Virtual Voyages - Long Voyages

SHIP'S LOG
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Date:: 9/9/2000
Time:
Latitude:
Longitude:
Bearing:: West (mostly)
Speed:: 5-6 knots
WindSpeed:: less than 10 knots
WindDirection:: southwest, then west
Weather:: hazy, high clouds--warm and pleasant--then heavy rain

Update

Today conditions were much more favorable for the passage to Newport. It also helped to know that a berth at the Museum of Yachting was waiting for me.

The breeze was light and nearly dead ahead so I had to motor sail most of the way.

For the first hour there was no breeze at all. I stood at the widest part of the boat and steered with me weight. If I wanted to change course slightly to starbord, I would walk to the left side of the deck and stand on the rail. Although the boat didn't heel over very much, my weight was just enough to deflect the keel to starboard a little and the drag on that side turned the boat in that direction. It is fun to steer this way, but conditions have to be just right.

When I turned North entering Narragansett Bay I was able to shut the engine down completely and run up the bay with the jib winged. A gigantic ocean liner is anchored just outside of Newport. As usual, the harbor is teeming with boats.

The Museum of Yachting has an excellent collection of vintage sailboats. Some are kept on their lawn, others inside, and about half a dozen boats are tied up to the dock in their boat basin.

One of their boats, Courageous, is moored out in front of the museum. This is an old America's Cup defender which, I understand, takes kids sailing once in a while.

I hope to learn more about the Museum of Yachting during my stay in Newport.

Date:: September 8, 2000
Time:: 0700
Latitude:
Longitude:
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WindSpeed:: light at first, then overpowering!
WindDirection:: southwest, then west
Weather:: clear

Update

It's time for me to leave the cozy, clean dock at Pope's Island Marina and head back to Long Island Sound. Last night I put the boat on a mooring in the harbor and I planned to leave at first light for the passage to Newport, or, perhaps, all the way to New London.

I had not gone long, closehauled under jib alone, when the wind became too strong to be comfortable. Under power, heading directly into the wind and sea, I could only go about 3.5 knots under full throttle. So I turned back and entered the harbor at South Dartmouth, MA--home of the New Bedford Yacht Club.

Here I received a very warm welcome and a free mooring as guest of the Commodore. This is an elegant and generous club the the harbor here is full of sailboats.

Proceeded by car to Newport and secured a berth at the Museum of Yachting for the next several days.

The Museum of Yachting has an "on-the-water" exhibit in a small basin north of their building at Fort Adams. Easy Wind will share this basin with the floating exhibits. Thank you Museum of Yachting!

Date:: September 4, 2000
Time:
Latitude:
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Bearing:
Speed:: 6.3 KNOTS
WindSpeed:: 15-20 knots (higher in gusts)
WindDirection:: Northeast
Weather:: STORM APPROACHING

Update

We made the passage from Martha’s Vineyard back to New Bedford in 5 hours.

We started late, waiting for a favorable current in Wood’s Hole, but the weather forecast was not good so we kept the engine running for the first hour. It was the ominous “calm before the storm”—all breeze was still but the sky over Cape Cod had turned a dark slate gray and the temperature had dropped to the low 60’s.

On board we prepared for a bad blow by rigging the jack lines (so everyone on deck could be securely attached to the boat) and donning live vests. Even though the wind was still, the current raced strongly against us. We laid out our waypoints in case we had to pass through Wood’s Hole with poor visibility.

Suddenly a fresh breeze sprung up from the formidable northeast (a Northeaster was forecast). We unrolled part of the jib and beam-reached along our course (300-310 degrees magnetic) which was surprisingly consistent most of the way back. East Chop, West Chop, the entry buoy to Wood’s Hole are all in line. We passed them one by one, now with more of our jib drawing and the engine shut down. We were making over six knots through the water and about 5.5 according to our GPS. It was windy and choppy, but not wet and Easy Wind---sailing under her partially furled jib—handled the conditions gracefully.

We reached Wood’s Hole at around 1400 hours—before the current had changed—and we knew we had to buck at least 3 knots of current to get through. Also the wind dropped as we approached the hole—because we were closer to the north shore and therefore blanketed from the Northeaster.

We started the engine. Sally drove while Nancy spotted our buoys. I read the chart and made the navigational decisions. Nancy and I adjusted the trim of the sails. Easy Wind surged ahead against the strong current and we punched through into Buzzard’s Bay. What a team!

We were just sailing now, and Buzzard’s Bay offered a different challenge—big waves. The wind and waves were abeam. Nancy was on the wheel and she had her hands full steering in the rough seaway. Sally and I adjusted the sails—rolling up the jib more to keep the boat a little more upright. It didn’t cost us anything in speed (which remained at the 6.3-knot range). Nancy caught on fast to steering through the waves. By 1600 hours the entrance to New Bedford was visible and we sailed up the channel.

We waved to the ferry passengers who were just arriving from Martha’s Vineyard at about the same time we pulled in. I wonder how long it took them to get here?

Easy Wind is back at Pope’s Island Marina. This is owned and operated by the City of New Bedford. I have never seen a better Marina in all of my travels. The passage was challenging and fun, but it sure felt great to tie up to a solid dock and walk into a hot shower.

Date:: September 3, 2000
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Weather:: snny then heavy rain

Update

Easy Wind spent the day anchored in the sheltered cove at Edgartown. There is a shellfish-farming project going on here that I would like to learn more about. We saw low floats moored in the harbor—sort of like “lobster cars”. The harbor was teeming with fish.

The crew of Easy Wind spent the day on shore riding bikes. First we took the short ferry ride to Chappaquiddick Island. Then we took the longer pedal from Edgartown to Oak Bluffs. In O.B. we saw the cottages build over the past century for the Methodist retreat that gathered here every summer. These are small, closely spaced buildings with all-around porches. Each is painted in some very distinctive colors and ornamented with “gingerbread” carvings that fringe the eaves. I was reminded of fancy dollhouses I had seen in museum exhibits. Oak Bluffs is full of these cottages and it’s fun to bicycle through the maze of them—just when you think you’ve seen it all, a new color combination appears around the next corner.

On the way home the rain caught up with us and we were thoroughly soaked by the time we reached Edgartown. Nancy had a great time riding her bike through the deepest puddles.

Martha’s Vineyard is a beautiful island. I am looking forward to returning and learning more about its history and its present-day relationship to the sea. Edgartown Harbor is home to some of the largest and most beautiful sailing yachts I have seen in all my travels.

Date:: 9/2/2000
Time:: 1425 hours
Latitude:: 41 degrees, 28.36 minutes N
Longitude:: 070 degrees, 42.04 minutes west
Bearing:: 078 degrees magnetic
Speed:: 4.8 knots
WindSpeed:: 8 knots
WindDirection:: west
Weather:: hazy hot & humid

Update

Departed New Bedford at 1000 hours, fair current through Quick's Hole; some fog on Vineyard Sound side but soon cleared so we could admire the coastline of the Elizabeth Islands as we head east. Wind has clocked so we're now sailing wing and wing. We may hoist the chute when the crew finishes lunch!

Date:: August 25, 2000
Time:: afternoon and evening
Latitude:: Fall River, MA to Prudence Island, MA
Longitude:
Bearing:
Speed:: 5-8 knots
WindSpeed:: 0-12
WindDirection:: Southwest
Weather:: Warm and Sunny

Update

Today we made a day trip from Fall River to Prudence Island in Narragansett Bay. We brought a couple of bikes on board.

