Club Beneteau Cheapeake Bay (CB2) BOLD Trip to Newport
Six Beneteau's sailed to Nantucket
On the way there, it rained just a bucket
Martha's Vineyard and Newport
Our stays there were too short
New England was our oyster, we shucked it.
Oaks Bluff Harbor in Martha’s Vineyard, one of the picturesque stops during the BOLD trip.
Every season, the members of Club Beneteau Chesapeake bay (CB2) embark on a major sailing excursion to new and challenging destinations. Recent trips have included Delmarva circumnavigation, the Southern Bay Rally and the ICW Carolina Loop to name but a few. This season was no different with a 2 week tour of Newport, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Six boats - Anneliese, Beverly, Bleu Flue, Equinox, Force 4 and Sails Call - rendezvoused at Summit North Marina Friday evening July 11th on the C&D Canal to stage for a Saturday morning departure.
Once all fuel, water, provisioning and safety checks were complete, the flotilla headed out to the Delaware Bay for the trip to the Atlantic. Although a bit choppy, the bay was relatively docile and Neptune granted us an uneventful passage south. We rounded Cape May at dusk and were greeted with July's full super moon. With 15 knot winds out of the southeast, sails went up, a waypoint was set to the west side of Block Island and the crews settled into their watches for the voyage. Sea turtles and dolphins joined us for welcome visits along the way. After the first 24 hours, the wind began to pick up to a steady 20+ knots. With seas up to 6-8 feet and gusts bumping up to 30 knots at our backs, the ride got pretty exciting. Hourly checks throughout the evening ensured the crews and their boats were all safe, confident and in control.
Jessica Zebleckes checking out the rigging before heading out.
At 6 AM Monday morning, 44 hours and 290 nautical miles after departing Summit, we all arrive safely in Newport, RI. Crews, tired and hungry, secured their boats and made way to nearest "greasy spoon" for a hearty breakfast. After a few days of sightseeing (brewery and distillery included) and lobsters, we were off to Martha's Vineyard. A great sail (dodging the odd ferryboat) landed us in Oak Bluffs on the west side of the island. More exploring (Edgartown, Vineyard Haven, and Chappaquiddick) and lobster continued to keep us occupied for a few days. Leaving Oak Bluffs Sunday morning, the next stop would be Nantucket. Another great sail put us into Nantucket Harbor just before the rain began. A wet first evening made for a restful pause from the hectic pace we had been keeping on the trip so far. As soon as the sun peeked through the clouds, the exploring continued. The whaling museum was a favorite for both young and old. More lobsters, scooters, local toggeries, island excursions and breweries (of course) kept everyone busy. But alas, all good things must come to an end. Not for Equinox however and their recently retired owners Al and Sue Nahmias. They stayed on for the remainder of the summer and will be returning in September. New crew joined us in Nantucket for the long trip south.
Thursday morning, fueled and ready to go with new crews that joined over the previous few days, the flotilla departed Nantucket Harbor for the long trip home. Our weather window worked well as 12 knot winds clocked from the north about 4 hrs into the trip and stayed with us until we approached Cape May. Not as strong as the trip north, we motor sailed most of the way (6 knot rule) in rolling but calm seas. Thirty-six hours into the return leg, Sails Call, Bleu Flue and Force 4 ducked into Cape May for a bit of R&R while Anneliese and Beverly pressed on to Summit. Notus, the south wind god, blessed us with a 15 knot wind pushed us up the Delaware Bay.
Robert Wuyts on Force Four navigating the Delaware Bay.
Between Saturday and Sunday July 26/27, 15 days and about 800 nautical miles after the start of our journey, all boats and crews made it safely back to their home ports. Many new friends were made along the way. Some fantastic offshore sailing and tidal planning while in New England continued to develop the skills and confidence of the skippers and their crews. In Club Beneteau Chesapeake Bay, we call these excursions "BOLD" trips - Beneteau Owners Living the Dream. Our trip certainly lived up to this expectation. Now, what's on the docket for next year?!?!
~by Joe Zebleckes
