leg cramps, nausea, shortness of breath, sweating and swelling) has gotten better!
• J​acques VHF F/V Nicholas Sea​ of intent. Snarky Captain’s response, “just stay out of my way“. Firstly, we had “right of way” as the stand on the vessel (he was not dragging a net nor fishing) and secondly that’s what VHF radios are for! #CaptainAssH…
• Passing Wicopassat Island, RI​ was extremely fishy smelling.
• As we were tying up to dock our starboard neighbor onboard M/Y A.B. Normal mentioned, previously owning a 62′ Nordhavn. They have since upsized to a 2006 96′ expedition vessel and what appears to be a crew of 5 (Captain, Chef, 2 Deckhands, & Waitress). By evening, as we watched Sullivan’s Crossing on Netflix (we sit port side and tv is on starboard, which overlooks their cockpit) we couldn’t help but to notice what real luxurious cruising is all about; served a seven course meal with endless pours. Cheers, to living your best life!
• Noticing a few admirers Jacques spoke with visiting “Nordhavn Dreamers”. We do understand, as we too were once “Nordhavn Dreamers“.

Next Stop:​ Unknown (Monday, 7/21/25)

Saturday, July 19, 2025 (Day 19)

Tied to the docks at Harbor One Marina (Old Saybrook, CT).

Special Comments:

• As we sipped our morning coffee in bed watching The Dish on CBS 3 Morning we smiled with mention of Lobster Roll. I personally never enjoyed lobster until eaten in this region. They always seemed bland, chewy, and rubbery. However, for the past few weeks, it’s dining of choice whether they feature Lobster Rolls.
• Old Saybrook is considered one of the state’s oldest town.
• Settled in 1635, the coastal town is known for beaches, dining diversity, shops, and views.
• Where the late Katherine Hepburn, Actress would retreat in her summer home.
• Charming Main Street lined with restaurants and shops.
• Thanks, to Uber Drivers we provisioned at Stop & Shop (Old Saybrook, CT).
• WOW, what a difference a day can make as we read of recreational boaters fire misfortune at the mooring ball field in Newport, CT.

Next Stop: Port Jefferson Yacht Club – Mooring Ball (Port Jefferson, NY) (Monday, 7/21/25)

Sunday, July 20, 2025 (Day 20)

Tied to the docks at Harbor One Marina (Old Saybrook, CT).

Special Comments:

• Awoke to a foggy morning.
• Chore day onboard before we depart tomorrow, Monday, 7/21/25.
• Our Whirlpool washer has decided to give us grief with a A10 code (drain issue). What should have been two quick loads is now taking hours. Eventually, realized there was not enough electrical voltage from the dock to wash, so we turned on the generator. UGH, boat life!
• Fortunately, Jacques was blocking my view; so I noticed a large Elbow Fistula. Able to text our PCP aware of our cruising plans provided select medications to travel with so we were able to get him on antibiotics quickly and effortlessly. Follow up in two days.

Next Stop: Port Jefferson Yacht Club – Mooring Ball (Port Jefferson, NY) (Monday, 7/21/25)

Monday, July 21, 2025 (Day 21)

Departure: Harbor One Marina (Old Saybrook, CT) 8:20AM

Captain’s Report:

• Calm Waters
• Clear Visibility
• Cruising Average Speed kn, Peak Speed: ​kn
• Outside is Comfortable (874°F)& Humidity (​87%) 
• 1:36PM Uneventful cruising with very little traffic.

Arrival: Port Jefferson Yacht Club – Mooring Ball (#D1) (Port Jefferson, NY) 2:30PM

Distance Cruised: 42 Miles

Special Comments:

• A special thank you to Tom, Dockmaster for retrieving our gate fob and seeing us off.
• With our pilothouse door open, ouch these flies bite here.
• As we were in the narrow bay channel, approaching our port side mooring field Jacques hailed the ferry boat asking for a slow pass to which he did not honor but rather respond via VHF with “baby crying sounds” for a seconds. WTF, how unprofessional!!! Long enough that the Coast Guard intervened with a reminder to the use of Channel 16.
• After getting tied up to #B1 we had to move as their bridal was badly tangled. We relocated to D1 which also gave us more space from the surrounding vessels.

