LI Rendezvous - 2012

[Alex F]

Oh well, I guess the weather can't always be on our side so it was sightly different adventure on the way from Newport to Mystic. We left the mooring and came by Newport marina where Larry, Paul and Kevin stayed. This was the time to say good bye and officially end our rendezvous. They were staying in Newport for an extra day and had different port on the way home.

We're now off to Mystic. As we left Newport harbor the wind was picking up. Our direction was directly into the wind and when we entered the sound we had constant 4'-5' or greater chop. We took some nice spray on the bridge. I had to go slow, about 18kts until we turned west. At that point the ride was a little better and I was able to maintain my regular cruising speed. However, looking at my sat weather we weren't too happy as we were heading into the storm. The wind gust was reported up to almost 60MPH. In the pic I can only see 56MPH (it's high enough to be concerned).




This was one if those ROI (return on investment) moments when I was using my Satellite Weather for trip planning. According the the way the storm was moving I saw that we had decent amount of time to get to Mystic Seaport. So, it actually worked out well. However, I didn't count on being stuck for about 40min for two bridge openings. The railroad bridge opens on demand and I remember from the last year that it wasn't an issue. We just had to way for couple of trains go by and then the bridge would open up. But, Mystic Hwy bridge is a totally different animal. Apparently, it opens up 40min on the hour (1:40, 2:40, 3:40...etc.). So, we had to wait for about 20-25 min, which is not too bad considering that if we would come at 45min, that would stink big time. In any event, we got to the slip just when the storm was approaching. Other than getting a little wet while tying up I'd say that we still did very well to beat the storm.

Few pix from Mystic:



A small remote controlled sailboats are having a race.







When we went for a dinghy ride we happened to catch an art festival, which was pretty interesting to see and get some ideas of our home decor projects.




Our favorite restaurant in the area "S & P Oysters"



Next port is Watch Hill ....to be continued....

 

[tdschafer]

As always, great pics Alex! That pic of the approaching weather looks pretty scary to me!! Glad you guys made it safe!

 

[Alex F]

Thanks Todd. When I texted Larry that I see close to 60MPH wind reports he thought that there was something wrong with his phone and asked for confirmation. As most have herd later on LI North Shore had tornado touchdown with winds around 85MPH. Considering LI case I'll take 56mph.....

While tied up the boat was banging against the pilings pretty hard. The wind was hitting the stbd side, which was exposed. But it wasn't too bad, so I guess we got somewhat lucky.

 

[tdschafer]

True! A tornado hit Bohemia which is closer to the south shore a little west of Port Jeff. Some house and tree damage but, no injuries.

 

[Russ Calasant]

Well, we made it back to Mystic by 4pm having left MV at 11:15. As we rounded the island we were exposed to some aggressive water averaging 6'-8' with some larger waves sprinkled in to keep us on our toes. Luckily they were well spaced. Coming out of the southwest we were exposed most of the way but they did lay down a bit the further west we got. Sad that vacation is over but already planned a trip back to Block this next weekend! I want to thank all that participated/attended and made it possible in Montauk and also the shenanigans on Block- we had a lot of fun (and Steve on MV). An unfortunate sign that we are on the downhill summer slide.

 

[tdschafer]

.......Todd, I only wish the was true my friend...............Truth is....if I never put money into stocks, I have even a bigger boat!....

I hear that Steve! I was just joking around. My caption just seemed to fit so well with your pose. Wishful thinking I guess!! LOL

 

[Alex F]

..... As we rounded the island we were exposed to some aggressive water averaging 6'-8' with some larger waves sprinkled in to keep us on our toes. Luckily they were well spaced.....

Russ, I guess this is your ROI in regards to having the bigger boat. Now 4'-5'ers feels like just another bumpy ride....:grin:

 

[Alex F]

It's unfortunate, but our LI Rendezvous 2012 officially came to the end. All I can say is that we had wonderful time and enjoyed every minute of the getaway with a group of such great people. I want to thank everyone who were able to make the trip and I hope that this is just a beginning of our new type of rendezvous which turned out to be a CSR Getaway filled with number of great destinations.

