THE END OF THE SEASON

Sept 25, 2016

NEW YOUR FROM

THE DECK OF ITS PERFECT

OFF SHORE TO THE CHESAPEAKE

On September 21 about 1:30pm we left our anchorage in Manhasset Bay headed for the East River and New York City.  Our late start was intentional.  In order to enter Hel Gate with the best results you must be there at slack tide just before the tide turns.  We arrived right on time and passed thru with no trouble. This is the second time we have traveled the East River thru New York City and past the Statue of Liberty.  The experience leaves one almost speechless.  It is an incredible passage not to be missed.  
 

TRAFFIC ON THE EAST RIVER

COAST GUARD ON DUTY

THE UNITED NATIONS

As we turned in the East River and passed Manhattan the Coast Guard and Police boats were patrolling the river in force.  With the United Nations in session and President Obama in the city everyone was on high alert.  We were joined by 5 other sailboats passing the Statue of Liberty and the outgoing current spit us all out into the Atlantic.

HEADING OUT INTO THE ATLANTIC

COUSIN RICK ON THE HIGH SEAS

TUNA FOR DINNER

The winds were light as we settled in for the night. The next morning the wind picked up and we were in for a bumpy ride all the way into Mob Jack Bay, VA.  Rick is a big fisherman so of course we were trailing fishing lines.  He had two hits, the first was a tuna, not very large but he put up a good fight.  Of course we had him for dinner and he was delicious.  The second was a Mahi Mahi that was not very large.  Rick decided he needed to grow a little more before someone had him for dinner.   Maybe next year he will pass our way again.

About noon we turned into the Chesapeake Bay.  The wind was up and the water choppy.  As it grew dark we turned between the channel markers into Mob Jack Bay for the night.  The anchor was down just as the sun set.  The crew of It's Perfect was happy to have the 400 mile offshore passage behind us.  Having cousin Rick as extra crew made our passage much easier.  We stood watch for 2 hours on and had 4 hours off.  The night watches passed quickly.

SUNSET IN MOB JACK BAY

Yesterday we picked up the anchor and beat into the wind and waves of the Chesapeake all the way to Fishing Bay our final destination.  We dropped the anchor in our usual spot. There were 11 other boats anchored in the bay when we arrived more than we have ever seen here.  We will be aboard for just more than a week preparing It's Perfect for her winter stay here at the Chesapeake Boat Works.  The sails will come down and lockers sorted and emptied. We hope leaving her farther north with less heat and humidity will make getting her ready to go back in the water easier.

We have spent 7 months living aboard this year.  Sailing from Green Cove Springs, Florida, north to Portland, Maine.  This is farther north than we have ever taken It's Perfect.  We loved the cool weather and the beautiful coastline. There is a lot to be said for sleeping in the cool 60 degree weather at night.  Because the water is so cool that far north the whole boat stayed very comfortable.

Our time aboard has flown by. I am having a little trouble getting use to the schedule of living aboard part time.  We are not sure what next year will bring, maybe we will travel further North or turn South to the islands that we loved.   The time has come to leave It's Perfect for this season and travel back to the reality of life on land. 

FISHING BAY, DELTAVILLE