Leaving Fall River at about 1300 hours, we made the entire two-hour trip under power because the wind was too light to sail. We consulted Maptech’s Embassy Guide to find out where to land on the island—sure enough, there was a public landing on the East side, exactly as described, and we off loaded the bikes. Half-a-dozen kids, who were swimming at the landing dock, helped us get the bikes ashore.

I anchored Easy Wind in about 30 feet of water and rowed the inflatable dinghy in to the beach. We then hopped on the bikes and pedaled around the island for a couple of hours.

Prudence Island offers a great destination for anyone that enjoys a natural, unspoiled setting and friendly, welcoming people. There is no commercial tourist business there. As far as we could tell, there is only one store. The storekeeper was very helpful and the prices were low, too. We visited a nature center at the southern tip of the island. They are doing some research there about Narragansett Bay. They exchanged a very adequate map of the island for a 25-cent donation and gave us lots of directions for our bike route.

When we pedaled into the town of Prudence, itself, we found just houses (no stores of any kind) and a beautiful spot to swim. The wind was now freshening on the wide part of the bay and I was wondering how well our anchor was holding. We started back across the island to the boat. Along the way we saw deer, strolling through the lush forested hills. We had been warned about deer tics.

Easy Wind was doing fine on her anchor, but we were ready to head back. The trip home was under sail for most of the way. It got dark half way up Mount Hope Bay and we had to buoy hop back to Battleship Cove in Fall River. Luckily, most of the buoys were lighted.

The next morning, I returned my rental bike and drove back to New London for the night. Tomorrow we visit the Harbor side Festival in Norwich, CT.

Date:: August 9-13
Time:
Latitude:: Fall River, MA
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Update

Easy Wind is docked at Heritage Park helping Fall River Celebrate America. Also helping in this event are tall ships Ernestina and Californian, the historic sloop Providence and a schooner named Serendipity. All visiting from other ports. We are tied up near the Bounty--a vessel built for the film: "Mutiny on the Bounty". Heritage State Park is part of Heritage Cove where you may tour a battleship, a submarine and a destroyer and learn the role these warships had in World War II. During the fireworks, the Battleship fired some of her deck guns--a spectacular response of magnificent fireworks displays.

We met several good friends in Fall River and hope to make this port a regular stop on our annual voyage.

Date:: August 8
Time:
Latitude:: Block Island Sound and Narragansett Bay
Longitude:
Bearing:
Speed:
WindSpeed:: 10-18 knots
WindDirection:: Southwest
Weather:: Hazy early then perfect

Update

Kerry, Sally and I left Block Island around 0930 in hazy conditions. We could see well enough in the harbor, but when we got outside we could only follow the coast. The bouy we were headed for--off the southern tip of B.I. was not visible. Several other boats were headed our way and we could find our waypoint on our G.P.S. Kerry steered while Sally and I set the Spinnaker. We pulled ahead of the other boats. We could not see the Rhode Island shore, but sehhlected a GPS waypoint near Newport and steered for that. Soon the water tower on Point Judith came into view, but Newport was still invisible due to the haze in the mouth of Narragansett Bay.

As we approached Newport Harbor and the bridge over the bay, the haze lifted and we were treated to the sight of many boats, some of them classic old power launches, coming and going from this historic site.

Beyond the bridge were a fleet of old America's Cup 12 Meters. They were racing. All had their mainsails reefed (although the wind was less than 18 knots. They were a sight to behold "Worth the whole trip" according to Kerry.

We reached Fall River at about 1700 hours and tied up at the gas dock of Borden Light Marina. We left the boat there and returned, by van, to New London where Kerry and Sally had left their cars. Passage complete!

Date:: August 5, 2000
Time:: 0900
Latitude:: Fishers Island Sound
Longitude:
Bearing:: East
Speed:: 5 knots
WindSpeed:: 0
WindDirection:
Weather:: fine

Update

Jim, Sally, Kerry and I have gathered in New London for a passage to Block Island. We left at 0700hours to take advantage of the ebb current which flows East in Long Island Sound and Fishers Island Sound. We decide to make the passsage inside Fishers island sound because it's a little more direct and we have a longer time to get pushed by the current.

There is no wind and we are motoring. Near Latimer's Reef our engine quits suddenly--an electrical problem. Although we are still moving along at 3 knots with the current, we can't steer because the rudder has no water passing over it. As a result, we snag a lobster pot bouy which stops our forward progress. After freeing ourselves from the snag, we try the engine again. It starts!

But we have not gone very far when it fails again. This time we launch the inflatable dinghy and tie it along side. We put our Honda 2 hp. outboard on the dinghy and start her up. This "hip tow" from the dinghy is enough to keep us going and, most important, it allows us to steer! As soon as we clear the eastern end of Fisher's island, we begin to get some breeze and we make the rest of the passage by sail. It's a close reach--sailing on a starboard tack about 55 degrees to the left of the wind's eye.

A long parade of boats is streaming West from Block Island where they have spent the weekend. With the help of this line of boats, and our GPS, we head to the entrance of Salt Pond, where we will moor while on Block Island. The entrance into Salt Pond is narrow and we have to share it with the Montauk Point Ferry, coming out just as we are going in. With Sally's steady hand on the helm we groove right up the channel, hugging the red bouys. Now we have to find mooring 62. There are moorings everywhere, but most already have boats. We decide to pick up any vacant mooring, then scout out mooring 62 with the dinghy. While we drop the sails and launch the dinghy,we gaze around at the beautiful harbor, one of Block Island's many unique features. Jim spots mooring #62-- not far from where we have perched.

Shortly afterward we are tied securely to our own mooring and ready to begin our Block Island adventures. We radio the launch for a ride ashore. We say goodby to Jim who has to catch the Ferry back to New London. In spite of our setbacks with the engine, we made good time on our passage and have a day and a half to enjoy this place before heading to Fall River on Tuesday. Kerry knows a lot about Block Island. With Kerry as our guide, we begin our island adventures.

Date:: July 29, 2000
Time:: 1126 hours
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Weather:: partly cloudy, occasional thunderstorms

Update

Greetings from the deck of the Easy Wind.

We are now in New London, resting up from Op Sail 2000 New York and Op Sail 2000 Connecticut. Op Sail introduced us to some 50 new voyagers (many of you will receive this update) who are also contributors to Virtual Voyages, Inc. Thank you all and thanks to our new, dynamic sponsor: Boater's World.

Our next stop on the Festival Circuit is Fall River, Massachusetts. We will participate in "Fall River Celebrates America" from August 9 to 13. Their web site is www.fallrivercelebrates.com . Boater's World Marine Center in Seekonk, MA will schedule short cruises aboard Easy Wind and collect the donations. Contact store manager Ron Cruz at (508)336-0417 to get on board.

Passages between Festival sites are also available on a donation basis. The passage from New London to Fall River will stop at Block Island for a day. This passage has been reserved by the Shaker Village Sailing Association, but other passages are still open. Let me know if you or a group of your friends would be interested. We plan to head for Martha's Vineyard after Fall River. We may also go to Hyannis, MA; Plymouth; and Boston. In September we may be in Maine.

Our web page is undergoing major revision. It will soon be on display. The current web page: www.virtualvoyages.net. will show our whereabouts and help you contact us. We are still seeking youth programs, port cities and sponsors for Voyage 2000 and future educational journeys.

Thank you one and all for your interest and your support.

Sincerely, d.l.

Richard Lathrop Captain s/v Easy Wind

Date:: July 20, 2000
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Update

Over the past 10 days we have worked at Op Sail Connecticut in New London's Thames River.

This meant taking 4-hour sails with families and other groups who came on board to see the tall ships which filled New London's harbor.

The event included a parade of tall ships, a parade of classic and antique boats, sailboat races in dinghys for the crews of the tall ships, and fireworks (on two searate nights).

