Crab Louie's Ship's Log - 2009 Season
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Tracks may be viewed using Google Earth; The Google Earth (GE) *.kmz track path files were created by transferring (Garmin) GPS tracks to Maptech Offshore Navigator (5.08), exporting the corresponding *.rtf file, and using GPSbabel (1.3.6_beta) to convert the *.rtf to a *.kml. Since the data are read as waypoints, the GPSbabel option of transforming the data to tracks is selected . After loading the resulting *.kml file to GE, the path component alone is saved to a *.kmz file. The *.kmz files live on a Google server since not all web server software allow for the proper file associations by web browsers. This is a particular problem for Microsoft Internet Explorer. Mozilla Firefox and others do not suffer from this problem.
04/28/2009
Sunny. 90F. Boat launched!!
04/29/2009
Sunny. 60F. Motored boat from winter quarters at Admiral's Hill Marina to the summer mooring at the BHSC. Track
05/2/2009
Partly Cloudy. 65F. Too tired to sail after AM boat chores. Motored out to and around Spectacle Island. Back via the Sculpin Channel. No activity at the Spectacle Island Marina. The 2009 Volvo Open 70's visiting at Fan Pier. Track
05/9/2009 [aboard Nisse II]
Partly Cloudy. 60F. Joined Ping, Chris and Ling aboard Nisse II to watch the 2009 Volvo Open 70s In Port Race in Broad Sound. Chris gave us a fast ride out to the course about 3 miles South of Nahant. Shifty and light winds resulted in some last minute course adjustments. A little rain just before the start but the weather cleared for the first race (won by Telefonica Blue). We had a great vantage point on the East side of the course near the mid-gate. Several of Ping's pictures here. While the boats were getting ready for race two, the fog started to roll in! The second race was also won by Telefonica Blue! The sponsors even had play by play commentary on VHF. What a show! Thanks Ping and Chris!
05/10/2009
Sunny. 65F. Very windy with gusts to 35 knots. Moved the boat temporarily to an outer mooring to see the 2009 Volvo Open 70s compete in Pro-Am demonstration races in the Inner Harbor. Most of the action took place near Fan Pier, so I had a ringside seat. The racers were probably not amused when the large oil tanker, Dynamic Express, decided to transit the Harbor just after the event started! Too bad no commentary provided today. Another nice day despite losing a new boathook trying to pick up a mooring between gusts.
05/16/2009
Cloudy 60F. Wind; 5-10 knots. First sailing this year! Hanked on the 120. Ping, Ling and Chris also out in Nisse II to watch the 2009 Volvo Open 70s depart on the next leg of the race (to Galway) from Fan Pier. I did not realize the start included a lap inside the Inner Harbor until Ping announced that boat traffic would soon be restricted. That prompted my early departure. Had a nice sail to Spectacle Island. However, behind me, dark clouds and fog were closing in over Boston. Cathy of Harbor Island Moorings answered my VHF call. I was soon at the Spectacle Island Marina dock. Visibility dropped to about 300 feet but tuned into the race broadcast on VHF. The Coast Guard also had to juggle a freighter transiting the harbor with some disruption to the race. After lunch, motored back to Boston with the chart plotter running; visibility improved by Fort Point Channel. Track
05/21_25/2009 [aboard WuLing]
Partly sunny. 95F in Boston! Drove to Camden, ME with Ping, Chris and Ling. Picking up WuLing at Wayfarer Marine to bring home for the summer. Mexican food and margaritas for dinner.
