July 15 — Day Eight — Scituate MA to Manchester By The Sea MA — 23 NM

 We traversed Massachusetts Bay, from its South Shore to its North Shore in a straight shot from the buoys outside Scituate to the islands guarding Manchester. Rain was predicted today, but it came at 5 a.m., with lights and sound effects, while we were still asleep. The rest of the day was dry. Lene had a yen for a breakfast she did not cook, and for shopping, so we took the Club’s launch to the Harbormaster’s dock.  Breakfast at the same bakery we had patronized last time, and groceries, in hand, the Harbormaster summoned the Club’s launch to fetch us. Then a dock stop to refill ILENE’s fresh water tanks, which were 3/4 empty. Oops, we missed the Satuit Boat Club water dock and accidentally grabbed the nearer one next door — of the Scituate Harbor YC. No problem. Friendly people all around.

Underway at around 11:30 with winds building so we shut off the engine. These pictures tell the tale of the good part of the day. Sails drawing nicely.

The top instrument shows the wind: it’s direction, from the starboard quarter but well forward of the stern, avoiding the possibility of an accidental gybe, and in the inset, it’s apparent speed, relative to the boat’s speed: 12.1 knots. And the lower instrument shows us moving at 7.5 knots over the surface of the earth. 

Some time for minor repairs infer the forward end of the boom. The preventer lines (thin, horizontal above my hat) had been tied to tightly and marlinspike and pliers made them usable, though they were not needed today. A tiny line holding thumb cleats out of the way had become too loose over the years and was tightened.

Nearing port we passed between House Island to starboard and Whaleback Rock to port, about 500 feet across. Not dangerously close but requiring attention.

We have been to the Manchester YC before, courtesy of our friendship with Jamie and Lori, who we met in Maine several years ago. The club by policy, makes no charge for guest moorings. This time they put us on a mooring in the intensely protected but crowded inner harbor. Our dinghy, hanging off the stern marks the “red” side of the channel and many beautiful boats frequently pass behind us,  a lot less after dark. See picture below.

And then the crew came out

Dinner at a restaurant was with Jamie and Lori and their friends, Jim and Ann, after drinks and nibbles at J snd A’s magnificent house which abuts and overlooks the YC Clubhouse and inner harbor. ILENE is front and center.

Last launch ride of the evening and a good night’s sleep.