Crew Log for September 16th, 2022
Trip Summary:
Indiantown Island to Biddeford (Saco Bay)
Trip Distance of 45.5 NM, Total Distance To-Date of 749.8 NM
Departed at 0700 hours and arrived at 1630 hours
What makes the perfect sailboat day? Well, for some folks, the idea of gracefully moving through the water on a warm summer’s day, might be perfect. For others, it might be the excitement and chaos of racing around marks with a fleet of other boats. For us, the perfect sailboat day is when we can comfortably sail faster than we could otherwise motor. Not only do we get to where we are going quicker, but we are only using the power of the wind to get us there.
This day, was one of those days.
The weather has turned cool. We had two days of relentless northly winds, which is more than likely the reason for the sudden change in temperature. The other reason is that my co-captain had been “complaining” of the oppressive muggy weather for days. Be careful what you wish for.
The winds did finally let up and we enjoyed a quiet night in Indiantown Island Cove. The conditions were looking good despite the cooler temperatures and our plan was to head to The Basin, one of many hurricane holes along the Maine coast. There was unsettled weather in the forecast and so we needed to manage our route to ensure we had shelter if we needed it.
Well, that was plan, but if you have been following our adventure from the beginning, you will know that ours plans change. Some times, like on this day, our plans change several times a day.
As we left Indiantown Island, we noticed another sailboat coming out of the Southport Channel and turned in our direction. Anyone who has ever sailed knows that if there are two boats travelling in the same direction, it is a race. No one calls it a race, but both boats know full well, it is a race. Game on!
We travelled down the Maine coast on a beautiful beam reach. The conditions were perfect. Relatively calm seas, fantastic wind and we were knocking off the miles faster than had we been motoring. The perfect sailboat day. A flicker hitched a ride for several miles, which was fortunate for him, given he was a long way from shore.
We decided to skip past The Basin and head towards our next planned stop, Portland, the whole time racing with our new friend, who we never did meet. After a quick look at fees to overnight in Portland we decided again to push on and enjoy the great conditions. Unfortunately, a short while later, the winds started to ease and our perfect sailboat day was, well, less than perfect.
We abandoned the race and altered our course towards Biddeford. As we did, the other boat hailed us (see there are some advantages to having our name in big letters on the bow), and thanked us for sharing the day with them on the way down the Maine coast. How cool is that.
They suggested we check out the Richmond Island anchorage off of Cape Elizabeth. Seemed appropriate for Elizabeth M. It was one of their favorite stopping off spots and was right on the coast, so it was easy in and easy out. We thanked them and altered course. Unfortunately, with the wind direction we had, the anchorage was exposed and really rolly. The plans changed again!
Our friends on Adanaco, who we got separated from in Rockland, had mentioned Biddeford in the Saco Bay, which is close to Old Orchard Beach. It sounded nice and the town had free mooring balls. Perfect.
We picked up the mooring just before supper, on Brule Point that is otherwise known as “happy hours”, and enjoyed a relaxing evening. Well, until we got word from home that the second half of our tax bill was in the mail. If the truth be told, even a tax bill couldn’t spoil the mood of a perfect sailboat day and we are really grateful for the job our Truro family are doing at managing things back home.
We watched the sun go down over the Saco River and listened to live music from the bar in town. It was a really good day.
We are off to York River tomorrow, maybe. But more about that, next time.
Sorry about the tax notice... I have invested interest in making sure it gets paid - both because I need to be paid and I need to live in your house! :) Sounds like a great day otherwise!
Perhaps the one that does all the work on the boat is tuckered out and needs a few minutes to unwind and relax with a good book. :-)