Tuesday, July 22, 2025 (Day 22)

Port Jefferson Yacht Club – Mooring Ball #D1 (Port Jefferson, NY)

Special Comments:

• As we sipped our morning coffee, we watched youths practicing sailing. Absolutely adorable until we became a obstacle in their navigation (LOL)!
• Learned there’s to be a Regatta tomorrow, Wednesday, 7/23/25 towards the bay entrance and beyond.
• Walked throughout the charming town of Port Jefferson, NY. Jacques even managed to finally get a hair cut.
• We had the opportunity to chat with local artist, Dino Rinaldo as he stood along the shade off the sidewalk painting. Amazing talent!
• Did a load of bed linens on battery, which worked better than the electricity from Harbor One Marina (Old Saybrook, CT).

Next Step: Port Washington – Mooring Ball (Wednesday, 7/23/25)

Wednesday, July 23, 2025 (Day 23)

Departure: Port Jefferson Yacht Club – Mooring Ball (#D1) (Port Jefferson, NY) 8:05AM

Captain’s Report:

• Calm Waters
• Clear Visibility
• Cruising Average Speed 7.6kn, Peak Speed: ​9.5kn
• Outside is Comfortable (82°F)& Humidity (​69%) 
• 10:58AM Passed M/V Honey Badger (N5511) on our Port Headed to Martha’s Vineyard
• 11:42AM Passed Barge Jacksonville on our Starboard

Arrival: Port Washington – Mooring Ball #14 (Port Washington, NY) 12:10PM

Distance Cruised: 38 Miles

Special Comments:

• Spectacular morning, no humidity and comfortable as we untied from the mooring ball.
• Upon our departure we passed another Nordhavn, M/V Mighty Aphrodite (NN5529) at anchorage. Emailed Ed P two photos.
• We snapped a few photos of M/V Honey Badger (N5511) with NYC as a backdrop and emailed them to John and Rae R.

Thursday, July 24, 2025 (Day 24)

Port Washington – Mooring Ball #14 (Port Washington, NY)

Special Comments:

• Absolutely LOVE the complimentary mooring ball pump out. In our neck of the woods with six marinas only two offer pump outs none while anchored. Way to go NY!
• We’re looking forward to dinner again at La Petite Framboise (Port Washington, NY) with another Nordhavn couple, Chris B & Holly K (also N47 owners).

Friday, July 25, 2025 (Day 25)

Departure: Port Washington – Mooring Ball #14 (Port Washington, NY) 9:25AM

Captain’s Report:

• Calm Waters
• Clear Visibility
• Cruising Average Speed 7.4kn, Peak Speed: ​10.4kn
• Outside is Hot (93°F)& Humid (63​%) 
• 10:10AM Passing Under Throg Neck Bridge (Bronx, NY)
• 10:25AM Passing Under Whitestone Bridge (Whitestone, NY)
• 11:15AM Passing Through Hells Gate
• 11:58AM Passed Brooklyn Bridge Marina (Brooklyn, NY) on Port
• 12:15PM NYC Police Vessel Closely Passed our Bow from our Port

Arrival: Sandy Hook Point, NJ Anchorage 2:15PM

Distance Cruised: 35 Miles

Special Comments:

• We had a fantastic time with Chris B & Holly K (M/V Paragon, N4719) last evening. Many parallels amongst us.
• Departure timed with current of East River, NY. UGH, my least favorite!
• We anticipate a thunderstorm early this evening while anchored at Sandy Hook Point, NJ. However, to delay our departure day we would encounter some snotty ocean crossing conditions. Fortunately, we’ll be well settled at anchorage before the storms arrival.
• Jacques witnessed a seaplane land on the water of East River, NY to our bow. We lost sight of the seaplane and saw the seaplane pass us on port side.
• Cruising the East River, NY we cruised between 9.4kn and 10.4kn.
• NYC Police Vessel disregarded our right of way.
• As we were approaching our anchorage spot M/V King Me whizzed by us and drop anchor. Shortly, thereafter a a buddy boat tied off to them. Anticipating the storm, we allowed plenty of space. The storm rolled in fierce, so much so that we were leaning port side as though we were a sailboat. Coming to our starboard side M/V King Me. They were manually lifting anchor and practically circling around us on the bow, starboard and stern. It appeared as a brand vessel and they though no clue what they were doing. When we had the chance, I loudly yelled out, “stay where you are, we’re moving“. An we did! They continued taking turns trying to pull the anchor. Eventually, having to call the Coast Guard, presumably between their drag and lifting anchor they pulled a underwater cable that they couldn’t seem to get off. Just as the Coast Guard arrived they managed to get it off. After that ordeal, we were pleased to see them leave anchorage. We couldn’t believe how small their anchor was for a 52′, looked like something for a 24′ – 35′ vessel.

