Wednesday, 2 July
(Note: with the remnants of hurricane Arthur expected sometime tomorrow, Steadfast now is safely docked behind the hurricane gates in New Bedford, MA, one of the most secure harbors on the East Coast.)
Oh, man, Little Red sounds go-o-o-o-o-o-od!
And, motoring out of Newport’s Brenton Cove, it’s a good thing. It’s already blowin’ good in the harbor and the forecast calls for a southerly at 10-to-15, building to 20, with four-foot seas. Nothing all that intimidating, mind you. Enough to get the attention of those at the helm of boats in the 27-foot-range, i.e., Steadfast, but then again, what could make for a rousing 36-mile ride to New Bedford, this particular boat’s next destination.
Heritage, one of the semi-retired A-C contenders, awaits another charter.
Coming into Newport yesterday, a stop at the fuel dock gave the opportunity to enjoy a tour of the harbor and see some of the gorgeous yachts moored here. For instance, there’s a whole fleet of America’s Cup veterans in semi-retirement, now taking tourists on day charters.
Ida Lewis again provided the base of operations, this time for a ‘good stretch of the legs’ as the crew headed down the pier and up Thames Street, stopping to tour the International Yacht Restoration School, better known simply as “Iris.”
A cedar Adirondack skipper, Beetle Cat, Herreshoff launch and Quincy Adams 17 are among the craft being brought back to life at IYRS.
Father down Thames, there was lunch at Benjamin’s that was tasty, ample, entertaining—Steve the raw-bar shucker is a rare talent—and a good value. Highly recommended.
Nothing subtle about this!
No visit to Newport is complete with out a visit to the stone tower accredited to the Vikings.
Thus adequately fueled, the walk then began in earnest at the foot of Pelham, passed the fabled Viking Tower and then on a few blocks more to tread along the Cliff Walk. Sandy danced a jig on the cliffs and damage still is being cleaned-up but the views remain as spectacular as ever.
The ravages of Sandy could not diminish the spectacular views along Newport’s Cliff Walk.
Through a quiet dinner aboard, the wind continued to blow. Same through the night. Never laid down and was blowing the same in the morning as Steadfast headed out.
Turning to port at Fort Adams, though, the anticipated choppy seas weren’t there. Heading east round Brenton Reef, it did get rolly, with the four-footers on the beam, which precluded opening the Genny. It’d collapse, could not keep the wind. At least, not ‘til turning no’east into Buzzards Bay.
From there, it became a rip-snorting run up the bay, up the four-mile New Bedford channel and past the hurricane wall and gates that protect the harbor.
The miles-long breakwaer and giant gates make New Bedford one of the safest harbors in the east.
Our friend Tony Volk, skipper of Patience, arranged for Steadfast to have a slip across the harbor from the pier on which sits the restored whaler Charles W. Morgan.
The forecast already has prompted postponement of New Bedford’s fireworks display. It may preclude a visit aboard the Morgan. But for this day, at least, no fireworks from Little Red for which we are most appreciative.
Steadfast out.
At Sea with Steadfast 
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