May 27                                              Nantucket, Massachusetts

We made an early departure from Sandwich and followed the tide through the Cape Cod Canal to Buzzard’s Bay.  Wind was favorable and we made it to Woods Hole before 11:00 AM.  This narrow and dangerous passage into Nantucket Sound requires careful piloting and alertness as the shoals are treacherous and the tide can be detrimental to maintaining course.  David and Joe were up to the challenge and we emerged without incident.  This small area is home to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, several spectacular cliffside homes, and traversed frequently by ferries from the mainland to Martha’s Vineyard.

We arrived at Nantucket Boat Basin in time to experience darkening skies and increase in wind.  Unfortunately, we were assigned a slip that was much too narrow and dock help that was much too inexperienced to handle the lines of our large boat in the wind.  David carefully maneuvered into the slip but we had forgotten our width had increased by the ladder attached to the starboard side.  The ladder was struck by a pole and damaged.  It could not be used for boarding although we hoped it could later be repaired.  The dock help disappeared and was not seen again.  Others brought steps that served us well.

Nantucket was relatively quiet. The weekend regatta had ended and all the sailboats which had filled our marina had departed.  Although ferries were bringing in crowds of college students and other tourists, boaters were few.  After another great seafood lunch, we boarded the small tour bus to explore this charming little island.  Later, Joe and Stephanie took time for additional exploring and shopping while David and I made new plans.

Tuesday would have good winds but Wednesday would be rainy and difficult with 15kt-20kt winds.  Joe and Stephanie would leave from Boston on Thursday.  We would stay in Nantucket only one night and return to Wickford to be sure they could make their flight.  Another early departure (without incident) and we made the journey back to Wickford Shipyard.  Our assigned slip had an even better view of the harbor and we were greeted by great dock help.  It was good to be back.

Our plans to stay in Rhode Island meant changes in plane reservations for the cruise.  We were scheduled to fly from Bangor, Maine to Philadelphia and return by the same schedule.  Considerable time was spent on the phone with American Airlines but we were very fortunate to get changes made as needed without extra charges.  We would depart from Providence to Philadelphia and return that way to the boat in July.