Block Island: The Show

Sunday, 17 August

Sailed to Block Island on Friday.

Hoped to get a mooring, while the weekend away.

But there were none open. Was no good just hopin’.

So we dropped the hook and anchored that day.

Then over coffee next mornin’,

Boats started cruisin’ for moorin’s.

Trollin’, trollin’, trollin’ for a mooring.

Yes, that is a Goldie-mix along for the ride.

On the Eastern Shore, she’d be called a Drake Tail. Here, Aphrodite is just another pricey yacht.

Sung to the tune of “Proud Mary,” assuming a skipper feels like singing, this could well be the theme of the many who arrive at Block late in the day. The 500-plus (!) moorings in Great Salt Pond simply are not enough to accommodate all the boats that come here on a summer weekend. The 90 town rentals are most desirable; once secured, they’re good for as long as a person wants to stay and is willing to pay. But those are first come-first served, no reservations.

So, each morning, crews race their mostly-large boats in close quarters through the already crowded mooring field trying to snag that mooring one available ball before it’s taken by another boat. Unique to Great Salt Pond, this ranks as one of the more entertaining competitive “sports” on the water, i.e., assuming one is watching and not a participant. The level of stress among competitors soars to levels seldom seen beyond their respective board rooms.

For the record, Steadfast did weigh anchor, entered the early morning derby and “won” the highly coveted town mooring from which she now swings. This freed the crew for an afternoon trip ashore – long walk, late lunch, scoop of homemade ice cream and a few provisions.

Sorry to dash your hopes but Archimedes is not available for charter. It’s the principle.

Of course, for many, such activity is beneath them. No, I mean it is wa-a-a-a-y beneath them, like several stories. Such is the case with the 18 crew and untold numbers of guests aboard the 210’ super-yacht Archimedes owned by hedgefund founder James Simons. Simons’ estimated net worth exceeds $12.5-billion so he can afford to fill the 45,000 gallon fuel tank. Archimedes tied to the full length of the pier at Payne’s Marina.  One assumes Payne’s was pleased to have her.

Does sailing on Great Salt Pond make this a “pond yacht?”

And then there are the “old school” sailors. They don’t need no stinkin’ auxiliary to get in or out of the harbor. They SAIL! This, mind you, while moored boats swing in unpredictable arcs, crews swim off their sterns, kayakers and SUP’ers paddle and dinghies speed hither and yon.

And the “deal” is done: fresh baked calzone for dinner on board!  Good stuff.

And don’t forget the morning refrain of “Andi-AH-mo, an-dee-ah-MO!”  Aldo’s Bakery Boat peddles pastries and muffins around the harbor.  Evenings, they’re back with more plus fresh seafood, pizza and calzones (NOTE: the eggplant calzone is excellent).  Aldo’s one of those much-talked-about and well-loved waterfront joys–kind of like visiting Cuttyhunk–that simply must be experienced, as has been heard countless times.  Finally, this stop, the crew got to sample Aldo’s wares so check that one off the list.

Oh, the sun comes and goes. The wind blows or doesn’t. But Block Island never fails to entertain. For a boat junkie, there’s hardly a better place to be.

Steadfast out.