Day 1 - Sunny. 55F. Left the dock early Friday AM; once outside, the wind (10-15 knots) continued to shift and was on the nose all the way. SW passage traversing Owls Head Bay, the Muscle Ridge Channel, past Mosquito Island, an inside routing via Davis Strait, then around Pemaquid Point to Christmas Cove. The diesel surged on a few occasions along the way. Things got a bit exciting when it conked out as we approached Christmas Cove. Ling had to bleed the fuel line a few times to resolve the problem. We actually coasted onto the very first mooring just beyond the day marks for the very narrow entrance of the cove. Ping's pasta dinner; always great. Blue Track
Day 2 - Partly sunny. 50F. 0530 departure from Christmas cove bound for Gloucester, MA. Light wind off the port quarter; motor-sailed the entire way except for about one hour during one of my watch's. Two whale sightings in the later afternoon. Ping's turkey rice casserole dinner while underway. Picked up Peter Feinstein's mooring near Niles Beach inside of Eastern Point at 2030. Very long day; all tucked in by 2130. Red Track
Day 3 - Partly sunny. 55F. Hard to get out of the nice warm sleeping bag/berth. Peter came aboard for a leisurely breakfast. ~1030 departure to Peddocks Island for one more overnight. Once again the wind was not very cooperative; motored most of the way. About 2 miles SE of Thieve's Ledge (Green #1), we turned NW and handed sails to avoid an eastbound thunder storm (picture of storm track). Picked up a mooring at Peddocks; fortunately the weather had warmed up to ~ 70F. After appetizers, we all tasted the mackerel Ling caught on the way down before our pasta dinner and fresh fruit salad desert. With no one to dispute our presumed quorum, we declared this as opening night for for the 2009 BHIP season. Unfortunately, a water pump problem aboard Miss Understanding prevented Mike and crew from joining us; his cell phone call with good tidings counted as active participation in the evening's events. Very Wow Sunset looking back towards Boston over the Long Island Bridge. Yellow Track
Day 4 - Sunny. 75F. Had a leisurely morning at the mooring; after lunch, we headed in via the Nubble Channel. Sheila came to see us into WuLing's berth. Great trip; Thanks Ping, Chris and Ling! Green Track
05/31/2009
Partly sunny, 78F. 15 - 25 with gusts to 35 knots. Hanked on the storm jib and sailed out to Peddocks Island via The Narrows with the assistance of the newly installed tiller pilot. The wind speed continued to build, so picked up a mooring for a late lunch. Despite a favorable wind direction, decided to motor back in via Long Island Bridge. The waves in Quincy Bay were cresting and occasionally 3 feet. Spray in the cockpit on several occasions! Even the P26 had enough windage to require a few passes to get back on the mooring. Then the rain squall passed over; happy to ride it out below. Track
06/06_07/2009
Partly sunny, 70F. 10 - 15 with gusts to 20 knots. Hanked on the 120 and sailed out to Gallops Island via the Long Island Bridge. Conditions continued to pick up on the way out of the Harbor. Clearing a riding hitch on the starboard winch required running downwind in the Harbor and lowering the genoa a few feet. Once back on course, tacked my way under the bridge, but was headed on the way to Gallops. Motor sailed the rest of the way. The wind and current were opposing when trying to pick up a mooring. Blown off multiple times; even after handing all canvas. Chris came over in WuLing's kayak, came aboard and gave a hand. Two tries later we were finally on. After cleaning up the chaos below decks, we kayaked over to WuLing for a BHIP dinner in strong winds and 1.5 foot seas; Chris took a soaking wave over the bow for his effort. Joined Ping, Ling, and Anne (Chris' niece) for dinner. After the pre-prandial hour (including Ling's homemade smoked mackerel), we enjoyed baked cod, Ling's rice, Ping's garden asparagus, and Sheila's summer salad. Dessert was freshly baked gingerbread cake, blackberries, strawberries and Ping's rhubarb compote with whipped cream. Yum. Chris ferried me back to Crab Louie by kayak. Despite a bumpy night due to the wind, I was up early. Breakfast was a homemade sausage, egg and cheese muffin. Time was short so motored back by via the Narrows and Lower Middle. Back home in plenty of time for Christopher's high school graduation. Track
06/20/2009