The Coast Guard Barque Eagle was the leader of the fleet which included ships from many countries, particularly South American nations, Spain, Portugal and Japan.

One of the most impressive "tall ships" in the parade was the Amistad--reproduction of the original Amistad recently completed at Mystic Seaport. The new Amistad docked close to the old customs house in downtown New London--the same customs house (which was almost new) used when the original Amistad arrived 160 years ago.

We visited Mystic Seaport last year while the Amistad was being built. The story of that visit can be found on our "towns" page under "Mystic Seaport".

Check it out.

Thanks to Boater's World, we received over $2,000 in donations from passengers during Op Sail.

We are looking forward to more events with Boater's World.

Date:: July 10
Time:: 1525 hours
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Update

Easy Wind is at a mooring in the Thames River in New London. Arriving yesterday afternoon, we made the passage from NYC in two days: Left 79th Street Boat Basin at 1100hours. Enjoyed a fair tide down the Hudson and up the East River to Long Island Sound. Stopped for the night in New Haven, anchoring just inside the West breakwater as darkness set in. Departed New Haven at 0730 to ride a fair tide most of the way to New London where we arrived at about 1400 hours. Would have arrived earlier, but some of the tall ships were racing up the sound and we took a detour from our route to go watch the race. The winner: Pride of Baltamore which we later saw cross the finish line in the middle of the Thames.

Close behind was a Canadian Boat and the lead changed several times during the race.

It is very beautiful to see these great sailing ships racing. I was quite surprised to see two ships so close to on another in a race as long as this. Three other boats were further back and spread much further apart.

Date:: July 7, 2000
Time:: 1640
Latitude:: NYC
Longitude:: NYC
Bearing:: n/a
Speed:: 0 knots
WindSpeed:: 13
WindDirection:: northwest
Weather:: sunny with cotten-ball clouds

Update

Join the crew of Easy Wind for Connecticut Op Sail in New London. Call Greg Hartmann at Boater's World for a reservation: (860)883-4012 Take part in the passage to New London from New York. Call me on my mobile phone (617)821-8493 to book such passage. We sail tomorrow morning.

Easy Wind is still moored in New York's Hudson River harbor. We are taking daily sails amongst the tall ships. Our crew changes each day. They are people who have called or stopped by a Boater's World store and signed up for a seat. They also make a contribution to our program.

Each trip takes about 4 hours which is what it takes for a leisurely cruise down to the tip of Manhattan and back. Yesterday we went up the East River almost as far as the United Nations, but we had a slow ride back out of the river due to a very strong current.

Date:: Independence Day 2000
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Weather:: Hazy early then perfect

Update

Today Easy Wind and 16 voyagers joined Op Sail in New York Harbor to mingle with Tall Ships and Navy vessels from around the world.

The day began early with Boater's World putting on board snacks, drinks, tee shirts and key chains for all voyagers, plus two pair of really nifty binoculars which allowed us to get even closer to the action.

Next came families who took 4-hour shifts aboard, helping dodge the other boats and identifying the nationalities of the various huge ships anchored in the Hudson. The last item was the world's biggest ever fireworks display--courtesy of Macy's Department Stores.

And it all happens again at Opsail New London next week!

Date:: July 3
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Update

back in NYC for OP SAIL. Thanks to BOATER'S WORLD we have passengers all day tomorrow. We'll see the tall ships close up. Slots aboard are still available other days. If you want one call Boater's World--any store.

My passage down the Hudson was made with the help of Ed Metevier who sailed aboard "tin cans" while in the navy during WWII. He now sails 22 FT. sloop.

WHO CAN WRITE TO ME ABOUT TIN CANS?

Date:: SUNDAY AND MONDAY
Time:
Latitude:: KINGSTON, NY ON ROUNDOUT CREEK
Longitude:
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WindSpeed:: 20 TO 30
WindDirection:: SOUTH
Weather:: VERY NICE WITH OCCASIONAL THUNDERSTORMS

Update

THE HUDSON RIVER MARITIME MUSEUM, KINGSTON, NY

Has the mission to preserve the elements of our maritime heritage and to present that heritage in a vital and interesting manner. Here how they do it.

A current exhibit is called “The Age of Sail”. One gallery features models, photographs and large narrative posters -- a chronicle sailing design from the earliest vessels of European voyages of discovery to the introduction of the steamboat.

A second room focuses on the Hudson and the evolution of the Hudson River Sloop. Part of the Hudson River exhibit is an extensive and detailed piece on the sloop “Experiment” which voyaged from Albany to China and back in 1787-88, a voyage that took 16 months and covered 28,000 miles of open ocean.

Captain Stewart Dean, a Revolutionary War Hero, was the ship’s master. The exhibit shows the route of the voyage and lists the crewmembers, their role on the vessel and the share they received of the proceeds which the voyage produced.

How did this voyage make money? By trade with China, that’s how. Experiment left Albany with American products: turpentine, whisky, etc. and returned with china dishes, tea, silk, and wines from the Far East.

“Experiment” was named after the new nation—which was considered an experiment in those days—and her crew included one African—American listed with the first name of “Blackboy” and the position of “boy” on board. The other “boy” in the ship’s company was white. Both received the same share of the ship’s profits upon their safe and successful return to Albany.

The rest of the museum is devoted to preserving old boats, from canoes to tug boats, all of which had a role in the maritime history of the Hudson.

There is even a lighthouse on exhibit—a real one that still stands at the place where Roundout Creek meets the Hudson. The museum is keeper of this magnificent lighthouse while the U.S. Coast Guard’s automated equipment actually “keeps” the light itself. For $4.00 the visitor gets a round trip boat ride and a guided tour of the lighthouse given by a knowledgeable museum volunteer. This lighthouse too is evolving and the foundation of its predecessor is very evident further inshore—the previous entry to Roundout Creek, now filled with Hudson River Silt.

For the fascinating story of this lighthouse and others on The Hudson, visit The Hudson River Maritime Museum in Kingston, NY. It’s a great place.

Date:: Sunday
Time:: 1000hours
Latitude:: Kingston
Longitude:: Kingston
Bearing:: n/a
Speed:: n/a
WindSpeed:: n/a
WindDirection:: n/a
Weather:: Warm and Sunny

Update

I have been sailing out of Kingston with people I have met here, but we return each night to our berth at the Hudson River Maritime Museum. I am waiting to hear whether there will be people signed up to cruise at Op Sail. Boater's World in Mamaroneck is offering this possibility in their store. If we have interest, we will sail back to NYC for July 3,4,5 and 6.

If anyone reading this log wants to go on Easy Wind to see tall ships in New York Harbor, contact Boater's World or call my cell phone: (617)821-8493.

The Hudson makes great sailing. Strong current, but it flows both ways. You have to be careful at the edges. The river silts up in coves and sheltered areas and it gets shallow quickly. We ran aground yesterday--but we did manage to get ourselves off.

Also visited Saugerties--a really pretty little Harbor 10 miles north of Kingston.

Date:: June 14, 2000
Time:: 1200 hours
Latitude:: 41 degrees, 37.57minutes North
Longitude:: 073 degrees, 57.05 minutes West
Bearing:: 020 degrees magnetic
Speed:: 6.7 knots
WindSpeed:: less than 5 knots
WindDirection:: Northeast
Weather:: scattered showers

Update

We are headed North again on a passage from Peekskill to Poughkeepskie with Dan and Allison, then on to Kingston, solo.

