What Cape Cod Bay taught us...
24 September 2010 | Red Brook Harbor Mass
Cloudy, Air Temp 73F, Water temp 69F, Wind S-W 25-34
Oldest Church in Salem
Some of the "Witch" trials were held in here
Well, we learned that NOAA don't always overestimate the wind forecast. This morning we woke to 15 knot southerlies. With our course S-W and the wind forecast to move that way, we got underway early, heading out across Cape Cod Bay for the Cape Cod Canal, 25 nm or about 4 hours away. That would have us arriving at the canal just as the strong currents would switch in our favour. With all sails set, we were enjoying a nice beat to windward, just laying our course. About one hour out, we noticed we could no longer lay our course, so we laid off to the north. And with the shift we carried on. About half way across, the wind and waves began to rise, so that by the time it was time to tack down the shore, we were beating into 5' seas and tacking in 30 knot winds... not a fun proposition. By the time we reached the canal, it was time to furl the sails, no easy task in those winds. But with the engine pushing us, we got things under control and enjoyed the respite in the canal's calm waters as we were swept through at 9 knots in its strong currents. Into Buzzards Bay, we were swept into the facing winds with the current against wind producing short steep 5' standing waves. Not a comfortable ride, but tonight's anchorage was only 5 nm from the canal exit. So we limped in, covered with salt and exhausted. Anchoring quietly in the lee of Bassett's Island, it is difficult to believe the conditions outside. The good news is that we tested the boat for watertightness and passed with flying colors. The only issue was in the aft head where the steep seas when on Port tack caused water to slosh up the sink and spray salt water around. But hot showers cleaned that up. Next time I'll close the seacock to prevent the problem. With tomorrow's forecast the same as today's actual conditions, we may shut sit tight. I have some boat projects to do, and a nearby marina has a restaurant and laundromat, both which we can take advantage of. In fact, I might just have a stiff G&T tonight before dinner!!