sailing-nomad

[sailing-nomad]

This year, we took down the mast. I believe it is the first time in 19 years that the mast had come down. It went very well.

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A great evening with Cheryl and Ricardo, Roger, Isaac, Elise, Glenn & Irene

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Cruise to ABYC

This past long weekend, we joined the club cruise to the beaches. Wind was light on Saturday, but enough to keep us moving with full sails, and comfortable temperatures. On land the temperature was very hot, so though it took nearly all day, we figured it was the best place to be. There were about 18 boats in the fleet and I think we were just about the last ones in. We all meet up to eat down at the point, where the was a large tent, bbq and tables for us to use. Having had a full day, we retired fairly early.

Sunday afternoon, Nomad, Benaddiction and ElDorado II, with a bunch of people on each boat, went out towards the beach and dropped anchor. We were close enough to swim back and forth, but not too close to bump. It was great fun, and kept us cool. Once we were water logged, we pulled up anchor. Nomad went for a little sail to finish off an afternoon of water play. Mark, Shernaz and Stu were on board.

Monday morning, we left in good time as there was thunderstorms in the making, as could be expected with such hot weather. Lori and Kyle were also on a club cruise to Bluffers, do we decided to sail yours then on their return to Oakville, in hopes of intercepting then. They had left about 20 minutes before us and we're sailing close hauled, straight South. We eventually met them and tacked over to sail along side for a while. It was really great to see these two on the water with their beautiful Viking 34- they have done a fantastic good of cleaning her up and she looks amazing. Kyle and Lori looked pretty happy too!!

We parted ways and jibed back towards our home port. Wind was about 10-12 knots WSW, with the waves similar, but not quite on the transom, making a wing on wing sail particularly tiresome, having to focus do closely. Eventually we decided to sail further east, giving us a little more sensation of breeze, on a broad reach. As we neared the power plant, the sky was really starting to look dark towards the West, so we took down the sails and motored home the rest of the way. Both Jeff and I felt that we had a little too much heat. Despite this, it was a fun weekend!

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Sailing into the sunset with Isaac and Elise in a beautiful dinner evening - not much wind but still a nice way to end the week

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Club cruise to RCYC

RCYC happens to be one of our favourite destinations, so we were delighted to finally be able to take Cheryl & Ricardo along with us on a little destination sailing adventure this past weekend.  They arrived at the club in good time Friday afternoon, and our original plan was to head to the Bluffs for Friday night.  Weather however did not cooperate, and the water was very lumpy was the word from boats returning, after attempting the same plan as ours.

Instead, we decided to just get settled, and enjoy the evening from our own slip.  We made some GT’s and shortly after Brent came by so we invited him aboard, and made the necessary introductions.  Since Brent was waiting for him kids to arrive, to depart for Camelot, he stayed and visited.  Not long afterward, Kevin stopped, as well as Jeff, and then Sam.  We had a real party going by the time Graydon & Aubrey arrived.  They ordered pizza, which they offered to share with us, even though we had plans to BBQ some salmon.  It was a fun night of visiting, and laughing.  (Eventually, the winds settled, allowing Brent, Aubrey & Graydon a window to leave.  They were planning to sail all the way, through the night, and would arrive the next evening.)  

Saturday morning, we got up quite early, and headed out.  The wind was coming from the south west, about 8-10 kts.  We headed south towards Niagara for a few miles, and then tacked over.  We did about 4-5 taks, making decent speed, with some heeling.  Although it was a fun sail, it was not as relaxing as some.  We arrived at RCYC by about 1 pm.  We toured the grounds briefly, then went to the commodore’s reception under the big huge cotton wood tree.  We had a nice time visiting and mingling.  Then we all went to shower/get ready for dinner on the big verandah.  We joined Sam, Christina, Ethan, Gabriella, Jeff & Alex.  It was a fun evening.  Others had invited us to join them at QCYC to listen to a live band, but by the time we were done eating, we were too tired to make the walk over.

