Lake Champlain/LI Sound
Living in mid-VT on the NH border, we find the *closest*, best sailing is a 4000+ acre spot called Lake Sunapee in New Hampshire, but we didn't get there with Grasshopper this season. On our previous (and first) sailboat, Shortstay III, an 18.5' drop keel sloop, we sailed there several times, so Sunapee has a place of nostalgia in our hearts as well. However, as we've become more experienced trailer sailors, we've looked to go further a field. This season, our first with Grasshopper, all our sailing was either on Lake Champlain or LI Sound. We had the opportunity to slip on Champlain for 16 days, gratis, and jumped at the chance; we learned enough to realize we would like to sail there more often. We also left Grasshopper on LI Sound for 9 days. The second weekend was necessitated by the trailer bearings disintegrating, luckily after launching! We have the connections to moor there again (friends keeping an eye on her while we're away) and probably will -- hopefully NOT due to trailer failure! Champlain is closer, but the Sound is our "home waters," as my wife & I grew up on the CT shore. Next season, we will probably dry-moor (i.e. leave Grasshopper rigged on her trailer) on Champlain for a month (probably August) but also take her down to Milford, CT while my mom's slot at the family beach cottage comes up in early July. Eventually, we may dry-moor in CT, but it's so much more expensive down country & Champlain has so much to offer. Slipping or having a regular mooring is possible, but I like the convenience of having her ready to go fairly easily/quickly while saving $$$ on dockage. Also, there are many places we want to sail/see (see below), so I don't want to be tied to one sailing ground for an entire season. As for favorite cruising vacations, in '06 we sailed from Milford to Mystic Seaport & docked for 2 nights at the Seaport. The return adventure was cut short by the remnants of Ernesto blowing in. Nevertheless, it was a wonderful time & we'd like to do so again. We might link it to my son & daughter attending a weeklong sailing camp there. A definite drawing board cruise I have in mind, hopefully for next season, is to sail from CT to the World's Fair Marina in Flushing Meadow, NY, right next to Shea Stadium, home of our beloved Mets. When we were shopping for a 23.5, we looked at one there & I immediately started thinking of sailing there in the context of also attending a game. Exactly where we'd start is unclear, but perhaps it would be from Milford next July. However, that would present a distance of 55 NM each way, which would mean multiple days in each direction (not a problem to me, but the Admiral...). Thus, launching further west, such as Norwalk or Stamford, may be in the ultimate plan. Planning the passage in to & out of the East River/Flushing Bay will involve special attention to tidal currents. We would like to sail Boston Harbor in the near future too so good friends could join us for a day sail. I also have a client to whom I teach skiing who is the Chappaquiddick ferry operator. He has encouraged me to sail to the Vineyard & would help obtain accommodations. (Unfortunately, he's looking to sell!) Being in more open water would be a bit of a step-up for testing our seamanship skills, but a challenge I'd like to take on soon. Another vague plan is the Maine coast, which is where Grasshopper sailed until she came to us. Narragansett Bay/Newport, RI is also inviting. Block Island is a definite "to do.” So, basically, we'd like to explore the New England coast the next several seasons, especially before the kids get too old to want to be with the "old folks." ~ Kevin s/v Grasshopper Brownsville, VT
3. We would like to do another bareboat cruise again. It has been far too long. Long term goals include a move to a more costal area, and local cruises around in the ocean preparing for the dream. Selling everything and buying a cruiser for our retirement years.
