When we first bought Kalyra, 10 years ago, we did something really stupid. We were in Block Island and agreed to meet our friend Jen in Newport on a certain day. It’s only 20 miles, a distance we could normally cover in 4 hours with a decent wind. However, the day we set off we were battling winds on our nose and stacked seas. What should have been a sunny 4 hour run turned into 7 hours of hobby horsing (picture a boat rocking back and forth like a kid’s play horse – you get the idea) misery and the only happy ending was a hot shower and Jen patiently waiting at the bar with appetizers and our favorite cocktails.
Fast forward 10 years and we’re on our way back to Newport. Just as crazy of a day with stacked and breaking seas, high winds, and rain – at least it was coming from behind this time and we could sail. And what a sail! Two days of the wind behind us, jib only (sometimes half a jib) and still averaging 6.5 knots! We made it through the Cape Cod Canal the first day and decided to anchor just west of New Bedford in a quiet cove for an easy in and easy out. We made it to Newport the next afternoon in slightly milder conditions (we were still averaging 6 knots, jib only). Lawrence had already let us know that the southern anchorage was much too crowded, there were no moorings available, so he opted for the anchorage between Goat Island and the bridge. Not nearly as crowded, the only downside was the wind and the fetch – though I expect they were facing that in the other anchorage too.
Anchoring up north gave us access to the Newport Ship Yard and Bella’s Café. The shipyard is home to the biggest mega yachts in the area and your jaw will drop as you dinghy by these monstrosities. We tucked into the dinghy dock and went to Bella’s Café (conveniently located right in the shipyard). The docks just off Bella’s were host to boats for sale as part of the Newport Boat Show, so we did a little shopping. I liked the sailboat with the built-in hot tub, but Trip wasn’t interested….
The Newport Boat Show is always fun to visit, especially since it isn’t as big as Annapolis. We wandered around looking at boats and gear and happily didn’t spend a dime beyond the entrance fee (dreaming of new equipment doesn’t cost anything, yet).
Since we were back in Newport for our wedding anniversary, we had to head back to our favorite Mexican restaurant – Perro Salado. Nothing like continuing a good tradition….
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