Here are the pix of all who made it (please let me know if I missed anyone who came by boat or by other type of transportation):















Special thanks to Rich for accommodating the gang and letting us use the truck to get around the Block.



Todd, you did it man. Despite all the mishaps you made it to Block. I hope your crew can see all the beauty boating and especially our rendezvous have to offer and will be more supportive in the future.

 

[Russ Calasant]

Nice Alex, thank you for all your efforts and organizational skills. This year was really much more than a rendezvous it was an expedition of sorts, not soon forgotten.
Did you arrive home today?

 

[Alex F]

No kidding, Russ. This getaway will be in our memories for many-many years.

Arrived home? Inspiration is my home, well....at least the summer home. We're still in the CT/LI area until the end of our extended vacation. I had a chance to meet Sekhar and his family yesterday at WH.

I'm glad you made it home safe and sound.

 

[Larry]

Nice Alex, thank you for all your efforts and organizational skills. This year was really much more than a rendezvous it was an expedition of sorts, not soon forgotten.
Did you arrive home today?

Russ, I think Alex likes playing in "our playground"!:smt043

All kidding aside, great job Alex as usual! I think everyone who joined had a great time!:smt038

 

[Alex F]

With the kind of hospitality you guys provide I think about extending my "play time in your sandbox"....LOL......It's your fault I keep coming back.:grin: :thumbsup:

 

[Russ Calasant]

No kidding, Russ. This getaway will be in our memories for many-many years.

Arrived home? Inspiration is my home, well....at least the summer home. We're still in the CT/LI area until the end of our extended vacation. I had a chance to meet Sekhar and his family yesterday at WH.

I'm glad you made it home safe and sound.

Awesome! How did that happen? Are you still here in the area? (Mystic)

 

[Russ Calasant]

Russ, I think Alex likes playing in "our playground"!:smt043

All kidding aside, great job Alex as usual! I think everyone who joined had a great time!:smt038

He definitely does, it's an Alex invasion- let's hope it's not a hostile takeover and the rest of those NJ guys dont get the same idea

 

[cod]

He definitely does, it's an Alex invasion- let's hope it's not a hostile takeover and the rest of those NJ guys dont get the same idea

Russ, should I be mounting canons on my boat? We also have all those submarines out of New London Ct. that would probably enjoy using their torpedos!

 

[Russ Calasant]

Steve, I already alerted those guys at the sub base in Groton - they are on the look out!

 

[Alex F]

Russ, should I be mounting canons on my boat? We also have all those submarines out of New London Ct. that would probably enjoy using their torpedos!

I think I just made new friends, so you better watch it, buddy.

 

[tdschafer]

I think I just made new friends, so you better watch it, buddy.

Is that Sea Tow pulling him back in? Not very intimidating Alex! :smt043

 

[Alex F]

Is that Sea Tow pulling him back in? Not very intimidating Alex! :smt043

Todd, it all depends on the angle you're looking at. When this thing is heading dead on you with two CG boats, one on each side, the intimidation factor changes dramatically. Just in case, I made sure there was another boat closer to them than I was....LOL

 

[tdschafer]

I hear you Alex. After I purchased my boat from Robert in Feb. '09, I returned in April and he ran it back to LI with me & my brother. As we passed Jones inlet about a mile or 2 out a CG Cutter was heading in toward the inlet. I asked Robert if I should accelerate and pass in front as it appeared I had enough time, even though I was the stand down boat. He looked at me like I was crazy and asked if I was serious. He said "First of all that thing is moving alot faster than it looks. The second thing is, Do you see the guys sitting behind those BIG guns on the deck? Do you really want to get them excited?" I didn't need to give it further thought. I slowed down and went behind them!