Once again, Steve Blecher's 53' J-160, Javelin takes a tried and true crew on a summer cruise. The Crew:
Steve (Dartmouth '64) boat Javelin, home port Westbrook, CT
Paul Wharton (Duke '64), boat Golden Eye, home port Stamford, CT
Jess Gregory, boat Sea Hawk, home port Keyport, NJ
Michael Luskin (Harvard '73) boat Turtleheart, home port Mamaroneck, NY
Bud Heerde (Dartmouth '66) ex-boat Maudelayne
The pattern follows recent tradition with a short, half day, kick-off about half way to the Cape Cod Canal, a stop at Sandwich at the north, Cape Cod Bay, end of the canal, then on to Wentworth Marina at Portsmouth, NH, and with one stop, into Northeast Harbor, Maine. From there heading Down East, often to Cross Island, Mink Harbor on the border with Canadian waters. Starting back west it's what destinations take advantage of the wind and weather, with a reprovisioning stop again in Northeast Harbor. Then it's on through Penobscott Bay, the river delta playgrounds of the St. George, Muscongus, Johns, Damariscotta, Sheepscot, Kennebec and New Meadows Rivers. The final push home stops at Wentworth, Sandwich and then back to Westbrook.
That's The Plan, but you'll just have to read on to see what happened when the wind hit The Plan!
For even more fun while waiting for the log to fill in, Michael Luskin put together a fun "Javelin Crew Quiz 2018" PDF with close-up pictures aboard Javelin and you get to guess what it is. The next slide gives you the answer. Michael did a great editing job of pictures from various cruises, so give it a try and test your memory of all things exterior, interior and Javelin crew! Click on the pic to open a new browser window and enjoy.
The table below summarizes daily runs and the date is a link to that day's log. Elasped time is generally time under way and has sometimes been adjusted for lunch stops. Cells with a darker background color represent changes from the original Plan.
Rousted from slumber at 0530, Paul, Jess, and Steve showered, breakfasted, and packed up all the provisions Paul had acquired on Sunday afternoon and proceeded to load up the car. After a swing by the delicatessen for sandwiches for lunch, the crew was on the highway at 0640. Arriving at Pilots Point at 0820, all the stuff was rapidly transferred aboard Javelin, freezer filled, refrigerator stuffed, gear stowed, and we were out of the slip at 1004 heading east with clear weather and a light southerly breeze on our starboard hand. Motoring east against a strong flooding current, we entered Fishers Island Sound at 1315, passed Watch Hill (the border of Connecticut and Rhode Island) at 1405, and cleared Point Judith at 1605. There we shifted course slightly to port to head for the Sakonnet River, which we entered at 1728 and were anchored off Third Beach (on the east side of Newport's island) at 1755 with the kellet down the anchor rode. Paul produced his famous lasagna and salad for dinner, and the exhausted crew retired early.
This morning we slept in past 0600, and Paul rewarded us with scrambled eggs, sausages, and muffins to accompany the OJ and coffee. We cleaned up the vessel, prepared for sailing on Buzzards Bay and weighed anchor at 0821 under clear skies and a filling southwesterly breeze. Motoring south out of the Sakonnet River, we cleared the point at 0853, turned east and entered Buzzards Bay at 0950. We continued motoring into the bay until the breeze freshened just east of New Bedford, and we made sail at 1110. We headed for Cleveland Ledge light, arriving about 1130, and sailed around awaiting a rendezvous with Jay and Hasty Evans aboard their J-37C, Morningstar. We sailed with Morningstar for a few hours, reaching back and forth across Buzzards Bay at good speed in 15 knots of breeze until 1400, when it was time to furl sails and head into the Cape Cod Canal. There was strong current coming against us all the way through the canal, such that our speed over ground was between 4 and 6 knots, even though we were doing 8.5 knots through the water (occasionally hitting 10.5 knots as we surfed down the standing waves at the west end of the canal - created by the westbound current against the eastbound wind). Javelin passed under the railroad bridge at the canal's west end at 1520 and arrived at the Sandwich marina at the east end of the canal at 1630, where we refueled. Pulling in right behind us was On-Rush, with Hank and Rebecca Jonas aboard.
