[PUP] Summer Skis 06/17/07: Final passage report Bermuda to Newport

[Georgs Kolesnikovs]

Date: 17 June 2007
Time 0915
Position
Newport Rhode Island
Distance covered from the dock at Royal Bermuda Y.C. 639
Distance traveled last 24 hours:168 NM
Approximate distance to go: 0 To Brenton Reef Buoy off Newport
Total Nautical Miles traveled from Coral Ridge Yacht Club 1,675

Summer Skis and Crew of Pete Judd & Dave Balfour have arrived safely 
in Newport Rhode Island in company with Beso & New Frontier.

The last 24 hours were very comfortable. Seas less than 2' and swells 
very gentle. It was a picture perfect conclusion to a wonderful trip. 
As was to be expected when entering New England waters the way to 
describe the local weather is "CHANGE."

We awoke to a beautiful sunrise and clear skies and warm 
temperatures. As we approached Newport the local commercial traffic 
began to pick up and the AIS did a wonderful job of identifying the 
traffic. In addition Mother Nature added a little challenge buy 
laying down a blanket of fog that reduced visibility to about 200 
yards. Our little fleet closed ranks and reduced speed as we 
approached Newport Harbour. Unfortunately we missed seeing the very 
picturesque Castle Hill Light and the surrounding scenery. The fog 
did lift in time to see the last third of the trip to Ft. Adams. As 
we rounded Ft. Adams the sun came out and the temperature was in the 
high 70's and a spectacular day was upon us.

Jenny had made arrangements with Newport Harbor Inn & Marina and they 
were ready to let us tie up. We had made arrangements with Homeland 
Security and they were en-route to Newport. As we waited for them we 
all had a Champaign toast to all for a successful trip. Homeland 
Security arrived and after a very easy clearing in process everyone 
was allowed to move freely around. While waiting for Homeland 
Security we all got a chance to clean the boats. With this done and 
Marge arrived we all made the pilgrimage to the famous Black Pearl 
Restaurant for the required signature calm chowder and of course a 
little something to wash the salt taste from our mouths. They did not 
have any milk & cookies so we had to do with an alternate choice.

For those who have not been to Newport it is a great destination. 
Lots to see and do and the everyone went in search of maps and guides 
to take advantage of what was available during our short time at the 
dock. Newport is very expensive so we had only booked ourselves until 
Tuesday afternoon to be tied up in town. Everyone was going to stay 
in the area so there would be additional time to see the sights by 
either renting a car or borrowing a car from someone at the boat yard 
or Marge & I would give them a ride if necessary. Sunday evening was 
the disbanding party that was hosted by PAE at the Moorings. A 
wonderful meal was arranged by Jenny and she out did herself on this. 
Great Job. In addition there are a number of good pictures on the 
Nordhavn web site that captures this fun event.

Each captain received a personalized memento of the trip which was a 
chart weight & magnifier with the boat name and Med Bound 2007 
engraved on it. A nice gift to remember a memorable trip.

Now the question; will I do it again? Most likely not. I have done it 
twice and each time it was a wonderful adventure that requires a lot 
of preparation and planning, especially so when doing it as a rally 
such as Med Bound. So it is time to do some coastal cruising and when 
we want to make the 24-48 hour run we know the boat and crew can do 
it.

Jim Fuller
Summer Skis
Nordhavn 43