Cloudy, 75F. Wind; 5-10 knots. After a trip to DiMattia Sails, Sheila and I motored out to Spectacle Island. After our picnic, we walked up the North side overlooking Boston. With apparently light and favorable winds, decided to try out the asymmetrical on the way home. Having a nice (fast) ride but noticed the tack was fouled around the headstay. Let the tack line out just as we were coming out of the lee of the island. Got knocked over a bit by the resulting poor trim and increased wind speed. Sheila was at the helm and not too happy; crash dropped the sail. She calmly hauled the wet mess aboard. Nothing like a little excitement. Back on the mooring, we watched several large ships headed out, probably to avoid a storm coming in with predicted gale force winds. Took the asymmetrical home for a fresh water rinse and dry! Track
06/26/2009
Cloudy, 85F; very humid. Wind; 0-5 knots. After a installing the new headsail furler, Cathy and I motored out into the Inner Harbor just in time to see Ping, Chris and Ling aboard WuLing heading to Peddocks Island for an overnight BHIP; alas we were not joining in. Instead, we simply motored out to and around Spectacle Island. A few sprinkles just as we returned. Track
06/27/2006 [aboard Water Music]
Cloudy, 70F. Wind; 5-10 knots. Departed Hewitt's Cove with Cathy only to see a huge fog bank rolling in over Nantasket from the East. Captain Cathy decided to return to the mooring , work on some projects and wait it out. After lunch, we headed out again in 1/2 mile visibility. Mis-Understanding emerged from the fog on the south side of Peddocks Island; chatted with Mike by VHF. Motor-sailed out past Point Allerton, then around Peddocks Island. Visibility in the fog dropped to 400 feet as we headed back into Hewitt's Cove. Track
07/04/2009
Sunny, 80F. Wind; 20-25, gusts to 30 knots. Watched the annual USS Constitution turnaround; she was pushed out towards Castle Island by a tug, and fired a salute near Fan Pier. Glad to try the modified 120 and the new furler. Good fast downwind ride out to Spectacle Island, but had to haul half of the 120 to keep from being overpowered. GPS recorded 6.7 knots top speed on way out of harbor. Turned around and sailed back but was headed near the Hyatt; motor sailed the rest of the way. Track
07/05/2009
Sunny, 80F. Wind; 15-20, gusts to 25 knots. Sheila and I sailed downwind under reefed main alone (hit 6 knots!) to Spectacle Island and docked at the Marina. Had mango marinated chicken picnic lunch with Sheila's couscous. Unfortunately, we were the only BHIP representatives. We were really tired, so took it easy for a few hours. As was the case yesterday, we were headed going back and chose to motor in. Rich and Cathy did call from Water Music while traversing the Black Rock Channel on the way to the Hypocrite Channel.. Track
07/06_07/2009 [aboard Water Music]
Cloudy, 70F. Wind; 5-15 knots. Cathy and I were all set for a multi-day cruise through the Cape Cod Canal to Marion, then maybe back over to Provincetown and home. So far, it had been Summer in name only. The weather these past few weeks has been terrible. We departed about noon and were hoping to make Plymouth. Unfortunately, we did not have a favorable wind! It took over five hours just to get to Scituate, and the navigation software indicated that Plymouth was four more hours away. We called it a day and picked up a mooring in Scituate Harbor. In the morning, Sheila called to let us know the weather was quickly deteriorating. We reluctantly decided to motor sail back in the foggy haze and rain showers. After we passed Boston Light, we sailed to Deer Island Light looking for the Tall Ships coming in for Sail Boston 2009. After inspecting the US Coast Guard Eagle, it started to rain and thunder again. So, back over to George's Island to pick up a mooring. The weather radar plot now looked pretty ominous. Sheila called again to tell us that central Mass had just gotten several inches of rain! After a snack and a hot drink, we made a run for it back to Hingham against the wind and tide! Track
07/09/2009
Sunny, 70F. Wind; 5-10, gusts to 15 knots. Motored (in the proscribed counter clockwise direction!) around to see the Sail Boston 2009 Tall Ships at various locations in the Inner harbor. There were almost as many police and CG Auxiliary units as pleasure boaters out! Returned to the mooring for lunch. Picked up by Ping, Chris, Ling and friends in the Nisse II for another trip around the fleet.