Dan knows a lot about historical events that took place in these waters as well as environmental struggles that had been waged in this region. Did you know that during the Revolutionary War, two chains (at different times) were stretched across the Hudson to prevent British use of the river? Did you know about the stragegic location of West Point Military Academy at a place in the river called "World's End"? How about the story of ANTHONY'S NOSE or the history of BANNERMAN ISLAND? If you do, write about these topics and send it to me on "log qurestions" or through email. We watched an enormous gravel sorting operation at New York State Trap Rock--the point of origin of huge tows of blue barges sliding down the river in front of one tug. (I wonder how they ever stop those loads)

Went on the the Hudson River Museum in Kingston where I have a berth for a week. Thank you Joe Emerson--museum director--for the berth, the ride to the train station, and for your input on the possibilities of Virtual Voyages. In the year 2001 it looks as if Hudson River Museum will be our "Anchor Institution" on the Hudson and we will spend the month of June on the river.

Date:: June 13, 2000
Time:: 1000 hours to 1500 hours
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Weather:: occasional rain

Update

backtracked downriver today to get fuel at Haverstraw Marina, the nearest place deep enough for Easy Wind's keel.

At the marina I meet the captain of a 40 foot sailboat which had been headed for Toranto by way of the Erie Canal. He had stopped in Haverstraw to have his mast lowered and stored on deck for passage under the low bridges that cross the canals. He had just learned, however, that Lock 12 was out of commission and would not be working until the end of June. He planned to sail his boat back to Newport, RI and have it trucked to Toranto. Also at Haverstraw was the sloop Clearwater, taking on a large group of students for a sail and environmental lessons on the Hudson.

Date:: June 11, 2000
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Update

Sunny weekend on Peekskill. Got my on board email up and running. This should made for much quicker log entries in the future. CHECK OUT SHIP’S LOG FOR NEW HAVEN STUDENT WRITING ABOUT THE PASSAGE TO PORT JEFFERSON. ALSO SEE WHAT MRS. DRUCKERS HAD TO SAY ABOUT IT.

Date:: June 9, 2000
Time:: 1300 hours
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Update

Left 79th street Boat Basin as the current turned north and headed for the George Washington Bridge—center span. We were on a broad reach and maintaining 6 knots through the water with mainsail and jib. Our destination is Peekskill, NY, 33miles up the Hudson.

On board is Dan Riesell. He knows a lot about the history of this region and the names of places along the banks. Spuyten Duyvil, for instance is the place where the Harlem River joins the Hudson River. It is named for the last words of a Dutch military man who tried to swim across it way back when. LOG READERS---WRITE ME THE STORY AND I WILL POST IT ON THE QUESTIONS PAGE OF THIS LOG. OTHER HUDSON RIVER STORIES ALSO WELCOMED. DON’T FORGET RIP VAN WINKLE OR SLEEPY HOLLOW (WE SAILED RIGHT PAST IT)

Arrived in Peekskill at about 1730 hours. Dan caught the train back to New York City and Easy Wind is now on a mooring in Peekskill. We plan to make the passage to Kingston on Tuesday.

Date:: June 6-8, 2000
Time:
Latitude:: 40 degrees 42 minutes North
Longitude:: 74 degrees one minute West
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Update

Longitude and Latitude given above are for The Battery, the southern tip of Manhattan Island, New York. This is as far south as we will get on this voyage. Easy wind spent three days on a mooring at the 79th street boat basin where we met the crew from The Lettie B. Howard, South Street Museum’s schooner.

We are looking for schools and programs in NYC to participate in our voyage.

Date:: 6/4
Time:: 1300HOURS TO 1800 HOURS
Latitude:: East River, Hudson River
Longitude:
Bearing:
Speed:: up to 9 knots!
WindSpeed:: 15-20 knots (higher in gusts)
WindDirection:: SOUTHEAST
Weather:: sunny but coolf

Update

fAST PASSAGE THROUGH THE EAST RIVER, SLOW PROGRESS UP THE HUDSON. ALL CAUSE OF THE CURRENT. ALISON, A BATES COLLEGE STUDENT STEERED US FROM CITY ISLAND TO HELL GATE. DAN, AN ENVIRONMENTAL LAWYER AND VVI ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER TRIMMED THE SAILS AND HELPED WITH THE MOORING AT THE 79TH STREET BOAT BASIN.

Date:: June 3, 2000
Time:: 1040 hours
Latitude:: 40degrees, 52.42 minutes North
Longitude:: 073 degrees, 44.21 minutes West
Bearing:: 233degrees magnetic
Speed:: 7.4 knots over the ground (6.8 on knotmeter)
WindSpeed:: 14 knots
WindDirection:: Northwest
Weather:: Clear, Sunny, 75 degrees

Update

passage to City Island from Stamford in consort with Bedouin, owned by Chip Adams and Laura Crawford of Stamford Yacht Club. Steered for the twin towers of the World Trade Center as they rose over the horizon. Used Execution Rock as a waypoint.

On board Easy Wind were K.C., Ryan, and Mike with Kerry and Wayne serving as pilots.

Departed Stamford about 0700 hours and were at the dock at City Island close to 1100 hours. City Island was holding thier annual sail festival so we say several exhotic craft and lots of goodies for sale.

This is the first time we have made a passage with a consort. It added a lot to the trip and we got some good photo ops as well.

Date:: MAY 31 TO JUNE 2000
Time:
Latitude:: STAMFORD, CT
Longitude:: STAMFORD, CT
Bearing:
Speed:
WindSpeed:: LIGHT
WindDirection:
Weather:: EXCELLENT

Update

Sailed on June 1 with third and fifth graders from Rogers Magnet School. They produced great projects on the salinity at various locations and at various times and they related this data to the density of water and salt water--experiments they performed in class. One or two kids took the initiative to test salinity at remote spots--visited by their families on weekends. We saw that factors such as a heavy rain can drastically reduce salinity and that rivers such as the Connecticut, may be nearly fresh for most of their length (in spite of the fact that the tide rises and falls in them), Rogers Magnet School kids also made model boats depicting various tpyes of vessels old and new. I gotg to keep one as a momento--a trim little sloop which reminded me of Easy Wind. Rogers Magnet School students seem to have an exceptionally supportive attitude toward one another which makes it a pleasure to have them aboard. The Stamford Advocate reporter and photographer, who also came aboard, produced an informative article and a great picture in Friday's (June 2) edition. The text of the article is available on www.stamfordadvocate.com for that date. Use "Lathrop" as the key word to search for the article.

Date:: May 30, 2000
Time:: 1007hours
Latitude:: 41 DEGREES, 00.26 minutes NORTH
Longitude:: 073 degrees,29.52 minutes West
Bearing:: 270 magnetic
Speed:: 4.0 knots (sog) 4.6 knots (knot meter)
WindSpeed:: 12-15knots
WindDirection:: East
Weather:: COOL, HIGH CLOUDS

Update

Adrian, Brianna, Christian, Rachael and Samantha with teacher Betty Minson are making the passage from Port Jefferson to Stamford. As soon as we cleared the Port Jefferson breakwater we were met with a fresh breeze and a following sea. This gave us a broad reach to Stamford with big waves and a fair current for most of the way. Learning to steer in the following sea was a challenge, but--starting with Samantha--each crew member mastered it and we made the passage in record time. We never put the main up as we were making great time under jib alone. We kept track of other vessels on the sound from breakwater to breakwater and will be reporting on what we found. This crew had proven to be interested in the sea because of some excellent projects they produced last Thursday back in Port Jefferson when Easy Wind arrived there with a crew from North Haven Middle School. Today they proved to be good sailors and navigators. Hats off to Mrs. Betty Minson, their teacher, (an excellent sailor herself) who gave each student the kind of guidance necessary to gain confidence at the wheel and as a member of the crew. Thanks a million to Cathy VanOstrand in Port Jefferson and to her organization (LISEC) for helping make this Port Jefferson passage such a success. We were given a royal welcome at Stamford where Easy Wind now gets to rest on a mooring till Thursday. Tune in again soon for more on Voyage 2000.

