Well, we have had a wonderful summer, spent a lot of time in Rockport Marine in Rockport Maine having upgrades and changes done to Distant Star, washer/dryer removed (lots of improved storage), a large galley sink and faucet installed. We ordered new sails from Doyle, a head sail and a main to match the stay sail we bought last spring, they look great and make Tommy happy!
We have re-covered the cushions on the boat, have new bedding fabrics and had new curtains made for the salon, she is looking great.
Working on final details to get ready to hopefully leave Marion MA on Wednesday the 29th of October with the proper weather window, so here's hoping that works.
Wrapping up the final details, electronics, have an updated charts that go way beyond the East Coast and the Caribbean, sailing further away in the future perhaps? Provisions is a constant cooking and freezing process, but I enjoy it and this rainy week has been great for cooking, I don not thinkwe will starve while under away. And, of course I want some of my favorite NE foods aboard for the winter like linquica, shrimp and Bay scallops!

We are finishing our final preparations and waiting for our crew, Ellen Baird and Dave Dudgeon to join us for a fun weekend of activities before departing along with another 119 boats participating in the Fall 2013 Salty Dawg Rally.

The current plan, weather permitting is to leave Hampton on Monday and take 7-9 days to arrive in the BVI's to spend a lot of time in the Caribbean this winter.

Since our last trip, we have added a new generator, updated the bimini, got rid of the trash compactor and added a small central vac, and most importantly upgrade all of our electronics, along with several other small changes.

We sailed in Central Maine this summer with some of our wonderful friends and look forward to going back again next summer. We are looking forward to meeting many new friends and seeing other friends from year's past as we move Distant Star to warmer waters.

Here's a picture of Tom and Jim with a chart of the North Atlantic showing our course from Tortola to Bermuda to Mattapoisett.

We picked up the mooring in Mattapoisett Harbor Friday evening about 11:30 pm. 4-1/2 days out of Bermuda. Will post more later on the trip but here are the highlights:

Monday - departed Town Cut approximately 1:00 pm, motored our around the shoals to the N of Bermuda and found favorable wind 2 hours later. Sailed Monday evening.

Tuesday, wind headed us, coming from the WNW and building, along with the seas, making it a difficult day. Had winds running 28-40 knots most of the day crashing into the seas.

Wednesday, the wind died completely, as predicted and we motored all day. We worked our way west to 69 degrees longitude, lining up to cross the Gulf Stream. Hit the stream about 10:30 Weds night, straight on the nose against us.

Thursday, today was a long day, we ended up in the stream for 19 hours with the current against us either dead ahead or just off the port bow pushing us east. Finally broke out about 1800. Wind filled in Thursday afternoon from the WSW and allowed us to sail. Winds built to the low 20s Thursday night, bringing our boat speed up to nearly 9 knots.

Friday, wind was strong, most of the day in the upper 30s. It backed to the southwest allowing us to easily lay the course to Buzzards Bay, sailing 8 to 10 knots most of the day. Came in around the east end of Nomans to take advantage of the lee to reef our main and jib and continue on into Buzzards. Winds continued all night from the southwest. We picked up the mooring and went to bed, we will clear with US Customs in the morning.

Fort Cunningham on Paget Island.

What we think is Ross Perot's house in Castle Harbor.