The morning was a relaxing one.  We had coffee and signature french toast.   Ricardo & Jeff worked at trying to clear the weed balls around the boat.  It didn’t take long for the engine to sound strange, and blow white smoke.  Once out fo the RCYC entrance, we raised the sails, and left the harbour.  Once outside the channel, we dropped an anchor and pulled out the fins and mask.  Jeff jumped in and was able to see the ball of weeds around the prop, and the intake.  Once cleared, the Yanmar ran perfectly again.  

We sailed out to the end of the spit, then tacked and sailed all the way home.  It was a very relaxing sail - 4-5 kts speed, and very comfortable.  Perfect temperature, lots of sunshine, and a couple of weather systems that we watched pass over Scaborough/Whitby, and another that sort of chased us home.  Thankfully, we arrived back at FBYC without any drama.  We went straight to the pump out, and were docked when the rain and wind started.  We all pitched in to help the other boats that were arriving, just as the storm hit.  

Once all the boats were safely tied up, we had one last toast to a great weekend, and then parted ways.  

[sailing-nomad]

Great weekend with Cheryl & Ricardo to Toronto’s RCYC on a club cruise

[sailing-nomad]

The last legs

Thursday, July 19, we motored out in good time from the Cobourg harbour, shortly after sunrise.  We wanted to get a jump start on the weather, and avoid really lumpy conditions.  The wind was from the south/east, giving us opportunity to sail, once the wind filled in.  At the mid way point, I recall there was 17 miles to go either way, and the water was pretty choppy, to the point that it would not have been fun, had it continued that way.  The water however, seemed to settle, and it was a rather comfortable sail across.  

We speculated about where our fellow cruising boats might be, as we had lost direct contact with them (Jeff did see some updates on FB that suggested they too were headed to Oak Orchard, but we didn’t know if they might already be there or whether they were still in Rochester or Sodus Bay)  About 3 miles out, I overheard on channel 78, the tail end of a conversation between See the Wind & Celtic Know, making reference to Nomad’s position, and how we must have left very early to have made it as far as we did, and some reference to being farmers, that are used to getting up early.  I tried to respond to them on the hand held radio, but they were still out of range, so were not aware that I heard their chatter.  We did arrive at Oak Orchard or Point Breeze in good time and were welcomed by the folks at Point Breeze Yacht Club.  Although their harbour master would not arrive until 4 pm, they told us we were welcome in the transient slip until at least that time.  Meanwhile, our fellow FBYC cruisers started to arrive, and proceeded on to Oak Orchard Yacht Club, where they had planned to meet.  The only obstacle in our way of joining them was a large bridge with only 54’ clearance.  It looked as though we might fit, but after doing a google search to confirm the ‘air draft’ of Nomad (53’4”) we decided to stay where we were.  We took our dinghy over to the other club to meet up with our friends for a potluck supper and beverages.   (It was a very warm, muggy hot day, and we were disappointed to find that the little ice-cream spot no longer serves ice-cream)

The next morning (Friday), Santana headed out extra early, for Frenchman’s Bay.  The rest of us left after breakfast heading west, for Wilson, New York.  The wind was south east, and not very strong.  We flew the asymmetrical for a while, until the wind died off completely, allowing us to have some swim time, alongside of See the Wind.  Shortly after, the wind shifted and picked up, giving us a lively entrance to Wilson Harbour.  We were lucky enough to get a slip at Tuscarora Yacht Club.  Their docks have all been replaced since last year’s high water flooding.  Once all settled in, most of us walked up to town for ice-cream at Brownies’, while a certain lactose intolerant skipper, waited for Summerset Sails to bring a replacement main sail, that had been torn in previous passage.  (that’s another story, that Nomad was not part of)  

(photo taken from part way up the mast of Celtic Knot - who needed some minor repair)

Has it would happen, this was also the weekend for the town-wide yard sale, so we checked out a few yards as well. No one bought anything, but it was interesting to see the pelts the one vendor was offering.  Who knew!!  (coyote, mink, possum, and fox)  Apparently, hunting is still alive and well in upstate New York.

For supper we walked up to the Sunset Grill, which has a very nice view of the river, good food and live music.  It was a great last evening together.

Knowing that the winds were going to pick up for our 30 mile cross back home, we agreed to set out early the next morning.  Early means different things to each person, so 7:30 was the negotiated time. 