Date:: May 25, 2000
Time:: 1100HOURS
Latitude:: 41DEGREES, 00.8 MINUTES NORTH
Longitude:: 073 degrees,04.59 minutes West
Bearing:: 240 magnetic
Speed:: 5.6 knots
WindSpeed:: 10 to 12 knots
WindDirection:: West (270magnetic)
Weather:: hazy, high clouds--warm and pleasant

Update

Mrs. Drucker's North Haven Middle School science club students have joined me for a passage to Port Jefferson. Dan,Michael, Mike, Dave and Alyssa climbed aboard Easy Wind at 0600 hours (accompanied by their teacher) and have taken on the task of sailing to Port Jefferson--and giving up a day of school to do it! Using Maptech's chart kit they found the pages showing where we were and wanted to go. Using parallel rulers they charted a course. Using the compass they steered the course. And (of course) we checked it all out with our GPS!! When we arrived an Port Jefferson Harbor we found the water temperature to be 58 degrees and the salinity 29 parts per thousand. (this was at 1320 hours) Thanks to Port Jefferson kids and parents we were treated to pizza and soda and an exhibit of sea-related projects ranging from topics in physics (why planes fly and sails drive boats) to history (an inventory of ships made in Port Jefferson).

Thanks to Port Jefferson/Bridgeport Ferry, we got a free ride home to waiting parents, who were happy that we didn't decide to just sail on to Portugal with our newly aquired seamanship skills.

Date:: May 24, continued
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Update

four groups of students from Cold Spring School did some water sampling in the Quinnipiack river today. We were checking for salinity. Early in the day it was close to zero. This is because there was so much rain last night.

The Cold Spring students know lots about life on the river--especially bird life. We had great conversations about the river's industry and the kinds of things we saw along the route. We will see more of Cold Spring Student work on our web site in the future. There are some great scientists and creative writers at this school. One of the latter is named Jean. Jean--if you are reading this, send me some samples of your work.

Other Cold Springers: Do you know the Indian legend about how the Sleeping Giant was formed? Send me the story for this page!

AT 1600 HOURS I PICKED UP ANNE AND THREE OF HER STUDENTS FROM HIGH SCHOOL IN THE COMMUNITY AND WE GOT ABOARD EASY WIND AND MOTORED TO SOUND SCHOOL TO WITNESS THE LAUNCHING OF THE MARGROO. THIS IS A SMALL ROWING VESSEL ADEQUATE TO SERVE AS A TENDER TO AMISTAD WHICH WILL BE COMING TO NEW HAVEN LATER THIS SUMMER. THE BOAT IS NAMED FOR ONE OF THE AMISTAD AFRICANS WHO WAS ONLY A LITTLE GIRL WHEN THEY WERE CAPTURED AND PUT ON TRIAL IN CONNECTICUT. MAGROO GREW UP TO BECOME A TEACHER--RETURNING TO AMERICA AND ATTENDING OBERLIN COLLEGE. HER SON WENT TO YALE. I WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE MORE OF MAGROO'S STORY ON THIS WEB SITE.

SEE THE STORY OF THE AMISTAD ON OUR TOWNS LINK TO MYSTIC SEAPORT.

What did you find in the plankton tow?

Date:: Wed. May 24, 2000
Time:: all day
Latitude:: COLD SPRING SCHOOL
Longitude:: COLD SPRING SCHOOL
Bearing:
Speed:
WindSpeed:
WindDirection:
Weather:: It was pouring buckets at 0530 hours when I awoke,

Update

Date:: Tuesday, May 23, 2000
Time:: 0900 hours to 1500 hours
Latitude:: NEW HAVEN, CT
Longitude:: NEW HAVEN, CT
Bearing:
Speed:
WindSpeed:: 8 knots
WindDirection:: South
Weather:: high clouds

Update

Anne Bartoszuk, a marine biology teacher at High School in the Community has arranged for three groups of five students each to sail with me in New Haven harbor today. We collect water samples for study. We also learn a little about sailing and navigation. Many are on the water for the first time, seeing New Haven from the harbor. The high school students work together nicely, sharing the time at the wheel and asking great questions about this new experience. Anne has selected students who she knew would get a lot out of this opportunity and she chose some great kids. Lexus sees an oyster boat dredging in the harbor. "That is a really nice looking boat" she says--and she is so right--old commercial vessels have a certain style and design that makes them look great--even at age 100!

Date:: Monday, May 22, 2000
Time:: 0830 hours
Latitude:: COLD SPRING SCHOOL
Longitude:: COLD SPRING SCHOOL
Bearing:
Speed:: 0 KNOTS
WindSpeed:: N/A
WindDirection:
Weather:: WET, COLD,

Update

KAREN ZWICK AND I DECIDE TO POSTPONE TODAY'S ACTIVITIES UNTIL WEDNESDAY. JAY, ONE OF HER STUDENTS SHOWS ME THEIR WEB PAGE AND I GET TO SEE THE DUCKLINGS THEY ARE RAISING IN THEIR CLASSROOM.

TODAY IS GOOD WEATHER FOR DUCKS.

AT 5:30 KAREN DRIVES ME TO ESSEX TO FETCH THE VAN.

Date:: Sunday, May 21, 2000
Time:: 1206 hours
Latitude:: 41 DEGREES, 14.35 minutes NORTH
Longitude:: 072 DEGREES, 39.94 MINUTES WEST
Bearing:: 281 magnetic
Speed:: 5.1 knots
WindSpeed:: 8 knots
WindDirection:: East
Weather:: Cloudy, Air temperature: 60

Update

Water temperature: 52 F.

Passage from Essex to New Haven in light air directly astern. The wind direction (always named from the source of the wind--where the wind is coming from--)is East. The current direction (always named from the direction of flow--where the current is going--) is West. So both wind and current have teamed up to push us toward New Haven. Because the current is quite strong--say 2.5 knots--the wind speed we feel on the boat is less that 8. It's about 5.5 knots. This is called "apparent" wind because it is what "appears" to be the case on board Easy Wind. The "true" wind--blowing past a fixed point on the surface is 8 knots.

WE breeze past Falkner Island where a project is under way to protect nesting terns. We breeze past the Thimble islands with interesting rock formations.

We arrive in New Haven in the afternoon and motor under two draw bridges to Talmage Brothers Oyster dock. (we were here a year ago) and tie up for the night.

I launch the inflatable dinghy and motor to City point to check out Schooner, Inc. and the Sound School who will be working with me in New Haven. Meet a couple from West New Haven who take a keen interest in Virtual Voyages and promise to contact me on the internet.. Motoring back at dusk I am "pulled over" by a coast guard boat who ask me if I have seen "anything suspicious". A helicpopter circles overhead. Does anyone know what suspicious thing the coast guard may have been referring to?

Date:
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Update

continued... Good day to be going nowhere--by sea, that is. Here is a sample of some questions I have been receiving. Check out the question mark on this ship's log page to see this and more questions and some attempts to answer them.

Don't hesitate to use the form to register your answers or your opinions on any of these topics. Wesley (grade 5) asks:

Dear Captin Lathrop, Are the waves bigger at night because of the moon? And dose it effect how fast you go? What do you think.

