Day 2 Sunday, July 16
Destination: Oak Bluffs, MA

Sunshine and no wind greet our 18 boats as we head for Oak Bluffs though, Ana Marie still with engine troubles remains in Red Brook. We were able to take some great pictures of the boats as we left the harbor. Not too far out however, Cheeky Monkey began to take on water due to a leaky stuffing box and a bilge pump failure. Santiago came to the aid by towing Cheeky Monkey safely back to Red Brook for repair.

The rest of the cruise continued on, getting to experience crossing Woods Hole with 5 knots of tide with us. Brian McCarthy commented that going through Woods Hole was like white water rafting. We arrived in Oak Bluffs and as it was typically busy, we had to raft with other boats as no moorings were available. Our ranks swelled to 20 boats as we were joined in Oak Bluffs by Passion, Cassiopeia, Making Progress and Galatia (Welcome Back Beth and Paul!). Once we settled in people went ashore to explore Oak Bluffs and take advantage of the showers at the Wellesley House. Unfortunately, because we were spread all over the harbor we were not able to have an official get together, though some of us gathered at the docks for a time. Start time for Hyannis was set for 10am the next day.
 

Day 3 Monday, July 17
Destination: Hyannis, MA

Twenty boats left Oak Bluffs, setting sail for Hyannis with the wind at 15 knots. It was a glorious day and a glorious sail for all. When we arrived in Hyannis our large group split with some finding mooring space with the Hyannis Yacht Club and others taking dock space at Hyannis Marine. We gathered at Hyannis Marine to enjoy the day and the pool before the evening s cocktail party. Apple Jack and Sea Star hosted a lovely party that was a fitting cap to a magnificent day. The group set an early 8 am departure time for Tuesday s sail to Nantucket.

Day 4: Tues, July 18
Destination: Nantucket, MA

Santiago, Good Night Moon, Gemini and Drua remained in Hyannis while the rest of our group set out to Nantucket. Santiago needed to repair xxx and would join us later in the day. Good Night Moon planned to spend the day repairing its head and would sail with Crosswind to Nantucket the following day. Drua remained in Hyannis as Judy s mother was quiet ill. Gemini had decided to remain in Hyannis for an additional day before leaving the cruise and heading for home.

With an early start, winds 20-25 knots, and sloppy seas the rest of the fleet left Hyannis and set out for Nantucket.
 

Day 5: Wed, July 19
Destination: Lay day in Nantucket, MA

While Wed. was supposed to be a relaxing day to enjoy the island, it became a day of confusion as a severe storm was forecast to hit the area late the next day. The fleet discussed various options for dealing with the storm; staying in Nantucket for an additional day, continuing to Edgartown and riding out the storm there or heading to an alternate destination.
 

Day 6: Thurs, July 20
Destination: Edgartown, MA

Our group splits again as Cloud Nine, Cassiopeia, and Finally stay in Nantucket. Cloud Nine needed repairs to its water pump. Celeste heads to Cutty Hunk. Apple Jack, Santiago, Mahalo, Galatia, Good Night Moon, Amoreena, Rejoice, Let It Ride, Odessa, Sea Star and Crosswind head to Edgartown. Passion heads home.

We leave for Edgartown at 8am, with light winds so we motor sail. When we arrive in Edgartown, Cheeky Monkey is waiting for us after completing their repairs. With the storm coming, we had to cancel our cocktail party which was to be held at the home of Bob and Ellen. It was a wonderfully generous offer, but the fleet needed to prepare for the storm. Santiago, Mahalo and Amoreena take rooms ashore for the night. The storm passes but, not much action in Edgartown.
 

Day 7: Fri, July 21
Destination: Change in plans after the storm

Our group splits again to head in separate directions. Apple Jack, Santiago, Cheeky Monkey, Mahalo, Galatia, Good Night Moon, and Amoreena, head to Cutty Hunk where they will meet up with Celeste. Later in the evening those in Cutty Hunk had a nice gathering on Amoreena for cocktails. Rejoice, Let It Ride, and Odessa head for Red Brook. Crosswind, Making Progress and Sea Star stay in Edgartown. Sea Star is having water pump problems and a mechanic is scheduled to come aboard.. Cassiopeia leaves Nantucket and heads to Tashmoos. We hear from Vitti Nitti and they will be in Vineyard Haven. Galatia has gone to Oak Bluffs for the night.

Day 8: Sat, July 22
Destination: Cutty Hunk lay day

Celeste, Apple Jack, Mahalo, Goodnight Moon, Amoreena, Santiago, and Cheeky Monkey remain in Cutty Hunk to explore the island for the day and gather on the dock with Celeste for cocktails again that evening. We hear from boats that had split from the cruise. Rejoice has stayed in Red Brook and is joined by Gemini. Sea Star heads to Onset. Let it Ride goes through the canal heading to the North Shore. Odessa arrives home.

Day 9: Sun, July 23
Destination: Weather Changes plans again

With winds up to 25 knots forecasted for the day, most of our group remains in Cutty Hunk and after looking at a dismal forecast for the upcoming days decides to end the cruise early. We will make one final sail on Monday to Padanaram. Mahalo departs Cutty Hunk for Red Brook and reports doing 7+ knots for most of the trip. Sea Star and Rejoice head back through the canal and spend the night in Plymouth. With all of the changes to the itinerary because of the weather its become difficult to keep track of the boats that were once on the cruise.

Day 10: Monday, July 24
Destination: Padanaram

Good Night Moon, Santiago, Cheeky Monkey, Amoreena and Apple Jack head to Padanaram. We have southwest winds and some boats take the opportunity to fly their spinnakers. The boats take moorings at the NBYC and Apple Jack invites the group to their home for cocktails and dinner at their house.
 

Day 11: Tues, July 25
Destination: Lay day in Padanaram
Cheeky Monkey heads for home while the rest of the fleet takes on fuel and water. Cloud Nine and Cassiopeia (with Phil aboard) arrive in Padanaram. Everyone gathers at night to go out to dinner where we had a wonderful time and great conversation.
 

Day 12: Wed., July 26
Destination: Heading for home

Good Night Moon, Santiago, Amoreena and Cloud Nine head toward the canal and home. Cassiopeia heads to Newport.
 

Final Note

I would like to thank all those who joined us on this cruise. We had a wonderful time despite the weather concerns and everyone s flexibility with the plans helped to make that the case. I would however like to apologize to those who we unable to join us after our plans changed. We can plan for everything but the weather.