Bristol to the Vineyard

[David in Sandusky]

We are excited to be planning a cruise on a chartered Freedom 38 from Bristol RI to Martha's Vineyard this summer in August. We will be visiting my sister and parents in Portsmouth RI, and then a college roommate in Menemsha on the Vineyard.

I sure appreciate any advice on sailing those waters, and on docking/mooring/anchoring in Menemsha from those of you who are familiar with them.

This trip is on the Admiral's 10 year list of place we want to sail. And my Father had hoped to retire on a Freedom yacht (although Mom nixed his plans!) so we are excited to be planning this trip.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

David
With a solid favorable breeze and the right current in Vineyard Sound, the fastest we've ever done it is about 8 hours to Vineyard Haven. Menemsha is closer but has no moorings and either limits or prohibits anchoring now so check if that's your destination.
Only obstacles on that route are the ubiquitous fishing nets about a mile after you turn left at Brenton Reef and are marked on most charts and the VSound current - check Reeds for the best transit time.
Unless Menemsha is an absolute, you might find Vineyard Haven more convenient and with more facilities for anchoring, mooring and docks.

 

[Rich Stidger]

I second all of Don's info. I would add that Cuttyhunk is a nice stopping spot to wait for favorable currents in Vineyard Sound. Cuttyhunk is the small island at the south west end of the Elizabethan Islands just north of MV. Anchor or take a mooring outside of the inner harbor. Call the Raw Bar on Ch 72 or 74 and they will deliver raw shellfish on th half-shell to you. Explore the island for a day and buy ice cream and bakery products on the fishing dock.

I also concurr with the choice of Vineyard Haven for anchoring or moorings. Menemsha is not an ideal destination IMHO. At Vineyard Haven you can get a island-wide bus pass for $6/day or less and go anywhere on the island including Menemsha of course.

 

[sailingdog]

If the wind is out of the north or northwest, I'd recommend stopping in Tarpaulin cove... which is on the southwest side of Nashuon Island. Very sheltered for north/northwest winds... Good holding... island is privately owned by the Forbes family trust, like most of the Elizabeth Islands, but the family allows boaters to use the beach there. DO NOT USE THIS ANCHORAGE if the wind is out of the SOUTH or EAST...

Menemsha is tough, as the main harbor has only three moorings, and they're often taken with three boats rafted up on each. If you have a shallow enough draft, you can anchor in Menemsha pond, but the channel might be restricted due to shoaling.

 

[Staysail]

Since you are coming from Bristol, consider going out the Sakonnet River. This avoids what can be very lumpy SW chop off Newport (Brenton Reef). As mentioned the fish nets make you stand quite a way off.

In many ways the journey to the Vineyard is more fun than the island itself. As mentioned Cuttyhunk is a lot of fun. If you get there early (1 or 2 in the afternoon) you can get a mooring in the inner harbor. While not cheap, it is a completely calm and secure night - not a bad idea on your first day. Take a walk ashore in the tiny "town". You can buy a great piece of fish on the fish dock. I was once there for the Island volunteer fire department beach pig roast. A good time was had by all.

On the way back from the Vineyard, stay in Tarpaulin cove on the south side of Naushon. Not crowded at night (a big daytime picnic spot). Beautiful views. A little roll from distant passing boats.

As mentioned, Vineyard Haven is really the best choice these days. You'll be anchored (or moored) outside the breakwater but there is a good launch service in. Some great restaurants. The bus will take you anywhere. Do not stay at Vineyard Haven if there's a chance of a strong Northerly. Completely exposed.

Carl

 

[David in Sandusky]

Thank for the help!

Cuttyhunk sounds like a great stop for its own sake. Especially since on the way to the Vineyard will plan to leave on Sunday noon, and we might be able to split the trip.

I hear you about Vineyard Haven. My roommate may have a dock in Mememsha, and that's where they live. But I will get firm info from him before planning to stay there.

Thank you all. As usual, a word from sailors with local knowledge is a greeat help!

 

[Rich Stidger]

Just one more thought. The suggestion of going out the Sakonnet River instead of passing Newport and east by Brenton Reef is OK, but watch the bridge height. The highway bridge is 65' and I don't know what the height of your charter boat.

The other possible consideration is that IMHO the scenery and views passing Newport are better than the Sakonnet River. If your mast height allows you to clear the Sakonnet River bridge, try it both ways- going and coming.

 

[David in Sandusky]

Newport Nostalgia

I agree on the scenery. Since we will be day-sailing in the area with Mom and Dad for the first to days, we will probably sail by Newport on one of them.

Long ago, when I was at Navy OCS, the Admiral and I sailed a Rhodes 19 from the base in Narragansett Bay off Newport. I still have a picture of her on the foredeck setting the spinnaker with our first daughter plumping her belly out quite nicely!

I'll be sure to check mast height on the Freedom 38 vs. the Sakonnet bridge. The folks we are chartering from will certainly know the story.

 

[Bob S]

Curious, Newport host's a Jazz and a Blues festival. What time of year are they and are they accessible by boat? If your into music and time permits that might be a fun take.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

August 8-10
The event opens on Friday night with a Chris Botti concert at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. On Saturday, highlights of the line-up at Fort Adams State Park include Aretha Franklin, Wayne Shorter and a quartet featuring Dave Holland, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Chris Potter & Eric Holland, while Sunday features jazz giants Sonny Rollins and Herbie Hancock.

We've anchored off Fort Adams where you can see and hear everything although it does get packed.

 

[Bob S]

Best to get there early, maybe the 9th:dance:. When do they have the Blues Festival? I might try coming down for both. Is overnight anchoring permitted? I haven't ventured to RI yet. How long does it take you to get to the canal?

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Have not heard anything about a Blues Festival. Anchoring is permitted overnight - plan for a 20 ft depth in that area. Last time we went through the Canal, it was about 7 hrs from Newport avg around 6 knots or less.

 

[Bob S]

Thanks Don.

David in Sandusky, what time in August are are you planning your trip. I hear this is a great experience.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Thanks Don.

David in Sandusky, what time in August are are you planning your trip. I hear this is a great experience.

Dave
If you mean to Newport, it's only a 2 hr sail for me so any trip there is usually a last-minute deal after a weather check. We have had a crew party during one preceding Festival and find it safer to stay anchored among the horde than to sail home in a less than coherent state.
Two years ago, we took pity on a small number of folks who were tied nearby in their dinghy named T/T Wheels and invited them aboard only to find out it was Richard Petty and family who had their slightly larger yacht at a dock in town. Nice folks and a great time for sure.

 

[Staysail]

The festivals are the Newport Folk and The Newport Jazz festivals. Held on two successive weekends in early August at Fort Adams on Newport harbor. I go every year to at least one. Going by boat makes the experience very special. Easy to dinghy in.

And - thanks to your question - I went and checked the dates for this year. Wow! This is the 50th folk festival. They're bringing back two performers from the first in 1959 - Pete Seeger and Joan Baez. Not to mention Arlo Guthrie, Joan Collins and a bunch who won't need a cane to get up on stage. It's July 31 and Aug 1.

Here's a video clip of Joan Baez and Peter (of Peter, Paul and Mary) Yarrow at the 1963 Newport Folk Festival. Bob Dylan was also a new talent at the '63. Maybe he'll be back this year too! Oh, to be young......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrDBg23YnKw

Carl