The Jonases and the Evans came aboard Javelin for cocktails before all relocated to the Pilot House restaurant for dinner.
The crew rallied at 0500, at the break of day, and got underway at 0520, clearing the east end of the canal at 0530. There was some sea smoke on the flat water as we headed north for Cape Ann and had breakfast underway. On-Rush roared past us at 0653, also headed for Wentworth. As Javelin transitioned from Cape Cod Bay into the ocean, the jib was unfurled to catch a freshening 10 knot southerly breeze. After travelling 54 miles, we cleared Cape Ann and her associated islets at 1140 under overcast skies and shifted course 13 degrees to port to aim at Portsmouth, NH, 25 miles ahead. With the wind further aft, we furled the jib. Awhile later, the breeze increased slightly and the seas built such that were soon surfing down some of the waves as we ate lunch in the cockpit. The additional speed helped us reach the Wentworth breakwater at 1420, completing our 77 mile run in just under 9 hours. After filling a fuel tank and emptying the holding tanks, we moved into our slip and were joined by Michael Luskin, who had driven up from Scarsdale to be with us for the next week.
Joining the crew for cocktail hour were Lise and Brian Klinger, MaryAnn and Barnaby Blatch (aboard Cloud Racer) and Hank and Rebecca Jonas. The entourage displaced to Latitudes restaurant for dinner, following which Michael Luskin sprung a surprise powerpoint quiz on the Javelin crew. When shown a picture of a detail aboard Javelin, the crew was challenged to identify it. The crew got less than half correct.
Reveille was called at 0456, and the crew sprung into action. Javelin was out of her slip at 0525 and cleared the Wentworth breakwater at 0530 to point her bow at the sunrise.
After clearing the local rocks and lobster pots, we headed northeast for Muscongus Bay in Maine and Maple Juice Cove in the St George River, 85 miles away. The weather was clear with a 15 knot southwesterly breeze, but there was a strong southerly swell rolling in. As a result, the wind was too far aft to sail, but we were rolling heavily as we motored along.
Our noon position found us 5.85 miles south of Seguin Island with 10 miles left to go to our turn into Muscongus Bay. At 1415, with the goal in sight, we decided to make sail and sailed around the bay before sailing further up the river to Turkey Cove, where we dropped sail at 1625. The anchor was down in Maple Juice Cove at 1640, the kellet launched, and the riding sail set.
The crew relaxed with cocktails and then grilled steaks for dinner, accompanied by mashed potatoes and vegetables.
In a quiet Maine cove, it is difficult to sleep past dawn and the roar of lobster boat diesels. Being anchored in Maple Juice Cove, chef Paul deemed it appropriate to serve pancakes with maple syrup and sausages for breakfast. The anchor detail had the anchor cleaned of mud and secured by 0750, and we were underway. Javelin rounded the southeast corner of Hupper Island at 0825 and was clear of Mosquito Island and headed East across the southern portion of Penobscot Bay by 0845. We threaded our way through the rocks at the southeast corner of Vinalhaven Island and crossed Isle Au Haut Bay to Merchants Row, where we encountered heavy fog requiring a radar watch.
The fog lifted as we crossed Jericho Bay and entered York Narrows to make the Casco Passage eastbound. Then east across Blue Hill Bay through the Bass Harbor passage and on into Northeast Harbor, where we were at the fuel dock at 1435 and into our slip in the marina at 1500, completing a 56 mile day. Following boat washdown and crew showers, Jessie and Kathleen Liebman arrived from their home in Belfast, Maine bearing fresh vegetables and brownies for the crew. Cocktail hour was succeeded by a short drive to the Asticou Inn at the head of the harbor for dinner.
