Once we retired from teaching in June we basically moved aboard to get used to the boating lifestyle. We sailed around Narragansett Bay, Block Island, and Cuttyhunk. The most exciting trip was out to Nantucket for the Fourth of July. We left the marina at 6PM motoring to third beach off Newport. By the time we arrived it was dark and we had to anchor for the first time!! Glad to wake up still in the same location. Arrived in Vineyard Haven the next afternoon after a beautiful sail with the family and 2 dogs. The next days weather predicted heavy weather starting afternoon so we left Vineyard Haven early in the morning. Forecasting wrong again!!!! The wind picked up just out of the harbor and gusted to 40 knots with 4-6 foot waves. This was our family's first long trip (30 miles off Cape Cod) with kids and 2 dogs. It was a long ride but we made it safely. The weekend was a wash out with gusting wind and torrential rainfall!
We had company on and off to visit us and our boat. The most memorably was when Jane's Dad was on board for an hour or so. He was impressed and relieved to see that we could sail safely. This was his last time to be on board but his spirit still guides us on our sails.
