The bustling city of Newport
13 July 2012 | 41 29.07' N
Linda / Very cloudy, warm
Leaving Mystic, we remarked that we had never seen so many sailboats in one place. We carefully motored out of the harbor into slick seas and fog. Clouds blocked the sun. About 9 am winds picked up and we put out sails! For two hours we sailed toward Newport until we had to make a turn and the wind was from the wrong direction.
Newport Harbor was busy with touring boats filled with people. Lots of sailboats going in and out of the harbor. We had to wait outside the marina until hands were available to assist. Then Jim battled wind and current, but we entered the slip easily.
We explored this beautiful town that afternoon, pausing to enjoy dinner at an outdoor Tike Bar. The architecture is so pretty. The town is old and well preserved. The port is lined with shops and restaurants.
Saturday morning Will and Jen Tinson joined us for breakfast on the boat. We headed out for a sail in Narragansett Bay. The wind was perfect. We let out all sail and headed under the bridge. On the other side, it seemed that every sailboat in the area was on the water. There were sailboats in several different organized races as well as others just out for a sail. It was fun, but we had to tack back and forth to avoid the racers. After a couple of hours of hard work, we headed back to the marina. Getting in this time was a problem. I missed throwing the line and wind took the boat towards another next to us. Will and Jen used fenders to keep us away from the other boat and after a few minutes that seemed like hours, the dock hands had a line and were able to pull us over. No damage done. A big thanks to the owner of the neighboring boat who jumped on Al Di La and threw the line. I need to work out so I can throw lines a little harder.
Saturday night we went to the Moorings for dinner after Jen and I did a little shopping. Dinner was delicious and we watched the sun set from the terrace. Afterwards we checked out a club and had drinks, but didn't like the music.
Sunday we had breakfast and Will and Jim relaxed while Jen and I explored the town, walking miles up and down the winding streets. We passed beautifully landscaped, very old homes. It was great fun.
We welcomed our friends Dave Fleury and Kimberly and after drinks and conversation enjoyed fajitas. It was great visiting with them.