Date:: FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2000
Time:: 1336
Latitude:: Essex, CT
Longitude:: Essex, CT
Bearing:: n/a
Speed:: n/a
WindSpeed:: 0-40 (luckily we are on a mooring)
WindDirection:: n/a
Weather:: BAD

Update

Date:: May 17 and May 18, 2000
Time:: n/a
Latitude:: Essex, CT
Longitude:: Essex, CT
Bearing:: n/a
Speed:: n/a
WindSpeed:: 0-40 (luckily we are on a mooring)
WindDirection:: n/a
Weather:: high winds, thunderstorms, rain, generally miserable

Update

THE CHANDLERY AT ESSEX COMES TO THE RESCUE! Thank you, John Lewis.

Since Easy Wind is neither an “antique” nor a “classic” yacht, she is not entitled to use the floating docks at The Connecticut River Museum—but she could use the fixed piers—at least until the weekend. The fixed pier is a normal dock on pilings and the river rises and falls around it. This means that the lines have to be adjusted every six hours or else they will be too slack at high tide and too tight at low tide.

I had to leave the boat for 24 hours to return to our Boston office, so I needed either a floating dock or a mooring where Easy Wind could ride with the tide on her own. Wandering down Novelty Lane on the Essex waterfront I found The Chandlery at Essex. A chandlery is a store that sells boat supplies, such as line, anchors, and other marine hardware. This chandlery also runs a dock and has a few moorings on the river.

John Lewis, vice-president and General Manager of The Chandlery took an interest in Virtual Voyages, Inc. and offered me a free mooring for a couple of nights. The mooring was floating about 100 yards from the dock and it was equipped with two floats and heavy braided line to attach to the cleat on our bow. (This line attached to chain on the floating part of the mooring and the chain was attached to a gigantic “mushroom” sunken deep in the mud at the bottom of the river. Of course, I didn’t see the chain or the mushroom—they are under water—but this is how moorings are constructed) Judging from the thick braided line, it seemed strong enough to hold a yacht 5 times the size of Easy Wind.

I motored out to the mooring and secured the boat. Thanks to West Marine, I now have an inflatable dinghy (rowboat) which I rowed to shore and tied up to a floating dock near The Chandlery. I jumped into my National Car Rental (donated) van and headed for Boston knowing that Easy Wind was safe and sound.

FOR HELP WITH YOUR MARITIME NEEDS IN ESSEX CALL THE CHANDLERY (860) 767-8267 OR FAX THEM AT (860) 767-0356. THEY HAVE A FULL LINE OF MAPTECH PUBLICATIONS—MAPTECH IS ANOTHER SPONSOR OF Virtual Voyages, Inc.

Date:: MAY 16, 2000
Time:: 0615
Latitude:
Longitude:
Bearing:
Speed:
WindSpeed:: NA
WindDirection:: NA
Weather:: COOL BUT SUNNY

Update

Left the dock at the Connecticut River Museum in Essex, CT for the passage to Hartford. Motored upriver against an unrelenting current arriving in Middletown at about 1130 hours. Phoned Hartford organizers from Middletown to learn that the waterfront was flooded and that no docking space was available as a result. Reluctantly, I turned Easy Wind's bow down river (at about 1400 hours) and arrived back at my berth at the Connecticut River Museum at 1730 hours.

Date:: May 15, 2000
Time:: 0520hours to 0930 hours
Latitude:
Longitude:
Bearing:
Speed:: 7 knots
WindSpeed:: light
WindDirection:: west
Weather:: sunny but cool

Update

Left Thames River in New London at first light. Destination Essex, CT on the Connecticut River. Elapsed time for this passage was about 4 hours, but we could have made it in less. Had to wait at least 30 minutes for the Old Lyme railroad bridge across the Connecticut River.

The most unusual sight on this passage was a deer, swimming across the Thames River less that half a mile from the River's mouth.

The deer was headed toward New London from Groton and it was close to the New London side when I saw it. The river is about a mile wide at that point.

Ran the engine for this entire passage as the wind was very light and dead ahead for most of the way.

For a couple of miles at the mouth of the Connecticut River I unfurled the jib and motorsailed only to roll it up again while waiting for the draw bridge to open.

Date:: CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS DAY
Time:
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Update

AFTERNOON TRIPS WITH GROUPS OF KIDS IN N.L. SCHOOLS AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS.

"INTRODUCTIONS TO SAILING" ABBEY ASKED A GREAT QUESTION: "WHY ARE THE WAVES SMALLER IN COVES AND RIVERS THAN THEY ARE WHEN WE GET OUT INTO THE SOUND?"

WOULD STUDENT VOYAGERS PLEASE SEND IN YOUR ANSWERS TO ABBEY'S QUESTION AND WE WILL PLACE THESE ANSWERS ON OUR WEB PAGE.

Date:: 5/8,9,10/00
Time:: AFTERNOONS AND MORNING
Latitude:: NEW LONDON
Longitude:: NEW LONDON
Bearing:
Speed:
WindSpeed:: EASY WIND IS MAKIING AFTERNOON TRIPS IN NEW LONDON HARBOR
WindDirection:
Weather:

Update

Date:: May 6, 2000
Time:: 1500 HOURS
Latitude:: 41 DEGREES, 31.37 minutes NORTH
Longitude:: 072 DEGREES, 04.76MINUTES WEST
Bearing:: n/a
Speed:: n/a
WindSpeed:: 12-15knots
WindDirection:: South
Weather:: high clouds

Update

We are tied to the Gas Dock at a beautiful new marina. The water we are floating in is fresh! We tasted it and tested it with our salinity tester: Zero Salt.

WHERE ARE WE AND WHY IS THIS WATER FRESH???

1600 hours Latitude: 41degrees 26.57minutes North Half way home. Salinity: 7 parts per thousand.

WHAT BODY OF WATER ARE WE NAVIGATING?

Date:: May 6, 2000
Time:: 1030 hours
Latitude:: New London, CT
Longitude:: New London, CT
Bearing:: North
Speed:: 5 knots
WindSpeed:: less than 10 knots
WindDirection:: South
Weather:: High clouds and a little cool

Update

We are making a day's excursion up the Thames River to Norwich, Ct. On board are Mr. Sam, Curtis and Ramell. Mr.Sam and Ramell are new to sailing, Curtis has sailed in New London's Community Boating program and at Mystic Seaport.

Date:: May 1, 2000
Time:
Latitude:
Longitude:
Bearing:: Southwest then due west
Speed:
WindSpeed:: 20-25 knots
WindDirection:: southwest
Weather:: cold and windy, seas rough

Update

This turned out to be a singlehanded passage--dawn to dusk. I began in New Bedford, MA and ended in New London, CT. Stopped for about an hour in Point Judith, RI for gas. Wind was "on the nose" most of the way and I dealt with it by unfurling the jib just enough to reach the mast and trimming it in very tight. Didn't use the main at all. With the jib strapped in I could motorsail at 5-7 knots and hold the rhumbline between waypoints--conditions necessary to reaching my destination before nightfall. (Last year we made this same passage in two days with a stop at Newport, RI--see last year's log entry.)

Date:: April 30, 2000
Time:: 1500 HOURS (continued from previous entry)
Latitude:: 41 DEGREES, 35.04 NORTH
Longitude:: 070 DEGREES, 48.62 minutes West
Bearing:: 205 magnetic
Speed:: 4.8 knots
WindSpeed:: 15 knots
WindDirection:: NORTH
Weather:: mixed sun and clouds

Update

Salinity near east entrance of Cape Cod Canal: 29 parts per million.

