I have a 2007 Hunter 25 sailboat. I have only sailed it 3 or 4 miles offshore at a time. In the next few weeks I was considering taking it from the Cape Cod mainland over to Nantucket (26 mile trip). Does anyone have experience with this trip, and would you attempt it in this boat. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Nantucket Sound crossing
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How
Hi Mike, How does that new model of the 25 handle without a dagger board or swing keel? Salty Dog s/v Cariña
Hi Mike, How does that new model of the 25 handle without a dagger board or swing keel? Salty Dog s/v Cariña
It handles great.
The boat handles great (although I have not been out in anything more than a 20 knot wind). She has a long shallow keel (1300 lbs) which really keeps the boat centered, very similar to the 22ft Odays of the 1970's. Another great thing is that it only draws 2.5 feet of water at all times.
The boat handles great (although I have not been out in anything more than a 20 knot wind). She has a long shallow keel (1300 lbs) which really keeps the boat centered, very similar to the 22ft Odays of the 1970's. Another great thing is that it only draws 2.5 feet of water at all times.
Nantucket sound
Ive sailed it many times over the last 40 years in an Alberg 30 Peaeson 10M and my present boat a Pearson 26W Your boat is a little shallow so you want to avoid sailing the entire distance to weather. The Prevailing breeze in buzzards bay and Nantucket sound is SW a reach both ways. Keep an eye on the marine forecast if it sounds iffy wait until things clear up before you go. Make sure you have jiffy reefing on your main. Pay attention to the current in woods hole. Usually its a pleasant and uneventful sailo
Ive sailed it many times over the last 40 years in an Alberg 30 Peaeson 10M and my present boat a Pearson 26W Your boat is a little shallow so you want to avoid sailing the entire distance to weather. The Prevailing breeze in buzzards bay and Nantucket sound is SW a reach both ways. Keep an eye on the marine forecast if it sounds iffy wait until things clear up before you go. Make sure you have jiffy reefing on your main. Pay attention to the current in woods hole. Usually its a pleasant and uneventful sailo
Fair weather crossing
Hi Mike, I singlehanded the crossing from Bass River to Nantucket a couple times in my Catalina 27. I even did the round trip one day (a long day) just for fun. It is a nice crossing, as Nantucket is so low it appears on the horizon about half way across. I strted in the dark, and enjoyed seeing the lightouses on all compass points. Not tough navigation if the weather is clear- just follow the planes and ferries! But not to be indertaken in a small-ish boat in bad weather, or fair weather if the normal SW winds are kicking up the chop over four feet, at least if you have any hope for comfort. If it gets to be six foot and above, you would have your hands full for safety. So check those NOA forecasts carefully, and if you have the time when the weather is right, get a nice early start and go! One other thing. Getting a mooring, even landing is a costly proposition on Nantucket. Moorings require reservation and minimum two nights etc. Hence my one day round trip! Lots of great sailing on the Nantucket Sound side of the Cape- up to Stage Harbor, into Hyannis etc. And the trip through Wood's Hole and the canal to Cape Cod Bay is fun, but beware currents etc. But that is for another post. Enjoy- the Cape waters are great sailing! Roger Dennis Cape Cod
Hi Mike, I singlehanded the crossing from Bass River to Nantucket a couple times in my Catalina 27. I even did the round trip one day (a long day) just for fun. It is a nice crossing, as Nantucket is so low it appears on the horizon about half way across. I strted in the dark, and enjoyed seeing the lightouses on all compass points. Not tough navigation if the weather is clear- just follow the planes and ferries! But not to be indertaken in a small-ish boat in bad weather, or fair weather if the normal SW winds are kicking up the chop over four feet, at least if you have any hope for comfort. If it gets to be six foot and above, you would have your hands full for safety. So check those NOA forecasts carefully, and if you have the time when the weather is right, get a nice early start and go! One other thing. Getting a mooring, even landing is a costly proposition on Nantucket. Moorings require reservation and minimum two nights etc. Hence my one day round trip! Lots of great sailing on the Nantucket Sound side of the Cape- up to Stage Harbor, into Hyannis etc. And the trip through Wood's Hole and the canal to Cape Cod Bay is fun, but beware currents etc. But that is for another post. Enjoy- the Cape waters are great sailing! Roger Dennis Cape Cod
180 degrees
Hi Roger, My boat is actualy moored in Bass River, so thats my starting point. It looks by the chart that 180 degrees due south at the last bell bouy will take me there.
Hi Roger, My boat is actualy moored in Bass River, so thats my starting point. It looks by the chart that 180 degrees due south at the last bell bouy will take me there.
Consider anchoring
You CAN anchor in Nantucket Harbor, 'though it seems to be discouraged. I have taken moorings in Nantucket on three occasions, and HATE the cost and hassle. If I had a boat with less draught, I would try to make it up into the inner harbor and drop the hook there. Let me know if you do!
You CAN anchor in Nantucket Harbor, 'though it seems to be discouraged. I have taken moorings in Nantucket on three occasions, and HATE the cost and hassle. If I had a boat with less draught, I would try to make it up into the inner harbor and drop the hook there. Let me know if you do!
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