Early launch / get-to-itis

[Joe CD MS 300]

Last week, 5/3 was the earliest that Quest, my MS300 was launched. Typically I don't launch until after the middle of the month but before Memorial Day. However the stars don't often alight where two of my adult sons have both the time and inclination to make the post launch trip from Rockport, ME to Boothbay Harbor, ME so we planned the move along with my buddy (another son's godfather) for last Saturday 5/6. Surprisingly my mooing was already in (earlier than most years) but only one float was in up in our end of Linekin Bay (maybe the only one on the west side of Linekin Bay). I was lucky enough to have options to use either a mooring and float at Paul E Luke's or the one float in at the top of the bay.

Having retired at the beginning of the year I thought this years launch/move would be more relaxed and stresss free than the past years speed drills, fitting it all in around a work schedule. I must say that it was nice to have unlimited time to go over the boat and systems prior to loading her up between the launch and departure. Unfortunately the weather forcasts were not looking favorable, rain and 25 knot winds with seas 6-9 feet Saturday and Sunday and temps not getting out of the 40's. Water temps were in the mid 40's.

The leg on Saturday afternoon from Rockport to Port Clyde wasn't too bad, motoring all the way. Rain most of the time with winds 15-20 knts. Seas were not to bad either. I'm not the best at reading wave height but I'd say 6-8 feet where exposed. It was mostly in protected waters except for the stretch between the Mussel a Ridge channel and Where you turn in to Port Clyde. Without the pilot house i wouldn't have even thought about making the trip. Got to Port Clyde around 3:30 and picked up a Port Clyde General Store mooring. Had to check a few days before as this time of year not a lot is opened.
Had a great dinner at the Black Harpoon up the street from the general store. Really unbelievably good food there.

Left Port Clyde around 7:30 navigating the middle of Musscongus Bay. Seas were a fair amount rougher than the previous afternoon. Noticed the radiator over glow tank was empty when rounding McGee I west of Port Clyde. Added fluid and it drained out. Engine temp was only slightly elevated. Turns out the hose at the return fitting was cracked and losing fluid. Had to anchor to make the repair. First time I had the need to use the "rescue" tape I got at the Rockland boat show a few years back. After cutting off the cracked end used the tape to reinforce the remaining hose which seemed a little brittle. It seems to work well.

After the repair, headed onward toward the Pemequid peninsula. Seas continued to worsen. Pretty uncomfortable but at least was able to take it on the nose. Worst seas were near Pemaquid Point. Anchor on bow was getting buried regularly. On occasion waves broke on the pilot house. Made it to the mooring about 12:30.

All in all it was a fun and successful trip but after rethinking things I probably would not do it again that early or should have waited for a better window. Felt like I was rolling the dice or tempting the fates. Too cold, too rough, too few services available this early. That we only saw one other boat out over Saturday and Sunday told me something. A pilot friend always talked about get-to-itis. I think I had a touch of it.

Joe

[David Morton]

Hello, Joe!
and congratulations on your successful launch. I, too, am retired. The downside is there is little distraction from staring out my kitchen window at Danusia, up on stands, begging to get wet. My wife catches me at the window, transfixed, with a far away look in my eye, all winter. So, I, too, got the early bug and launched May 2. Fortunately, there is an excellent town launch ramp at the end of my street and it is a short 1/4 mile to my mooring. Launch went well, but just cold and rain since! Took my time tuning rigging and bending on sails. Finally got a sail in a couple of days ago during a weather window of opportunity. Glorious! Great apparent wind of 10 - 14 kts, on a nice close reach with all three sails full and tight. 6 knots of SOG on a SE breeze that allowed me to thread the needle between all the rocky ledges and islands that is eastern Casco Bay. 4 hours later back at the mooring. The winter wait was well worth it! Looking forward to a great season!

[mgphl52]

The good news is you made it fine!
Waiting for that 'perfect' window can also waste some great sailing time...
I have left port under 'ideal forecasts' only to have the weather decide to change to snot;
Have also postponed sailing only to miss the best day(s) of the weekend!
Still being tied to those 4-letter words (A-J-O-B & W-O-R-L), I live for weekends to sail.