With no urging, the crew responded to the kettle's whistle at 0600 as Jess prepared the coffee. Paul brought out the Hank McMuffin machine (which makes two egg mcmuffins in four minutes) and dispensed breakfast to the assembled multitude. A shopping raid on the Pine Tree market was organized, the water tanks topped off, the boat moved to the holding tank pumpout station, and we were off into the fog (otherwise known as Maine sunshine) at 0900. We headed east past beautiful coastline, buoys, and lobsterboats - none of which were visible to us other than on the radar screen. We did dodge innumerable lobster pots. Since sailing in zero visibility is no fun, we motored all day, finally turning in at Roque Island and anchoring on its north side in Shorey Cove at 1442 with 44 miles under the keel for the day. The crew was issued hot chocolate and given the balance of the afternoon off for naps. Paul's lasagna accompanied by fresh garden salad (courtesy of Kathleen Liebman) highlighted dinner.
Ah, Sunday - no lobster boats running around at dawn, they take the day off. Overnight rain showers lulled us to sleep and washed the brownie and cookie crumbs off the deck. A light northerly breeze removed the fog, the skies are clear, and we can see the countryside. Sausage and eggs for breakfast. At 0815 the anchor detail raised and cleaned the chain and anchor, and Javelin was underway from Shorey Cove. The mainsail was raised and we motor sailed into Englishman Bay in a dying northerly breeze as we headed south out to sea. By the time we were past Libby Island light, the wind had died, so we decided to head southeast the 13 miles out to Machias Seal Island. Arriving at 1150, we rounded the island counterclockwise close aboard and checked out the puffin wildlife - no seals were to be seen. We departed at 1212 and headed for Cutler/Little River at which we arrived at 1320, did a "harbor tour" and were back out in the Grand Manan Channel sailing south on a light southwesterly at 1340. We sailed against the flooding current for four miles and then tacked for the Cross Island/Mink Island passage, which we reached at 1550 and were anchored behind Mink Island at 1615. The sailing was nice but you do not make a lot of distance against all that water flowing into the Bay of Fundy. Following the appropriate libations, Paul served a dinner of pork chops, apple sauce, salad, and vegetables.
The crew was stirring as the sun was rising. Following a breakfast of French Toast, the anchor was hauled and secured by 0745, and Javelin headed northwest into Machias Bay. We then motored southwest past Moose Peak light until 1000 when the batteries were charged and the west southwesterly wind had built to 8 knots. After sailing south for an hour, we tacked westward to take advantage of the westward flowing current. Five hours of fine sailing had us west of Schoodic Point and heading up Frenchman Bay past Bar Harbor into Flanders Bay's southeast corner behind Stave Island. The anchor was down at 1630. The crew was rewarded with cocktail hour followed by Paul's homemade meatloaf accompanied by broccoli and mashed potatoes.
Up with the sun, it was a bright, windless, humid morning. We had Hank McMuffins for breakfast and were underway at 0805 and clear of Flanders Bay by 0825, motoring over to Bar Harbor for a look-see. We motored out of Frenchman Bay and made sail as the southwesterly filled in. Javelin beat south for a dozen miles, finally tacking to lay a westward course for the northeast corner of Long Island and the passage into Blue Hill Bay, which we entered at 1300. We sailed all the way up to the head of Blue Hill Bay, then beat back south to come to anchor in Allen Cove on the west side of the bay after 6 and ½ hours of delightful sailing in ideal conditions. Cocktails were served, and the crew requested leftover lasagna and meatloaf for dinner accompanied by vegetables and salad.
