We left Boston on Sunday, August 3rd, with a heavy heart, but the trip to Plymouth turned out to be calm and uneventful despite our engine worries. By chance, our friend Stephen—who had lived at Hudson Point Marina for a few years and whom we had just caught up with in Boston on Friday—was also traveling to Plymouth the same day. It was great fun welcoming him and his friend Alex to Plymouth and helping them secure their mooring ball that night. In return, they treated us to an unforgettable lobster dinner.
We had the special surprise of watching the Mayflower II sail out of the harbor. We understand she normally never moves. Also she has not engine so a tug boat is moving it until she is out of the harbor and set sail.
In Plymouth was also our trusted mechanic Jonah stationed – he was ready to inspect the engines again after our arrival. Unfortunately, with the limited time available, we weren’t able to resolve the issue and advised to press on with one limping engine, carefully nursing it in hopes of making it home.
Our next stop was Cuttyhunk, where we had already stayed on the way up. This time, we anchored outside the basin. To our surprise, a familiar schooner dropped anchor right beside us—it was Arabella, the elegant sailboat from our Manhattan Yacht Club. Captain Jay came over to greet us and even invited us aboard for lobster rolls. The following morning, as we prepared to leave, we were greeted by Michael, the Commodore of the Manhattan Yacht Club. Encounters like these always make the journey extra special—it’s such a joy to see familiar faces along the way.
For the next leg, we had planned to head to Block Island. But a quick glance at the fuel gauge told us we needed to refuel. When I called ahead, Block Island quoted $5.90 per gallon—far too steep. Instead, we diverted to Point Judith in Narragansett, RI, where the price was just $3.10 per gallon. We filled up with 400 gallons and felt quite satisfied knowing we had saved over a thousand dollars with that decision.
After a quick fuel stop, we made our way to Stonington Harbor, where a small designated anchorage was tucked among the many mooring balls. Although space was tight, we managed to find a good spot. The harbor turned out to be wonderfully protected, giving us a restful night’s sleep, and in the morning we set out for a refreshing run through the charming town.
We continued on to Joshua Cove in Guilford, CT. The anchorage looked well protected, but overnight on the second night the boat rolled heavily in the wind and current.
After we travelled on to Milford, CT—which turned out to be a fantastic stop. We took the opportunity to explore Charles Island which was close to our anchorage.
Does this get any better…..get up, jump in our Dingy, plane ride it (super fast) to shore on a flat ocean Friday morning, go for a sightseeing run in a pictures village called Milford, stop at the coffee shop, get your favored beverage, plane ride back to the boat, jump into the water, swim around the boat and start your first call with a customer……
or when stop work in the evening…. explore the suroundings on our stand up paddle boats……sit in the front of our boat admiring sunsets….life doesn’t get any better……
And then we were off to the last stop City Island where the adventure began. We meet up with our long term friends Noelva, Elsa, Alex and Joao.
In the evening, we enjoyed a delicious poke bowl with Alex’s daughter and granddaughters, who delighted us not only with wonderful food but also with beautiful duets sung in their amazing voices.
After one last night at anchor, we began the morning with Chi Gong and stand-up paddling before setting off with Alex’s daughter Maja and her daughters, Malina and Milea, toward our home port in Jersey City. Despite wind gusts up to 17 knots, we were fortunate to arrive during a calm window, where our wonderful neighbors Bruce, Kathrine, and Doug were waiting to welcome us and help us dock safely.
In the evening, Shelly and Erik treated us to a beautiful sunset sail in New York Harbor—a perfect way to close out the last day of our trip.
I want to take a moment to reflect on how wonderful the boating community and our friends truly are. We’re blessed with an amazing life and grateful for all the opportunities it brings—but it would only be half as joyful without the people who touch our lives along the way. This summer has been nothing short of spectacular, and honestly, if I were any happier, I might just burst.
Did we tell you we bought a new boat…. no… then stay tuned to our next post…..