July 28 - Nantucket to Hyannis

When we opened our eyes this morning, the fog horn wasn't blowing; that was some good news at least. The weather was clear, cool, and very overcast. As we shuffled around, having coffee and discussing the plans, the ever efficient Nantucket Moorings workboat circles us, inquiring whether we are, in fact, leaving today. We say yes, and set about the task of departing. The engine seems to want to stay, but I bleed off some more air that has crept its way into the lines, and we start off.

It is not a great day. It's cool, damp and gray, but doesn't have that feeling of rain. Some summers day!

As we leave the harbor, we note that the south wind we had last night, which we assumed we'd have for our trip north, has swung around from the north -- great. The waves are short and, although generally not too bad, have widely spaced, tall steep swells that cause the boat to rise up, plunge down, launch spray (carried back on the wind to where we sit) and, slow the boat. Can this go on all day? I'll spare you the suspense and tell you that it can.

We needed a change of scenery, if not weather, and having made a reservation in Hyannis thought we might as well keep it. Although earlier, there was no word on the radio, there is now a small craft advisory on the sound for heavy seas. Thanks, we found that out. Actually, were it not for heading up towards the wind, the seas would not only be no problem, but provide no discomfort. As it is, we're not fighting the elements, but have had more relaxing passages.

There are several ferries between Hyannis and Nantucket. After deciding to stay over in Hyannis as a new experience, we realized that we could have just as easily stayed in Nantucket and taken a ferry over. They run frequently, and the new fast ferry takes under an hour. We saw that ferry, as well as two others, pass us in each direction again, and again.

Just outside the harbor there were several small races in progress. We watched a fleet of 505s sailing with their 2 man crews in 15-20 knots of breeze. We watched a couple take a dunking rounding the mark and jibing before their spinnaker set. Although it seemed to be a day for staying home, many dozens of sailors had chosen not to.

Entering the harbor, the same grayness prevails. We pass a duckmobile carrying local tourists. They wave and take our picture, we wave and take their picture.

Arriving at the marina we fuel up and find our slip, wedged in too close to the beach for comfort; it will be a test getting out in the morning. We're here, though and with a short rest and a quick shower we're off to explore the town. The homes lining the entrance to the harbor were exceptional. We figure this should be an interesting port.

Hyannis is, indeed, an interesting port, but not the usual cruising port. This is a serious Cape Cod town, serving the local community, rather than catering to the boating public. The local marina is a good one, as good or better than those serving any popular port. The town, though surely catering to summer folk, has its eye cast to the shore side of the seashore rather than the sea. This is also a ferry town if ever there was one. This is the hub where people converge to go to Nantucket and Martha's Vinyard; Hyannis doesn't try to compete with what visitors will find in abundance there. An exception, of course, is restaurants. Marion found the Black Cat. A pretty good place, though a bit on the noisy side. We did meet one of the most engaging (young) tee shirt salesmen around. Marion, of course, bought one.

The evening has warmed up a bit but still is cool. It feels like a Cape Cod summer evening, except the sky remains overcast. It sounds like we won't see the sun for several days yet. We're hoping for better luck than this.