The rising sun attracted the crew from their slumber. Following a cereal breakfast, the anchor was hauled, and Javelin was underway at 0722, motoring southeast into the morning fog. We were through Bass Harbor passage at 0847 (the Sgt Shultz defense: "I see nothing; I see nothing !") and at the Clifton fuel dock in Northeast Harbor at 0945 for fuel. Then onward to the holding tank pumpout dock and finally into our slip at 1050. A lunchtime attack on the Docksider was frustrated by a sign on their door saying they were closed and giving their staff a heat relief day off! So we had lobster rolls at The Colonel's restaurant instead. Shopping, showers, and laundry were next on the agenda. Bud Heerde arrived at 1620 with Michael Luskin's car. We welcomed Bud aboard with appropriate libations (he had been on the road since 0715) and bid Michael au revoir and wished him a safe drive home. We repaired to the Kimball Inn's Tan Turtle Restaurant for dinner and watched the fog roll in again as the heat broke.
A 2 am Thunderstorm interrupted the crew's slumber, so the team did not roust from their bunks until 0630. Hank McMuffins for breakfast were followed by a rain shower. Javelin was underway in heavy fog at 0907 and maneuvered carefully out Western Way, past Bass Harbor, across Blue Hill Bay, through the Pond Island passage into Eggemoggin Reach at 1132. Other than many lobster pots and an occasional buoy, we saw nothing but fog. The radar and lobster pot watch team was fully engaged. Halfway up Eggemoggin Reach the fog lifted and we were under the Deer Island bridge at 1234.
Exiting the Reach at 1308, we made sail on a 10 knot southerly breeze and sailed west past Cape Rosier across Penobscot Bay. At 1400, Paul spotted a line of severe thunderstorms on radar rapidly approaching from the west that were hidden from view by a fog bank. We quickly furled the sails and headed north for Holbrook Harbor, near Castine. The storm arrived before we made the harbor, so we motored around during the downpour until the weather cleared about 1500. By 1510 we had the anchor down in Holbrook Harbor. Shortly thereafter, Mast Transit, with Bob and MaryAnn Miller aboard, rafted up alongside us. (We had been talking to them via radio.) Following cocktail hour, we grilled steaks (before another rain shower passed overhead) which were accompanied by salad and mashed potatoes.
Dawn was clear and crisp with a northwest breeze. Following a leisurely breakfast, we bade bon voyage to Mast Transit and Bob and MaryAnn before getting our anchor hauled and underway at 0912. We made sail on a building northwesterly after motoring out into Penobscot Bay. Shortly we were charging south at speeds from 7 to 10 knots, making it to the Fox Island thorofare entrance at 1130. We headed southwest for Owl's Head. Sailing through a lobster pot "minefield" off Owl's Head we snagged a pot warp at about 1240 that we could not fully cut and shake. We freed ourselves as the wind died completely and the ebbing current was pulling us south at one knot into other lobster pots. We started the engine, which cut the line, but it was still entangled among the propeller blades such that we had reverse but not forward gear. Via a phone call by Paul to Journey's End Marina in Rockland, we contacted Charlie's Marine, who is a diver. Charlie was in his car enroute back from Portland (his daughter had given birth to twins in Portland) and he and Julie, his first mate, got out to us about 1515. Five minutes in the water, and he brought up a mess of pot warp that was woven in the prop. He reported that the prop was OK, but that the cutters were damaged and no longer functional. We started up the engine and confirmed that all was functioning, waived good-bye to Charlie and Julie, and headed east across the bay to Hank's mooring in Long Cove at which we were secured at 1645. Cocktails and a spaghetti and meatballs dinner ensued.
A beautiful cool crisp morning in Long Cove. Following French Toast, clean up, and colors, we dropped the On Rush mooring at 0805 and headed south in Hurricane Sound, took a right at Hurricane Island and motored into Penobscot Bay at 0845 and headed southwest down the bay on a glassy sea. With our cutters inoperable, Paul, Bud, and Jess focused on spotting and dodging lobster pots. We turned west at Old Man buoy at 1120, still hoping for some sailing breeze. At 1225 we were abeam of Pemaquid Point - still no breeze, so we kept motoring west. Passing BoothBay Harbor at 1300, we continued on, hoping to get in some sailing before the cloudy skies began to leak. In the end, after passing the mouth of the Kennebec River, we rounded Cape Small at 1430 and headed up the New Meadows River to Sebasco Harbor Resort, where we picked up a mooring at 1520 just as it began to drizzle. Paul's special home made turkey chili was the dinner highlight.