Date:: April 30, 2000
Time:: 1500 HOURS
Latitude:: 41 DEGREES, 35.04 NORTH
Longitude:: 070 DEGREES, 48.62
Bearing:
Speed:
WindSpeed:
WindDirection:
Weather:

Update

Date:: April 30, 2000
Time:: 1000 hours
Latitude:: 41DEGREES, 53.92 MINUTES NORTH
Longitude:: 070 DEGREES, 29.77MINUTES WEST
Bearing:: 180 MAGNETIC
Speed:: 4.5 KNOTS
WindSpeed:: 15 KNOTS
WindDirection:: NORTH
Weather:: COUDY

Update

HIGH WINDS ARE PREDICTED TODAY. THERE ARE ONLY TWO CREW MEMBERS ON BOARD FOR THE PASSAGE FROM PLYMOUTH TO NEW BEDFORD--TONY lATHROP (SON) AND ME. OUR GOAL IS TO GET THROUGH THE CAPE COD CANAL BY 1330 HOURS. THAT IS WHEN THE CURRENT BEGINS RUNNING FROM WEST TO EAST IN THE CANAL.

Date:: April 29, 2000
Time:: 1237 hours
Latitude:: 42degrees 03.70minutes
Longitude:: 70degrees 36.29minutes West
Bearing:: bound for Plymouth
Speed:: 5 knots under sail
WindSpeed:: 10 knots
WindDirection:: Northeast
Weather:: high clouds

Update

Saw a loon, which dived when we approached. Saw tons of comorants and half-a-dozen lobster boats. When we get in, Amy plans to go directly to a restaurant and order a lobster. Tried our new thermometer (thanks Schooner, Inc.) it reads 11 celsius

Eugenia, an egar and avid learner, is taking a strong leadership role on this voyage.

Date:: April 29, 2000
Time:: 1237 hours
Latitude:: 42degrees 03.70minutes
Longitude:: 7
Bearing:
Speed:
WindSpeed:
WindDirection:
Weather:

Update

Date:: April 29, 2000
Time:: 1000 hours
Latitude:: 42degrees 16.20minutes North
Longitude:: 70degrees 44.73minutes West
Bearing:: headed for Plymouth
Speed:: 5 knots under sail
WindSpeed:: 10 knots
WindDirection:: Northeast
Weather:: high clouds

Update

Jorgeane, Aisling, Randell, Valerie and Eugena are the sailor/reporters for this first leg. All Harbor School students who attend Citizen Schools after-school program in their building, they have earned this job by filling out a form explaining their interest in joining the crew and their previous boating experience. Teachers selected the best candidates from those that applied. Once selected each came out for two days of practice during vacation week (some came for three)

We have seen a pilot boat on duty in the harbor and we passed a gigantic container ship. Valerie explained where container ships dock and pointed out the cranes. We also got a close-up look at several key Boston Harbor islands and some of the stories that go with them. For instance, does anyone know the story of Nix's Mate? (if so, send it in)

Date:: April 29, 2000
Time:: 0808 hours
Latitude:: 42
Longitude:
Bearing:
Speed:
WindSpeed:
WindDirection:
Weather:

Update

Date:: April 29, 2000
Time:: 0644
Latitude:: 42degrees 19.10minutes North
Longitude:: 070degreees 53.16minutes West
Bearing:
Speed:: 5-6 knots under power
WindSpeed:: less than 5 knots
WindDirection:: northeast
Weather:: clear, sunny5

Update

Voyage 2000 is under way at last ! Departure date two weeks delayed due to school vacation and bad weather. Today is beautiful--worth the wait. On board are 5 Citizen Schools sailors and two teacher. All arrived at the dock right on time for the early departure.

Date:: APRIL 20, 2000
Time:: 0900hours to 1200hours
Latitude:: Boston
Longitude:: Boston
Bearing:
Speed:: 2 TO 7 KNOTS
WindSpeed:: LESS THAN 10 KNOTS
WindDirection:: Northeast
Weather:: COOL, HIGH CLOUDS

Update

Max joined the practice session today for the first time. Georgene and Ashlene showed him the boat and how to put on a safety harness.

We left the dock in East Boston and motored across Boston's Inner Harbor to Rowes Wharf where we tied up for half an hour. I had some boat-related business to do and Amy (teacher) and the sailors walked up to Citizen Schools' new offices in the Childrens' Museum to greet Sarah (another teacher). It was fun to be right in the heart of Boston in a boat. From the lawyer's office on the seventh floor of Rowes Wharf I could look down and see Easy Wind just down the dock from Sir Chay Blythe's BT Global Challenge Ocean Racer. All surrounded by well dressed men and women walking back and forth to their business appointments. Rowes Wharf might become the boat's home home Wharf in Boston from November to April when we return from this year's voyage. Thank you Peter Shields, general manager.

From there we headed out the main channel and raised the sails. Each of the kids took a turn at the wheel, but Max steered the most on the way out. We talked about the Harbor Islands, particularly Spectacle Island, Thompson Island and Deer Island--all plainly visible from the boat.

When we turned to head back, we sailied upwind for a few tacks to give Georgena a chance to steer at a new level--steering by the jib telltales. She caught on fast and kept the boat in the groove nicely. At about 1130 hours, we turned on the engine and hurried back to the dock.

It is great to see how well these students work together in this setting. They also are remembering a lot of new terms and are really making an effort to use them correctly.

We are ready to make our passage to Plymouth--but we have to wait for a window in the weather.

Date:: April 18, 2000
Time:: am
Latitude:: Boston
Longitude:: Boston
Bearing:
Speed:: 5-8 knots
WindSpeed:: 15-20 knots (higher in gusts)
WindDirection:: Northeast
Weather:: Light rain, then sunny periods, cool, windy

Update

Four Harbor School sixth graders and two Citizen Schools teachers practiced today for our passage to Plymouth. Georgena and Ashlene were sailing for the first time. Rondell and Gennena were great at explaining the things they had learned aboard the boat yesterday.

Stiff breezes kept us confined to the inner harbor. Still, we did set the main (double reefed) and were able to use a small section of the jib too. In addition to tacking and gybing, we also managed to do a "man overboard" drill which went very well.

It was fun to think that exactly 225 years ago today (according to Longfellow) Paul Revere rowed his boat across this very same body of water from Boston to Charlestown--the first leg of his famous ride. We could see the steeple of the Old North Church quite clearly from the boat (but we couldn't quite make out whether we saw one lantern or two hanging in the belfry tower).

What are some of the changes in Boston over these 225 years?

What has remained the same?

Date:: April 17, 2000
Time:: 0900hours to 1200hours
Latitude:: Boston
Longitude:
Bearing:
Speed:
WindSpeed:: 15-20 knots
WindDirection:: Northeast
Weather:: high clouds

Update

Four Harbor School students and two Citizen Schools teachers aboard practicing for our passage to Plymouth coming up this weekend.

Sailed with reefed jib in inner harbor with gusty Northeasterly building.

Students caught on fast to steering and handling jib sheets in a tack.

By the end of the morning most of them could predict our new course for each tack as we beat back to the dock.

Great time all around.

Date:: April 16, 2000
Time:: 1230 to 1600 hours
Latitude:
Longitude:
Bearing:
Speed:: maximum under sail: 7.5 knots
WindSpeed:: 5 to 15 knots
WindDirection:: East
Weather:: Pafrtly Cloudy and cool

Update

Easy Wind sailed in Boston Harbor this afternoon from 1230 to 1600 hours. On board were four teachers and a guest from Citizen Schools. This was a shakedown voyage to prepare for the passage to Plymouth scheduled for next Saturday.

