New Bedford fishing fleet

We did a short run over from Marion to New Bedford to make for a shorter sail to Newport with company.  New Bedford at first glance is not your usual sailing grounds, being the New England harbor that supports the largest commercial fishing fleet.  We stopped a few years ago on the recommendation of a new friend and were happy to come again.  Going in through the hurricane gates is always an experience – makes you think how great a place this would be to hole up in a big storm.  Then you start seeing all the fishing boats.  They’re particularly intimidating when you’re in the dinghy heading through the fleet into the dinghy dock.  We didn’t have time to go to shore this visit, but Fairhaven is home to the best rigging shop (Rigging Only) and New Bedford has come a long way to rebuilding the city as a desirable place to visit and even live.  The whaling museum alone is worth a visit and the restaurant/bar scene is improving all the time.

New Bedford hurricane gate

 

Beck, Zoe & Argos

Relaxing at the bow

Trip’s nephew Beck and his girlfriend Zoe joined us the next morning with their dogs Argos and Gimlet.  The last time we saw them was 2016 in Shenzhen China where they owned & operated a bar (it was Trip’s first visit to Asia – a very memorable experience).  Unfortunately the northerly breezes disappeared quickly and the southwesterlies set in sooner than we had hoped.  We had to motor most of the way, but at least we had sun the whole time.  The dogs proved to be true sailing dogs and I was sooooooo tempted to kidnap both.

 

The winds were building – blowing around 15 knots and gusting into the low 20s.  We suddenly noticed a regatta taking place and all the boats setting spinnakers – a bit surprising for a Tuesday (most weekly races are Wednesday or Thursday) and somewhat surprising for light weather sails.  Turns out it was the posh New York Yacht Club’s International Invitational, sponsored by Rolex.  The fleet was a single design – the Swan 42.  Please note the mainsail for each boat probably cost more than our entire boat fully loaded…..  : )

Rolex Invitational

 

We did manage to sail the last bit into Newport so everyone got to enjoy the quiet of the water without the noise of the engine.  We dropped anchor with just enough time to drop sail, clean up, and partake of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as the sun set.  We then dinghied/launched into town for dinner.  At first we were disappointed that the only place available that was open and take dogs (mid week, post season) was an exorbitantly priced Miami Vice themed deck grill at a marina called 41 North, we were forced to eat our words when we realized how tasty the food was.  Newport never disappoints.

Nap time