With the patter of rain on the cabin top, the crew was stirring by 0630. Cereal for breakfast and a pause in the rain encouraged us to drop the mooring ball and head out into the Gulf of Maine for some fast sailing in a 15 knot northeasterly. We reached south for about 10 miles at speeds between 8 and 11 knots and tacked back when we were east of Cape Elizabeth and the wind had built to 22 knots and the rain resumed. In another hour we reached the entrance to Broad Sound after passing a bunch of New York Yacht Club boats tuning up for their races on the NYYC Cruise. Javelin was tied up at Dolphin Cove Marina at 1243, at whose restaurant we had dinner with Karin McIlvaine as a surprise guest!
The diesels of nearby lobster boats got the crew going at 0525, and Javelin departed Dolphin Cove at 0620 under overcast skies with a 10 knot northeasterly breeze. We cleared out of Broad Sound at 0643 and motored southwest. Shortly after passing Cape Elizabeth at 0750, the fog closed in tight and the radar and lobster pot watches were kept fully engaged for the next 30 miles as we were pushed rapidly along with following seas and current. The visibility improved a bit as we approached Portsmouth, and we were at the Wentworth marina fuel dock at 1225 for fuel and holding tank pumpout. Cleanup and showers filled the afternoon hours, and Brian and Lise Klinger visited for cocktails before driving us into Rye for dinner. With our early arrival in Wentworth, Bud Heerde decided to drive for home, so we bid him farewell and safe passage.
The sound of cars rolling across the "singing bridge" in Wentworth roused the crew at 0520. Fast work was made of coffee, hot cereal, and preparing to depart, such that Javelin was off the dock at 0600, exited Wentworth harbor at 0605, and was off Cape Ann at 0852. The day began quite overcast with a light northeasterly breeze. After the 23 miles to Cape Ann, the fog set in and the radar watch joined the lobster pot watch. As we were entering Cape Cod Bay about 1300, the weather cleared as the wind shifted southeast. We made sail and shut down the engine. Our port tack course deposited us outside of Plymouth as the breeze shifted south and freshened. We tacked onto starboard tack and raced for the Cape Cod Canal, arriving off its east end at 1625 and secured to the fuel dock at 1630.
The crew slept in past sunrise, but got Javelin underway from Sandwich marina at 0713, just as the current in the Cape Cod Canal went slack and turned against us. We motored through the canal keeping just far enough off the banks and out of range of the multitudes of fishermen casting their lines for striped bass. They were having a field day! Javelin cleared the railroad bridge at the west end of the canal at 0807 just barely making it through before the bridge was lowered to allow a freight train to cross. We proceeded into Buzzards Bay under partly cloudy skies. Javelin transited Buzzards Bay and emerged at its western end at 1143 to commence the 40 mile ocean passage to Watch Hill. The breeze was building from dead ahead and the ocean swells were large enough to reduce our speed. Despite the rolling, Paul served up bowls of his famous chili for lunch to cheer up the crew. By the time we passed Point Judith, RI at 1432, the wind was 20 knots and the chop was short, steep, and soaking. We battled on to reach Watch Hill at 1643 where we encountered a 2 ½ knot adverse current as we passed down Fishers Island Sound heading into the setting sun. The sun was well below the horizon when we pulled into Westbrook at dead low tide at 2110 and tied up to the fuel dock because the tide was too low to get to our slip. 980 miles for the entire cruise.
Special thanks to chef Paul Wharton for keeping us gastronomically sound, Jess Gregory for his watchstanding endurance, and Rick Van Mell for being our webmaster.
Web page composed by Rick Van Mell from Steve's log and pictures sent by Hasty Evans, Jess Gregory, Paul Wharton and Bob Miller. vanmells@ix.netcom.com