Block Island in the off season

[Jim Walsh]

Sailed out yesterday in 11 to 14k from the ESE. In other words the wind was on the nose but I had an ebb tide in my favor. Every tack swept me a little closer to my destination, plus the Monitor did 90% of the duty at the helm. Had to dodge a dragger though. Just as a note, he had no AIS signature and neither did his two buddies. Some might disagree but I think it’s irresponsible. They “claim” they don’t want to inform their competitors of their positions, I think it’s a hollow claim.
The Great Salt Pond is nearly deserted. Looks as it did when I was a kid.
And here’s a bonus pic of some Black Ducks I fed. The ducklings are nearly the size of mom, but she kept an eye on me the whole time.

[Jim Walsh]

The evening sky is stunning tonight.

[Jim Walsh]

NNE breeze at 9 to 12 knots. An easy reach back to home port. I’m taking the pictures and the Monitor has the helm. An interesting note, I saw my first ever Portuguese Man O War in inshore waters. It was on the rhumbline between the entrance to Great Salt Pond and Lords Passage at the entrance to Fishers Island Sound. It was 10:00am about 6.5nm from Watch Hill. I’ve seen thousands offshore but never one in Block Island Sound before.

[Frenchy]

Nice pics, Jim. I hope to get out tomorrow for a day sail to Kettle Cove, Nashon Island. A few years ago, we saw several
Man-O-War along the coast of Nashon in Buzzard's Bay. Apparently they make their way up here off and on depending on currents
and winds, I guess. - Jean

[fmueller]

Nice Jim ... I didn't get out to Block yet this year ... maybe sometime in October.

Your boat looks great as always ...

[John Stone]

Beautiful.

[guy leslie]

Jim,
Great pictures! Did you do the traveler upgrade? If you have the information regarding source and part #'s, I hope to do the same. It would be a vast improvement on my 31.
Many Thanks,
Guy

[Jim Walsh]

Jim,
Great pictures! Did you do the traveler upgrade? If you have the information regarding source and part #'s, I hope to do the same. It would be a vast improvement on my 31.
Many Thanks,
Guy

The traveler track is original but the Nicro Fico car and end stops are period correct but new to me. A member upgraded his CD33 and was gracious enough to give me his old components. My traveler had pin stops whereas the new components were set up for line control. I had to refurbish the components with new delrin sheaves and free up the ball bearings but it was well worth the time and effort.