07/10/2009
Sunny, 80F. Wind; 5-10, gusts to 15 knots. Another clockwise trip around so Sheila and Cathy could see the Tall Ships. Heavy pleasure boat traffic. Big line going into the channel between Pier's 5 and 6 at the World Trade Center (see chart). USCG temporarily closed the channel to let some large tour boats go in, so we went around and came back. Just about anything that would float seemed to be out. Many boats backed up by Pier 6, so waiting took endless maneuvering and patience. One the way back, we were nearly hit by another boat crossing our path into the mooring area! Ping, Chris, Ling, Ming (and her children) and Pei-Yu stopped by to say hello on the Nisse II. All was well after our grilled salmon lunch, well chilled Branko Fruilano and Gerardo's Bakery macaroons. Track
07/11/2009
Sunny, 80F. Wind; 10-15, gusts to 20 knots. Sheila, Christopher, Anne and Serge onboard to see the Tall Ships. Same drill as before, but even heavier traffic in the harbor (hard to imagine after yesterday). Waited again to get into the channel by the World Trade Center. Bigger scrum of boats, and we had a lot of difficulty keeping the holding pattern in the wind. Did a tense 360 at one point in a very tight pack of boats just to stay on station. After out tour and safely back on the mooring, we watched the parade of pleasure boats, enjoyed grilled scallops wrapped in bacon, salad, more Fruilano and the rest of yesterday's bakery treats. Lots of questions and compliments from boaters going by about the menu! Track
07/18_19/2009 [Crab Louie and Water Music]
Sunny, 85F. Wind; 5-10, gusts to 15 knots. Sheila and I motored to the mooring area at Long Island for an overnight BHIP outing. Despite a late start due to a dead battery (I forgot to turn off the VHF last weekend!), we arrived at the same time as the P26 Miss Understanding. WuLing and Water Music were patiently waiting. We were happy to have Mike ferry us over on his P26 before rafting up with WuLing. We certainly had a quorum with Ping, Chris, Ling, Cathy, Shawn, Mike, Margaret, Jon, Joy, Sheila and me. It cooled off a bit as we enjoyed our pre-dinner snacks and drinks; Chris and Mike manned the grill to churn out chicken and cranberry sausages, and Jon's marinated chicken. These combined with Ping's strada and Sheila's summer salad presented a feast. Jon and Mike topped this off with homemade blueberry crumble and bakery cookies. Compliments to Ping on the wine pairings! The crews on WuLing, Water Music and Crab Louie stayed on their boats and were sad to see Miss Understanding depart into the darkness. In the morning, the remaining hungry sailors re-convened our BHIP gathering with an impromptu brunch on Water Music. Scrambled eggs, Canadian bacon, Sheila's frying pan toast and English muffins, fruit and Ping's date/cranberry bread. Sheila and I stayed onboard Water Music for a relaxing sail out Nantasket Roads past Boston Light towards Harding Ledge, then North past Graves Light, and back in via the Black Rock Channel. WuLing headed out on a similar track and were last seen on a Northerly heading out past Boston Light. On the way back in, we were very dismayed to see a large sailboat careened on Rams Head at the tip of Lovell's Island across from Nixes Mate on the way back in, and also concerned about people walking out on the exposed spit between Brewster and Georges Inlands at low tide. Cathy and Shawn dropped us back at Crab Louie later in the afternoon and we simply motored home. Track
07/24/2009
Cloudy, 70F. Wind; 10-15 knots. Ed and Kuber onboard for a respite from the office. Despite an intermittent light rain, we sailed downwind towards Georges Island and Quincy Bay. Kuber clearly enjoyed his trick at the helm. Plans to head back by going under the Long Island Bridge changed when the reverse course seemed more favorable. After a quick U-turn, we headed back towards George's Island, inspected one of the Outward Bound lifeboats in the mist and wondered if Ed's son Dmitri was aboard. On the way home, Ed almost had a rail in the water in a puff, but his J100 Pravda is certainly more of a racehorse than Crab Louie! Back on the mooring, we grilled chicken kabobs to accompany Sheila's couscous. All washed down with several bottles of wine kindly provided by Kuber. A delightful way to start the weekend. Track
07/25/2009
Sunny, 85F. Wind; 5-10, gusts to 15 knots. Chris and I sailed out under the Long Island Bridge to Peddocks. After a late lunch on a mooring and an hour of relaxing on the boat, we headed back via the Nubble Channel and Lower Middle. Track
07/26/2009
