Daily Archives: 1 11 June 14

“…East winds 10 to 15 with gusts up to 20, seas around 4 feet.” NOAA Marine forecast, western Long Island Sound

Wednesday, 11 June

The boats harbored in Manhasset Bay this day bounce and swing to the changing wind, strain (the first-48-hours-free!) mooring pennants to their full length as if to say “NOAA’s not kidding this time.” Those pennants have been taut since 0200 this morning. Even seasoned boats with colors of Canada, England and the Netherlands stay in port, along with those from Hampton, Hallieford and other US ports of call. Add the threat of rain and the sound will be no fun today.

Manhasset Bay is a good harbor in the easterly that blew this day, testing the town moorings.

Ashore in Port Washington, however, it’s a different story. Certainly the 20 yellow town moorings (did I mention there’s no charge for the first 48 hours?) are an enticement to the budget-conscious cruiser. But there are many reasons to make this a destination and many are the stories to be heard here.

Jimmy’s stories add to the fun of the water taxi ride in North Hempstead.

The ride ashore in the water taxi gives Jimmy Flemings, the skipper, just time enough to talk about his family living on a 65-footer moored here when the hurricane hit in ’38.

“That was a big one, you know,” he says of a storm the lore of which remains as alive along these shores today as that of Sandy. “I was just three at the time but I can remember the rain comin’ in when the wind blew the top off the deck house. Of course she dragged but we came up safe in the lee of the south shore.”

Chief Bay Constable Nathan and his staff couldn’t be more helpful and professional and they have a pump-out boat for that essential service on request.  A couple of blocks up from Manhasset Bay Marina, Shore Road brings within range hardware stores (a stop for stove alcohol), a chandlery, two supermarkets, liquor stores, shops of all kinds and the full range of dining options (note: the Mexican menu at Mojito’s is worth the walk up the hill on Main).

Duck into Campbell’s Carpet and former sailor Skip Campbell is happy to talk about cruising the Sound. Daughter Kim notes “Did you hear that, Dad? They’re going for a year. You should do that. Or for the summer. Or a couple of weeks,” she says, waving her hands toward the door, smiling “Just go!”

The Swan Family preens at its home on the beach along Shore Drive.

There’s homemade ice cream to be had at the foot of Inspiration Wharf, beautiful views all around and, plenty of stories.

For those, it’s no strain at all. Just ask Jimmie.

Steadfast out.

Rita-the-Wonder-Dog is NOT making the trip with us. Historically, there’ve been very few rabbits or squirrels aboard Steadfast.  Nor is there much room for a spring-loaded terrier to run on a 27-foot boat.  So, amid all the turmoil that was the Richmond apartment as we sold, consigned, packed or stored everything that was there, we were blessed to find the perfect new home for Rita.  And based on this shot sent by her new Mom, a woman of good taste, it appears Rita has settled right in!

Rita, this Bud’s for YOU!  Cheers!