Saturday - When we left the harbour, the wind was from the south east, 8-10 knots initially, but we expected the following:  soon building to 15 and shifting to east by noon, 20 kts.  Nomad being a light boat for the sail area that she carries, we decided to reef the main, (easier to shake it out later if not needed, than to put it in)  We actually starting out motor sailing, because the waves were such that they knocked the head sail, and the prop just gave that extra push to keep out course more steady.  (maybe the full main would have done the same….)  Nomad was following the other boats, and observing their progress.  It was an enjoyable sail, but took 100% focus on the part of the helmsman, due to the rolling seas/waves.  For the most part I would estimate the waves were 4-6 feet, although we did see some 6-8’ seas, as we made it to the second half of the lake.  Nomad did a great job, and we were glad for the reefed main, which kept us comfortable, although we probably would have gone faster with full sails.  (furled in the jib part way when the wind was a solid 20+knots)  We were very grateful to have left when we did, as the winds/water were continuing to build. 

It was great to pull into our slip, and be welcomed by a finger full of friends to catch us, even though it marked the end of our vacation with Nomad. 

On our way across - adding a courtesy flag for entry into the Unites States waters. (new app worked very well, now that the video phones on land have been decommissioned)

[sailing-nomad]

Weather or knot

July 16, 2018

The thing about sailing trips, is that one really has to factor in weather.  This morning we left Collin’s Bay quite confused about where to point next.  Had the forecast been different, we would have headed to an uninhabited island in the east end of Lake Ontario called Main Duck.  It would have been a good place to stop for the night, on our trek across to Rochester, where we hoped to catch up with our FBYC cruising fleet.  Thunder storms on the way changed that plan, and instead we headed to the protected harbour of Picton - about 28 nautical miles.  It doesn't sound like much, but with the wind right on our nose for much of the way, it meant that there was little sailing done, and more motoring.  At one point when the wind was still from the south, we pulled out the asymmetrical, but that didn’t last long at all, as the wind shifted. Thankfully, Nomad’s diesel engine purrs like a kitten, and only sips the fuel.  (about 2 litres per hour - bear in mind we only travel 6 knot/miles/hour)

It was a little disappointing to be taking shelter, and not heading across the Lake, but we have a lovely view of Picton harbour from the mooring ball, which is different than the usual tie up at a slip - plus.... I think there is more breeze where we are.

Nomad on a mooring ball - is that ever easy!! And… There is even wifi out here. Lol

It was great to have Isaac and Elise with us for a couple of nights, and Sarah & Jono before that. (It’s great that Nomad has room for a overnight visitors)  

With Isaac and Elise, we had a lovely motor cruise down the Bateau Channel, and then sailed once into the St Lawrence, past Kingston, all the way to Collin’s Bay Marina.  (there is a yacht club there, but our club has not arranged ‘reciprocal privileges’ with them so we had to pay - need to mention this to our commodore - all that it would take is a letter inviting them to visit our club!!) Once tied up, we drove Isaac’s car into Kingston to have dinner at the yacht club.  (we have eaten there before, and enjoyed it, plus this way we didn’t have to decide where to go, and we really wanted to be on a patio by the water)  KYC did not disappoint.  The food was delicious, and there was a wonderful breeze.   We also stopped at the local DQ on our way back to the boat, for some old fashioned chocolate dip cones - kind of fun - never do that.

We made breakfast burritos in the morning, enjoyed the marina’s complementary coffee, and then parted ways.  

July 17, 2018

This is the delicious meal that I enjoyed at the Harbourview Hotel & Marina, after a long day on the water.  We left Picton and motor-sailed up Long Reach, as it was such a close hauled sail, the prop just gave Nomad that extra push that she needed, so as not to luff.  The wind built as we made our way north, and with each puff, we were able to point a little closer.  Once past Forester Island, we tacked over and the winds really picked up, but now, directly on our nose.  It was a long motor sail across the Bay of Quinte, but we were determined to get to Brighton, so that we might have the option of meeting up with our friends in Rochester.

Sitting on a mooring ball, looking over the harbour from Nomads comfortable cockpit, with a glass of wine in hand, I don’t care if I ever leave this place.  It’s so beautiful!