Next Stop: Farley State Marina at Golden Nugget (Atlantic City, NJ)

Saturday, July 26, 2025 (Day 26)

Departure: Sandy Hook Point, NJ Anchorage 7:20AM

Captain’s Report:

• Bumpy Waters
• Clear Visibility
• Cruising Average Speed 7kn, Peak Speed: ​7.8kn
• Outside is Hot (81°F) & Humidity (76%) 
• 9:28AM Passing Long Branch Beach, NJ on Starboard
• 9:38AM Moved Our Course Further Off Shore Due (2 Miles) to Volume of Small Fishing Boat
• 11:12AM Moved Our Course Closer to Shore (1/2 Mile) Due Sea Condition
• 11:53AM Passed on Our Port Unresponsive VHF Tug McCormak Boys Bow
• 12:05PM Water Conditions to 1′ – 2′ Swells
• 2:30PM Water Conditions 3′ – 4′ Swells & Port Rogue Waves
• 5PM Haze Approaching Atlantic City, NJ

Arrival: Farley State Marina at Golden Nugget (Atlantic City, NJ) 5:30PM E35

Distance Cruised: 68 Miles

Special Comments:

• Today will be a long ocean crossing of 11 hours. While waters appears to be calm, it’s remain seated or fall down.
• Rogue waves forced us closer to the shore coastline as things were falling and sliding everywhere.
• Several unresponsive VHF hails to Tug McCormak Boys as we couldn’t tell what he was pulling or intent. Eventually, advised of our intent. No acknowledgement.
• For ventilation purposes our pilothouse doors are open, but these biting Jersey flies are nasty.
• By mid afternoon, H-O-U-R-S of unexpected and unsafe conditions along the Jersey coastline! Vessel leaned 30° Port to 30° Starboard most things ended up on the floor in E-V-E-R-Y R-O-O-M! Even secured items.
• TODAY, my safe haven home was shaken. Confidence, trust, and will utterly shattered!
• Surprisedly, we received a call from  Farley State Marina at Golden Nugget (Atlantic City, NJ) concerning our estimated time of arrival (ETA). We were 15 minutes away. Even though the dock hand stood his post waving, we could see from afar that all slips had vessels in them. Yet upon our assigned slip arrival E35 a overpacked small open bow vessel was in our slip. Forced to idle until they all loaded up and moved. Whether life jackets, person capacity and/or they far exceeded any set limit.

Next Stop: Unknown Yet (Monday, 7/28/25)

Sunday, July 27, 2025 (Day 27)

Farley State Marina at Golden Nugget (Atlantic City, NJ) Slip E35

Special Comments:

• Today, Jacques had the opportunity to meet Marine Trawler Owners Association (MTOA) local Port Captain, Glenn W (M/V Fishfull Thinking) who shared another MTOA Member (M/V Zendo) had a similar experience 3 days ago. I still unsettled from the situation remained retreated indoors.

Next Stop: Unknown (Monday, 7/28/25)

Monday, July 28, 2025 (Day 28)

Departure: Farley State Marina at Golden Nugget (Atlantic City, NJ) Slip E35 7:55AM

Captain’s Report:

• Calm Waters
• Clear Visibility
• Cruising Average 6kn Speed kn, Peak Speed: ​7kn
• Outside is Muggy Hot (80°F) & Humidity (80%) 
• 10:43AM Approaching Cape May, NJ on Starboard
• 10:48AM Passing Over Ludlam Beach Shoaling Area
• 11:42 Adjust Course Due to Lines in 40′ of Water
• 2:12PM Hazy Conditions
• 3PM Saw Pod of Dolphins Approaching Anchorage

Arrival: Lewes, DE Anchorage 3:10PM

Distance Cruised: 50 Miles

Special Comments:

• We were going head towards Cape May, NJ. But with approach depth of several marinas we opted not to, considering the past day and push forward the extra three hours, if seas permit so.
• Had a great time video chatting with Arthur & Natalie D (Phoenix, AZ) while underway.
• Cruising against some currents our trip was 7 hours vs 5 hours.
• Approaching our anchorage we were blessed with dolphin sightings.
• So many jellyfish circling around the vessel at anchorage of all sizes. Yikes!
• Had a delicious dinner swinging on the hook with grilled pork chops and homemade stuffing (one of Jacques favorite side dishes) with some improv required. Delicious homemade glazed for the pork chops with Dijon Mustard, Heilos Peach Spread, and Sweet Chili Sauce mixed together. YUM!