Sunny, 88F. Wind; 10-15, gusts to 20 knots. Chris and I waited on the mooring for the natural gas tanker GDF Suez Matthew to come into the harbor. Once safely past us, the harbor reopened and we sailed out to Spectacle Island in a nice breeze. The tanker Nord Sea Queen was coming in close to Castle Island as we blew by. After being headed in a stiff breeze off Spectacle Island Marina, we turned 180 degrees for a fast downwind run home. After securing the boat, we had dinner at the Royal East Restaurant (with Hot and Sour Wonton Soup, of course) in Cambridge, followed by ice cram at Toscanini's (yum!). Track
08/01_02/2009 [aboard Water Music]
Sunny, 80F. Wind; 5-15 knots. Onboard Water Music with Cathy for a sailing weekend. The marine weather forecast and apparent wind at Boston Light seemed to support a southerly track to Scituate. Much to our delight as we got further out, an easterly sea breeze built up allowing us to head instead towards Salem. As the wind continued to back to the south, we changed our plan again and had a fantastic run to Gloucester. Surprised to see the LNG tanker Sea Everett anchored off of Marblehead. Once inside the outer harbor, we moored off Tenpound Island. Despite being tempted to go ashore after our post sail libations and thanks to Cathy's provisioning, we feasted instead on grilled marinated lamb, grilled zucchini, couscous, and tomato mozzarella salad. A Spanish red wine rounded out the menu. Up early for cheese omelets! A weak cold front had passed through overnight and the wind was southerly. We expected to motorsail back, but after starting our homeward leg the wind shifted to the southeast. That made for a very fast, hard on the wind sail right to the North Channel. At one point, we got to 7 knots! Back at Hingham Shipyard Marina, we re-filled the fuel and water tanks, and called it another great day. Track
08/07/2009
Sunny, 85F. Wind; 5-10, gusts to 15 knots. Worked in the AM, and headed for the boat in the afternoon. Sailed mostly downwind out to Boston Light; even wing on wing through Lower Middle! Nice breeze heading back in towards Peddocks Island. Meandered over to Spectacle Island Marina via the Sculpin Channel. The marina was empty and I planned to stay the night. Enjoyed grilled marinated chicken, Sheila's couscous, garden tomatoes and a few Campari and sodas. Made an impromptu decision to head back at dusk. An orange colored full moon was rising over Long Island to light the way home. Too bad I didn't have a camera. Managed to arrange for a dinghy to be left on the mooring. Since Sheila and I were going to NH in the morning, it was nice to get sleep ashore. We met Jim that afternoon for a great weekend listening to the Christopher and the other performers at Apple Hill and our annual visit to Luca's for dinner. Track
08/15/2009
Sunny, 90F. Wind; 0-5 knots. It was so hot and humid at home during the day, we decided that a late afternoon excursion might be best. Lorna and Bob joined Sheila and I for a micro-BHIP outing. A gentle sea breeze from the SE stymied any real sailing, but we meandered out to a mooring at Gallops by way of Deer Island Light. Fortunately, it was much cooler there, helped by the gentle sea breeze. Just we were settling into appetizers, disaster struck! We could not find a corkscrew anywhere onboard. Fortunately, Cathy from Island Moorings came to our rescue and ferried one over from a nearby sailboat. Thanks to Cathy and the crew on "R and R" , our party continued with Sheila's famous chicken kebabs, fancy couscous, and tomato mozzarella salad. By the time we finished dinner, it was quite dark. We slowly motored back in the haze while Sheila and Lorna made everything below shipshape again. We will have to do this again soon (and remember to bring a corkscrew!) Track
08/30/2009
Sunny, 70F. Wind; ~ 5 knots. Tropical storm Dan (downgraded from a hurricane) passed well east of Boston the day before. Went down to the boat to put things back together after (de-) rigging for high winds. Had a short but welcome solo sail through the inner harbor. The WuLing was safely in her berth. Found the errant corkscrew missing on the last outing under the lip of the starboard lazerette seat! Track
09/03_06/2009 [aboard Water Music]
Day 1 - Sunny. 75F. Left the dock with Cathy and Rich late Friday AM after getting provisions, water and fuel aboard; once outside, the wind (~ 0 - 5 knots) was from the southeast. We motor sailed towards Cape Ann to let the wind decide our final destination. The wind came up a bit off the MoA buoy, so onward we went. The sailing was so good, we soon left Salem and then Gloucester astern. Off Cape Ann, we tried to set the asymmetric spinnaker, but by then the wind had shifted to nearly southwest. Switching to a poled out genoa was just the trick; we sailed wing on wing all the way to the Isles of Shoals! After an appetizer of imported Roquefort and crackers, dinner underway was grilled steaks, roasted potatoes and broccoli rabe. We went easy on the T&T's but did enjoy the Montes Alpha merlot with the main course while watching the sunset over Hampton Beach. Light from the full moon guided us into Gosport harbor. Definitely Fall in the air; cooled to ~ 50F at night. Blue Track
