Friday, 27 June
Block Island’s a tough act to follow. After four days enjoying—and absorbing—the laid-back Block Island experience, going straight to Newport would be a bit of shock to the system. There needed to be an intermediate port-of-re-entry to “city life.”
Dutch Harbor on the west shore of Conanicut (Jamestown) Island was highly recommended and proved to be the perfect answer, in more ways than expected.
Though it feels far away, Dutch Harbor is just a short walk down the hill from dining, shopping and services.
First, though, there was the little matter of crossing Block Island Sound to run up the West Passage of Narragansett Bay. Normally a simple matter, a chill northerly this day turned the trip into a noisy slog, the bow frequently falling off a four-foot chop.
No matter. Those 26 nautical miles made it all the sweeter when Steadfast finally slipped between historic Dutch Island and Beaverhead Point and finally into flat water.
It’s not often two Com-Pac 27s are seen together in the same harbor, as Allure and Steadfast here at Dutch Harbor.
It wasn’t long before fellow Com-Pac owner Bruce Isidor brought his CP27 down from Fall River, MA, for a sight seldom seen – 27s moored side-by-side.
Fresh seafood, cool beverages and Red Sox TV are among the featured items at Chopmist Charlie’s.
Sailing stories ensued, whetting appetites for dinner at “Chopmist Charlie’s,” a 20-minute-walk up tree-lined Narragansett Street, with charming homes and gardens on either side.
Dutch Harbor’s a jewel and Jamestown’s worth more exploration, tomorrow. On a pace in keeping with “island-time.”
Steadfast out.
At Sea with Steadfast 
Glad ol Steadfast and Kate and Bill are holding up well in the occasionally choppy waters. I wish I could zap up to share a brew, some seafood and the socks at Chopmist Charlie’s. How cool is that!
Laura and I had a good week in Lucca, Italy to marry up Bob and Nancie.
Sail hardy! Blessings, Ray