Off at 8 to do the 48 nm to Point Judith. Sunny skies but curent against us for Vineyard Sound. Because of the current and the batteries badly needed a charge we motor sailed. Out of the Vineyard Sound and into Rhode Island Sound we turned the engine off and enjoyed four and a half hours of sailing. The wind was directly behind us so we had to head up and throw in a few jibes to make our destination. Even from three miles offshore at Newport (think New York YC, America’s Cup) we could plainly see the enormous mansions (summer homes) the Robber Barons had built in the late 1800s. Good grief!
The winds that were mid teens for most of the day piped up to the low 20s mid afternoon. With seas on our quarter it was rather like a good sail in a washing machine. We arrived at the Port Judith Harbor of Refuge about 4pm. This harbour was built in the early 1900s as a storm shelter for boats travelling between Boston and New York. We anchored and Ramble On rafted to us. Unfortunately it’s rather lumpy in here. Linda on a Ramble On, our chef de Voyage, had the fun of cooking while being hit by random waves. Nonetheless she delivered a great meal as always. We didn’t think our boats would do well against each other even with many fenders and lines so immediately after dinner Ramble On went off to anchor separately.