Date:: APRIL 1, 2000
Time:
Latitude:: COLD SPRING SCHOOL
Longitude:: NEW HAVEN, CT
Bearing:
Speed:
WindSpeed:
WindDirection:
Weather:: TRY, TRY AGAIN, TO POST THE WHOLE THING

Update

Dear Dick, On your website you asked to know about East Rock. Here is what we found out.

ABOUT EAST ROCK AND ITS SURROUNDING RIDGES

By Deepa & Hannah

East Rock was formed in the time when an enormous glacier covered the state of Connecticut. As the glacier melted, it receded to the north. As it did, it scraped off soft rock such as sandstone and shale. East and West Rock are made of basalt, or traprock. Basalt is a hard rock, and the glacier could not lift it. Instead, it scraped the rock around it. The ridges of hard rock left formed Sleeping Giant, West Rock, East Rock, and other hills and ridges.

Best regards from Karen Zwick's fourth and fifth grade students

Date:: MARCH 25 (OR SO), 2000
Time:
Latitude:: NEW HAVEN, CT
Longitude:
Bearing:
Speed:
WindSpeed:
WindDirection:
Weather:

Update

Dear Dick, On your website you asked to know about East Rock. Here is what we found out.

ABOUT EAST ROCK AND ITS SURROUNDING RIDGES

By Deepa & Hannah

Best regards from Karen Zwick's fourth and fifth grade students

LAND FORMS IN CONNECTICUT SHAPED BY THE GLACIER. WHY ARE THOSE CLIFFS SO RED???

Date:: Feb 17
Time:: 1515hours
Latitude:
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Update

Today on the way home from the South Shore Charter school, Marissa, my Mom Re, and I saw a little harbor seal attempting to get to the crack in the ice in the harbor in Hull. We watched as it ponderously flopped across the ice. The time was approximately 3:15 PM. It was definitely a sight to remember.

Sincerely, Stevie Delorey Marissa Ree

Date:: Feb 11, 2000
Time:: 1536hours
Latitude:
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Update

RECEIVED THE MESSAGE BELOW BY EMAIL TODAY. WHAT IS YOUR BEST GUESS AS TO THE COUNTRY, STATE (OR PROVINCE), TOWN, AND BODY OF WATER WHERE THIS SEAL WAS SIGHTED.

SEND IT IN AND WE'LL POST YOUR GUESSES. PRIZE FOR THE WINNER!!! "...am looking out the window at a seal that has hauled up on an abandoned dock section that we tied off to the old pier to keep it out of harm's way in the harbor. First seal we have seen this winter. Unfortunately the reason he is here seems to be that he (or she?) has a wound on his abdomen. We've talked to the Aquarium ...."

Date:: FEBRUARY 10, 2000
Time:: ALL DAY
Latitude:
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Update

Dana Jensen / The Day The African black-footed penguins acquired by the Mystic Aquarium met for the first time Wednesday. The male stands atop the hut that the penguins will use as their nest.

Aquarium’s newest couple hits it off

By JOE WOJTAS Day Staff Writer

There were no soft lights, no romantic music, no red wine.

Instead, on their first date they stood on a cold tile floor waiting for a doctor to take a blood sample and examine their feet. A large group of television and newspaper reporters recorded their every move.

"We didn’t expect love at first sight. They have to get introduced and spend some quality time together," Gayle Sirpenski, an animal management specialist, said of Mystic Aquarium’s two African black-footed penguins that met for the first time Wednesday afternoon.

After a plane ride from the Baltimore Zoo to T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, R.I., the 6-year-old female penguin was driven to the aquarium. Waiting for her was a 6-year-old male that arrived last month from the Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, N.Y.

The pair has been brought together to breed because of the high degree of their genetic diversity. They were chosen from among 561 penguins in 38 North American zoos and aquariums. The institutions, including the Mystic facility, run a national Species Survival Plan, which decides which of

the prolific animals should breed based on their genetic makeup and the availability of space.

While wild populations are diverse, those kept in captivity can lose that diversity over time, potentially causing health problems for the animals.

The male penguin, which is being called green-yellow because of the identification band on its wing, is the offspring of wild penguins and is the fifth-ranked penguin in the plan. The female, known as green-green, is 14th among the females.

The birds, which will soon be named by the aquarists who work with them, are "genetically very valuable," said Sirpenski, who is part of the plan’s management committee. She said the aquarium was chosen to house the penguins because it has raised 13 chicks and has the necessary space.

The population of African black-footed penguins has declined from 1 million in the 1920s to just over 100,000 today. They are classified as a vulnerable species, which means there is a 10 percent chance they will become extinct in the next 100 years.

On Wednesday, the two crates that held the penguins were placed in a small enclosure in the examining room of the aquarium’s Aquatic Animal Study Center. When the doors were opened, the male quickly waddled over to the female’s crate. She stuck her head out to look around but was hesitant to come out. A few moments later, she walked out and joined the male.

At first, the pair seemed more interested in looking out the glass window of a door than at each other. But they soon started following each other around, occasionally stopping to look up at the television cameras and lights. When the female was reluctant to follow the male inside a small plastic enclosure, aquarist Missy Ennis told her, "You’re supposed to go in there together."

Initially, the two penguins will be kept apart from the aquarium’s other penguins so they’ll have a chance to bond. Penguins mate for life unless they are separated. If that happens, they seek out a new mate.

During their time alone, they will live in a small hut and mark off their territory in the enclosure. After that bonding period, they will join the other penguins.

"It doesn’t take much to encourage them to breed. If you keep them isolated with each other, instincts take over," Sirpenski said. "They’re so prolific they’ll choose whatever mate is available. We won’t give them any other choice."

The elaborate courtship ritual, which includes donkey-like braying, takes place one to two months after they meet. They also dig nests together.

The female penguin lays two eggs at a time. The aquarium expects the pair to have four chicks over the next two years.

Once the eggs are laid, each parent takes turns sitting on them during the 38- to 42-day incubation period. When the eggs hatch, both parents feed the chicks.

Since neither of the penguins has been a parent before, one of the eggs may be given to an experienced foster parent to tend. The aquarium will share the juvenile penguins with the institutions that supplied the parents.

After the reporters and cameras left Thursday, the penguins were soon sitting on Ennis’ lap with an aquarium penguin that is used to being handled. But the two new penguins, not accustomed to being handled, fought to get away from Ennis and senior aquarist Laurie Macha, who held them as veterinarian Carrie Goertz drew blood from them.

Sirpenski said the penguins were doing well after Thursday’s meeting. They did not exhibit aggressiveness or appear to be afraid of each other.

"But we didn’t expect them to duck off together right away, either," she said.

To send an e-mail to Joe Wojtas, write to J.Wojtas@newlondonday.com.

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Update

January 17, 2000

Plans for Voyage 2000 are under way. Contact us. Get involved.

Expanded Board of Directors / New Advisory Board / New Sponsors / New Potential Port Cities

We are very proud of our 5- member Board of Directors: Mary-Anne Agresti, Boston Anthony Lathrop, Jamacia Plain Richard Lathrop, Boston Charles B. McLane, Maine, New Hampshire Heidi Watts, New Hampshire, Nova Scotia, India

We also are in the process of establishing an Advisory Board:

Dan Riesel, Lawyer Lilla McLane-Bradley, fund raiser Jane Mather, Business Practices New Sponsors and Contributors THANK YOU:

American Honda Marine West Marine The Conservation and Research Foundation The New Found Fund Charles B. McLane

New Potential Port Cities:

Greenport, NY Port Jefferson, NY

We need volunteer help with our web page, with fund raising and lining up port cities for involvement in Voyage 2000. Contact us to volunteer (617) 536-1343 or use our email link.

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SHIP'S LOG
2006 | 2005 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999