Day 2 - Sunny. 75F. Departed the Isles of Shoals after breakfast. As we approached the Maine coast for lunch in York, what little wind there was died. We ate while drifting around and headed into Portsmouth for a scenic tour up the Piscatequa River. Our timing could have been better. The outgoing tide was really working against us. By the time Prescott Park was in view, the boat was making 1 knot against the opposing current. Turning around, it was a quick trip downriver (at 6 to 7 knot) over to Pepperrell Cove in Kittery. Rich and I took the Zodiac in for a few provisions at Frisbee's store. After happy hour onboard, we all enjoyed lobster at Captain Simeon's Galley followed by a nightcap on the outside patio bar overlooking the moonlit cove. Green Track
Day 3 - Sunny. 70F. After breakfast we headed out for the long sail to Gloucester and a rendezvous with WuLing at the 2009 Schooner Festival. True to Rich's prediction, the northeasterly winds (~10 knots) were very fluky. We tried to set the asymmetric spinnaker again, but no luck with a favorable wind direction. We rounded Eastern Point about 1830 hours. Peter graciously allowed us to raft up with WuLing on his mooring in Southeast Harbor. Pleased to see Ping, Chris, Ling, Maggie, Joe, Betsy and Bill for a quasi-BHIP on Cape Ann! After libations, we enjoyed a pot luck of turkey burgers, chicken sausages, rice, Maggie's salad, Betsy's curried chicken salad and grilled veggies. Ping gave us an encore presentation of freshly baked ginger cake from WuLing's oven topped off with Lovell's Island blackberries, Franconia blueberries and whipped cream; hard living indeed. There was a rumor of Chris' Rainsford Island beach plums being readied for jam, but just a rumor. The festival put on an impressive fireworks show and we had a ringside seat. The party continued for some time, until we noticed that WuLing's tender had drifted away. Fortunately, the wind had shifted to the west; Chris kayaked over and found it almost next to Peter's dock! "All's well that ends well" Red Track
Day 4 - Sunny. 65F. After ham and cheese omelets, we watched the Parade of Sail and followed the pack out. Outside of Eastern Point, the seas were 6 - 10 feet and the schooners were racing! Peter was negotiating the waves in his Mako with Ping, Chris and Ling. Very impressive to see all the canvas up. Water Music was hitting 7 knots surfing down the face of the larger waves on our directly downwind track home. The seas moderated as we approached the MoA buoy. The wind had been shifting to the southeast and we were able to sail all the way to Hewitt's Cove. Thanks Cathy and Rich for a great time! Yellow Track
09/13/2009
Partly cloudy, 70F. Wind; 0-5 knots. Out for a solo afternoon outing. What little wind was light. Motor-sailed out through Lower Middle; brief rest stop at Gallops Island. Headed past Georges and out to the Outer Brewster's. Turned around and headed back to Long Island. Tried out the folding yachtsman anchor; worked pretty well on the soft mud bottom. Relaxed for a while and tidied up below before heading back under the Long Island bridge. Track
09/20/2009
Sunny, 75F. Wind; 0-5 knots. Sueli Marie and Miyuki Uno visiting from Sao Paulo. Sheila and I took them out for an afternoon outing. Sailed out through Lower Middle, past Georges Island and onward to Boston Light in calm seas and gentile winds. Well past Boston Light, we turned around and motor-sailed to Portuguese Cove at Peddocks Island for a sunset dinner. We feasted on grilled chicken kabobs, garden salad with fresh corn and avocado, crusty bread and pinot grigio; followed by raspberry squares washed down with hot cocoa. At sunset, Sueli did a great job at the helm as we headed back in under the Long Island Bridge. Sueli and Miyuki really enjoyed coming into the harbor at night. Track
10/11/2008
Sunny, 60F. Wind; 10-15 knots, gusts to 25. End of the season. Sheila dropped me off at Rowe's Wharf. Motored Crab Louie to Admiral's Hill Marina. Put the boat in a slip and prepared for haul out. Sheila and I filled the station wagon with the majority of gear coming home and tied the boom to the roof. Track
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