A little fog, some potential for scattered showers, but a decent breeze from the SW, so we're off for Cuttyhunk. Cuttyhunk is one of the Elizabeth Islands, the one at the very end of the chain which descends from Cape Cod (at Woods Hole) to the west. It is the only one which is not private, and has a small community whose size skyrockets in the summer, if only because of the number of small boats visiting.
Left Newport
at 8:15, with the weather hazy and cool. You can barely make out the Newport
Bridge behind Goat Island in the picture. Of course, we've been out there when
you couldn't see the two cruise ships anchored between the island and the bridge.
Last night
we bought a new knife for the boat; a Myerchin A500. Compared to the old steak
knife, this one should give those lobster pots something to think about!
Now, we're off Sakonnet, the sky is clearing and we're on a broad reach in about 14 knots of wind, doing just over 6 knots. This year we may be having more trials, but we're getting more good sailing than we have in years. At this rate, we'll be in Cuttyhunk in a couple of hours. That's early, but we'll get settled, launch the dingy, and take a walk on the beach.
Well,
1:30 and we're here! The wind ended up at about 19 knots, which made for a quick
ride. Perhaps not quick enough, as all the town moorings have already been taken
by weekenders. We've got a nice spot just outside the harbor, though, and will
be doing some boatwork and taking the dingy out for a spin soon. The weather
is clear, but still a bit hazy; still on the cool side. Why complain?
Pumped up
the zodiac. A little bit of a damp ride into the wind. Refreshing, they say.
We tied up at the town dingy dock, the only boat from NJ. 
The
fish dock was busy, and we placed an order for clams and oysters to be delivered
to the boat later, and picked up some fresh tuna. We watched as one of the local
fisherman filleted several large striped bass (one of the fishing specialties
of Cuttyhunk) and a few blues. He attracted quite a number of seagulls in the
process, all looking for a free meal.
Back to
the boat. We'll put away the food, take a short trip to the beach for a stroll,
and be back for our shellfish when the Raw Bar boat comes by. We're tempted
to just sit here for the rest of the vacation.
More later...