We have to decide what to do next, and it’s quite confusing.  I suppose we could just go where the wind takes us.... as long as it’s in an south or westerly directions.  The concern is that often we have long lousy passages home from Cobourg, and we’d like to avoid that this time.  So often the wind is right on the nose, and with a 40+mile trip already, it’s not much fun to tack back and worth 15 times.  A long passage deserves the right wind for the trip, that way its fun, and does not feel like work.  Stay tuned for tomorrow’s blog, and find out where we ended up.

[sailing-nomad]

Trident to Kingston

Sunday we left Trident Yacht Club, shortly after Sarah & Jono departed in two vehicles (they took Isaac & Elise’s car about 45 minutes up the road, so that we wouldn’t have to back track)  There wasn’t a lot of wind, but it was still a pretty motor down the Bateau Channel, and the apparent breeze felt good on such a hot day.  (best to be on the water in the heat)  Luckily, the wind picked up as we left the channel, and we had a great sail past Kingston and into Collin’s Bay, where their car was waiting for them.  We decided to head into Kingston for dinner, and ended up at Kingston Yacht Club, where Isaac treated us.  It was a lovely evening.  Following diner, we found the local DQ, and went out for ic cream.

[sailing-nomad]

Getting caught up on the blog in Picton Monday night. Glad to be on a mooring ball for the night with Tstorms all around us.

[sailing-nomad]

Camelot with the Kids ;)

Friday July 13, 2018

*Guest blog by Sarah*

Jono and I arrived at Gananoque marina on Thursday afternoon, after several enjoyable days in PE County. Excited to spend some time on the water, we found Nomad by about 3 pm and  were greeted by Mum and Dad. We didn’t waste a lot of time in setting out after pulling our things out of the car, as we wanted to make it to Camelot in time to get our favourite anchorage. To our great delight, what we’ve now deemed as “Brent’s Bay” - thanks to FBYC friend Brent who shared this awesome spot with us and helped us get set up our first time in 2015 - was empty.

Mum and Dad did an expert job of dropping the anchor, which included jumping into the water to hook up the stern to some rocks (!). With Nomad snugged in the bay, we got our weekend of swimming, cruising, and hanging out underway.

Thursday evening included a couple rounds of “Pass the Pigs”, a delicious taco salad dinner, a good swim, and watching the sun set over the Thousand Islands landscape. Friday we did it all again.

The water here is just awesome! I was a little nervous to jump in at first, as we experienced some frigid water at Sandbanks earlier this week. It’s a different story at Camelot though, the water is refreshing but a lot of fun to hang out in. We’ve pulled out the fins to circle the boat more quickly, did some racing on the floaties, and rated Dad’s wicked can-opener jumps off the side of the boat.

Before the wind picked up this morning, we went for a little cruise around Camelot Island, Niagara, and another neighbouring island in the SS\Minnow. There are lots of cruisers out and about, as well as campers on Camelot.

For lunch, Mum created these tasty little taco pockets with our leftover taco salad ingredients. We were joined early afternoon by an avian friend. In the white pine nearby, a big osprey hung out on a low branch, eyeing out the surrounding area. It wasn’t even perturbed by our cannonballs and swimming about below…

Part way through the afternoon we witnessed a strange experience - out in the channel looking northeast all of a sudden there was a massive houseboat crawling across the water. It looked super out of place! We’re not sure where it was headed but it looked brand new and like it was headed to some permanent home.

For dinner we had Lake Trout, new potatoes, and greek salad. So good! The photos here make it look classy and gourmet - and it was ;)

Although it got cloudy this evening, we still enjoyed a lovely evening in the cockpit finishing up the bottle of wine over stimulating conversation.

Thank you so much for hosting us here on Nomad and sharing this little piece of paradise! What a wonderful experience on the boat.

[sailing-nomad]

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Sailing life in Camelot. #thousandislands

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Brakey bay

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Another amazing day on the water. Winding down in Kerr Bay.

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Sailing from Picton to Kerr bay. Broad reach sail with following seas hit 8.8 knots. Exhilarating!