June 6 | 8.8 Nautical Miles

After delays and problems galore this spring, our rescheduled launch date of June 6 finally arrived. It was blustery and mostly cloudy when I awoke, but the forecast was for diminishing gusty NW winds and gradual clearing throughout the day. For the first time, I wasn't planning to be at the boat when Steve picked her up in Whitefield, which made me a little anxious, though Steve is a great hauler and I knew it wouldn't be a problem. I arrived at the Yarmouth Town Landing at 1130, expecting Steve to arrive sometime around 1200 or so, and settled in with a book to wait for Dasein to arrive.

Late, or Right On Time?

Steve arrived with the boat at 1235. I was beginning to get a bit worried since I expected him around noon, but he mentioned that he was planning to be there at 1230. No problem, either way. Soon, Dasein was rolling down the ramp and floating next to the dock. After putting the Windex on the mast head and topping up the diesel, I was on my way to Royal River Boat Yard for the mast stepping.

After a brief wait, the boys at RRBY waved me in to the crane slip. For the first time since I've been going there however, I got caught by the strong river current and pushed sideways towards the row of boats docked alongside the slip. With some quick reactions by the workboat, and some judicious fending off of bowsprits, we got the boat into the slipway. Yikes! With the blood now pumping, we quickly and without further incident got the mast stepped and I headed on my way down the river.

Yawn.

I powered down the circuitous river and once I cleared the mouth, I turned the chore of steering over to Otto, which allowed me to take care of some minor projects as we steamed along towards Falmouth past Little John, Cousin's, Basket, and Sturdivant Islands. As usual, the trip was pleasantly dull, with only a little boat traffic.

Soon I was approaching the anchorage in Falmouth and headed to my mooring, arriving at about 1530. Once I had the pennants secured I spent the rest of the day bending on sails, setting up rigging, hoisted our burgees, and generally neatening up on board. Around 1745 I got ready to head ashore to meet Heather and Gavin, Heather's parents, and their friends John and Frances, (who had just delivered a Nonsuch 30 that the Thompsons will be "boat-sitting" for the summer) for drinks on the Yacht Club porch, followed by dinner at the Club dining room.

2007 is finally here!