June 8 Monday Let The Season Continue - With Something Different

As you may recall we traveled with friends Glen and Andrea for a week last year. They where aboard their boat Chickadee III and we were on our boat. It was great fun. While they are slip mates to us at Robinhood and store their boat there, they decided to take Chickadee III to Mattapoissett, MA for the summer to be closer to family and revisit cruising grounds of early in their sailing history. Thus a trip of several days was in order to accomplish the relocation. 

The crew for the trip was Glen and I and Glen's friend Jim as seen in order in the photo below. You may say that the crew is not the youngest but I would have to say they are more than up to the task.

 

 

We traveled from Glen's house in MA to Robinhood in style chauffeured by Andrea. We arrived in good time at Robinhood and decided to head out early in the afternoon to take advantage of a great afternoon with a very nice breeze. The plan was to see if we could make it to Richmond Island just south of Portland.  As you can see that is about 38 miles - a ways in a sailboat but we had places we could stop along the way if needed.

 

 

All was great from the start - until it wasn't.

Glen looking back at Robinhood.

Sails are up and we are on long starboard tack to about 5 miles off shore.

When Jim took over the helm we changed to a port tack and were headed nicely south.

For the sailors reading this you may have noticed that we have reefed the sail (reduced it by lowering part of it) to balance against a beautiful 18 knot breeze.

All settled in for a nice sail

Shortly after taking the above photo I went below. Immediately I noticed water pouring from a locker door that accesses the stern of the boat. After an excited time, including calling the Coast Guard just in case we couldn't find the leak, we were able to get the sails down and the boat upright. The water intrusion stopped and we headed back to Robinhood - with an escort that responded to our security call. 

"And our Flag was still there" - thankfully.

On our way back in we found the source of the leak to be a hose that is connected to the propane locker  to vent any stray propane overboard. The hose exits the boat above the upright waterline, but when heeled to the starboard side it was placed underwater. The hose had developed a split and it is amazing how a "small hose" can flow a lot of water.

Robinhood staff was at the dock to meet us and repairs arranged for early morning. At least we will be able to start on the day as planned.

 So I am pleased to say ..................

 Good Night and May God Bless