The major issue of loosing the boat electronics is the lack of autopilot. The prospect of having to steer by hand all 150 nautical miles from Rockland, ME to Fairhaven, MA was very unappealing. In fact, I was dreading it. I know what you must be thinking: “Wait a minute! What type of seasoned sailor does not want to steer the boat!” and no, it is not laziness. Steering by hand is quite demanding. Picture having to drive for 30 hours with just two people; you cannot park or stop the car; you are six hours on and six hours off (or whatever watch/drive schedule works best for you and your partner). During those six hours you can leave the helm/steering wheel for few seconds but rest assured that the car/boat will wonder around, sometimes as much as 90 degrees. It is a lot easier with an autopilot – one still need to be on watch but can attend to biological needs (except for sleeping ☺) while the boat continues on the assigned course.

Imagine my joy when our friend John Douglass offered to join us and brought along his brother-in-law, Jose Juan, who was visiting from Puerto Rico. We just went from the six hours on – six hours off grueling schedule to a very reasonable four hours on – eight hours off. And for all of you that are wondering, yes, I am very happy to steer the boat by hand for four hours.

We had chosen a weather window with no SW winds, unfortunately, that weather window did not include wind at all. Thus, we motored all the way in typical New England summer fashion. We left Sunday around 2 PM. For the afternoon and early evening we were all in the cockpit sharing news and stories. After a late dinner, Mark and Roan did the first watch, 9 PM to 1 AM. Roan went to bed at 11:30 PM after his father managed to make him seasick by teaching him about fishing boats night-lights. The “lesson” included looking through binoculars in a thoroughly rocking Por Dos and ended up with Roan heaving over the side.

John’s watch was next, from 1 to 5 AM and I was on from 5 to 9 AM. Sunrise watch is my absolute favorite and the gentlemen in the boat obliged. Alec joined my morning watch and Jose Juan did most of the steering the rest of the day.

Off Provincetown, a baby seal came to say hello and we slowed down to a stop. The seal pup went a couple of times around Por Dos wondering what it was but soon lost interest and left.

About 10 nm from Fairhaven, John spotted a flock of seagulls flying in circles and diving into the water. He called for all fishermen in Por Dos to get ready and charged straight for the birds. Alec, Roan, Mark and Jose Juan took turns on casting the fishing lines. We got four blue fish but returned the biggest one to the sea. Needless to say we had fresh fish for dinner after arrival at Fairhaven Shipyard and Marina.

More on the Shipyard and the repairs in the next post.