Sailing Across Block Island Sound (RI)

[Larry]

I have been sailing my C22 in Narragansett Bay for 2 seasons now. (I sailed smaller boats for many years before that). I have a hankering to take it out of the Bay and across to Block Island some time this coming summer. The sail from Portsmouth to Newport and then across BLock Island sound would be long. Going directly from Newport I'd be beating all the way (assuming prevailing SW winds). A shorter sail would be to trailer the boat to Charlestown, RI and make a 12 mile crossing on a reach. Friends who are experienced sailors on larger boats think I'm "crazy" to take such a small boat as a 22 out to Block Island in the first place.... That winds strong enough to move me along would be hard on such a small boat. Winds too light would make the trip very long..possibly days. Is the C22 really just a bay boat? Any experiences to share that might guide me?

 

[Pete Peterson]

Go ahead, but watch the weather

Larry, you're not crazy. When I had my C22, we went across LIS on several occasions - about 10nm. We picked the conditions that looked most favorable to make it over and back on a reach each way, usually about 8-12 knot winds and 4-5 knots boat speed. I've been to BI from Watch Hill (in my C320) and the 14nm trip should't be a problem for a C22, as long as you pick a good day and check the forecast and wave height. I've found the best days are those right after a front has come thru, with those big beautiful cumulus clouds, and before the next front is due. If the wind does die or point at you, your motor will still get you there or back in a few hours. Good luck!

 

[Matt]

Block Island Experience

Larry,I am a sailor wanna-be. I just bought a C-22 but have yet to get it in the water. I do have a sailing experience to Block Island to share, however. My older bro has a Pearson 30 and last summer, we sailed it to Block with my daughter, and his two sons. The way out was fine but several days later, the weather changed and the wind picked up. In the harbor, we dragged anchor across the harbor and returned from a bike ride to find a stink-pot holding onto our anchor rode. The same day a 50' beauty drug anchor down upon us and cut our anchor rode. The owner incurred a big bill to have it towed away and put onto a temporary mooring. The night before we were to return, the winds really picked up. The marine forecast called for a small craft advisory and 6' to 8' seas. I could'nt sleep that night thinking that all sea disasters start with a poor judgement call that, made differently, would have saved lives/boats, etc. The next morning, things looked better so we set sail. It took us all day to return, beating and fighting a current. Good for stories but a little to close for comfort. My humble advise: Be conservative and return before the weather gets rough.