Next Stop: Sassafras River, MD Anchorage (Tuesday, 7/29/25)

Tuesday, July 29, 2025 (Day 29)

Departure: Lewes, DE Anchorage 6:40AM

Captain’s Report:

• Calm Waters
• Hazy Visibility
• Cruising Average 7.5kn, Peak Speed: 9.3​kn
• Outside is Muggy Hot (89°F) & Humidity (90%) 
• 7:42AM Pods of Dolphin Sightings
• 8:30AM Passed Tanker Four Winds at Anchorage in 53′ on Port
• 11:11AM Needle Threading Crab Lines (Delaware Bay) in 8.4′ of Water
• 12:43PM Passed Hope Creek Generation Station on Starboard
• 12:53PM Route Change to Sassafras River, MD
• 1:01PM Passing Reedy Islands, DE on Port
• 1:40PM Entered C& D Canal
• 2:08PM Passed Creamery St Georges (St Georges, DE) on Starboard
• 2:46PM Passed Barge Crystal Coast on Port on C&D Canal
• 4:02PM Passing Bohemia Bay Entrance on Port
• 4:04PM Passed a 155′ M/V Usher on Port

Arrival: Sassafras River, MD Anchorage (N39° 22.118′ W76°01.278′) 5:25PM

Distance Cruised: 90 Miles

Special Comments:

• So blessed with pods of dolphin sightings at our anchorage surfacing near us.
• Observed two teenage girls on a stand-up paddle board startled as two dolphins approached them. Interesting to see the dolphins get close to them, yet keep their distance.
• So many jellyfish circling around the vessel at anchorage of all sizes and on departure. Yikes!
• Open waters of Delaware Bay, DE counted 3 mylar balloons floating on the water surface.
• We really enjoyed cruising with new tunes to our ears with Josiah Leming (aka: Josiah & the Bonnevilles), American Singer-Songwriter, Morgan Wade, American Country Music Singer-Songwriter, Neko Richelle Case, American Singer-Songwriter, Phoebe Bridgers, an American Indie Rock Musician, and Yolanda Claire Quartey (aka: Yola), English Actress, Musician, Singer-Songwriter.
• With the push of current and smooth water conditions we decided to push another four hours of cruising and anchor at the Sassafras River, MD instead of Delaware City, DE anchorage.
• WOWser, what a difference cruising the C&D Canal and beyond during the week.
• Today, was a long day of cruising (11 hours) but with the current pushing us from the C&D Canal and onward it was well worth the fatigue.
• Back to our familiar waters, it was very strange not see any boat traffic at all. We’re loving weekday cruising!

Next Stop: Sassafras River, MD Anchorage (Wednesday, 7/30/25)

Wednesday, July 30, 2025 (Day 30)

Departure: Sassafras River, MD Anchorage (N39° 22.118′ W76°01.278′) 7:55AM

Captain’s Report:

• Calm Waters
• Clear Visibility
• Cruising Average 7kn, Peak Speed: 7.8​kn
• Outside is Muggy (82°F) & Humidity (83%) 

Distance Cruised: 7 Miles

Special Comments:

• Upon our departure, we noticed two beautiful trawlers, one on either side of us; on Port was M/V IIWII (not sure how that’s hailed on VHF) and M/V Morth on Starboard.
• Overnight, we awake to the vessel being covered in bugs and co-webs. After stretching our legs and not having to endure this, we’re doubtful we’ll spend much time in this area. Being bug and spider free was fantastic!
• Even though we travel with our home upon our arrival there’s much to do from boat chores (laundry, provision, washing, etc) along with picking up mail, medications, and continuing to empty our temporary storage unit.
• Surprisedly, while we live and travel with our home there’s that feeling of being home as we navigate to our home port.

Arrival: Home Port – Granary Marina (Georgetown, MD) 9AM

We’ll be tied to the docks for a few weeks to take care of land obligations. However, likely to miss the swaying, we may anchor at our favorite place along the Sassafras River, MD.

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page“​

~ St Augustine