14 Aug 14

The wind was down to 18 kn in the morning and it was crystal clear again, so we decided to push on to Salem, MA. Once we got out of the harbor, the wind was blowing 24 - 28, but was too much on the nose to get a good sail. We motored with the main out the whole way and unfurled the jib when we could, but could never make our course for more than a few minutes at a time; we sailed without engine on for about 20 minutes in the early afternoon. We had a confrontation with a freighter crossing the port of Boston fairway, but successfully dodged around him, in spite of his best efforts to confuse me with numerous course and speed changes. We got into Salem and tied to a mooring ball at Brewer Hawthorne Cove Marina at 17:20. 56 N-m through the water; long day. Salmon on board for dinner: fabulous. 42-31.152’N, 070-52.216’W.

15 Aug 14

After breakfast, took the launch into the marina and got a taxi to West Marine to get a chart kit for Cape Cod to Boothbay, ME. Of course, they did not have exactly what I was looking for, but we have enough to get a few more miles up the coast. After I got back, just before noon, we slipped the mooring line and sailed off the 11 miles to Gloucester. A very pleasant sail it was too, except for troubles with the spinnaker halyard and very flukey winds. We made it into Gloucester Harbor and picked up a mooring ball about 15:30 and immediately got the launch into town. It is a pleasant little town with a number of eclectic shops, bars and restaurants; very nice feel and vibe to it. We had a drink in the Topside Bar, followed by dinner at “The Franklin Cafe” on Main Street; what a nice meal, beautifully presented, nice portions and very tasty - we even had desert. Followed by a walk to the head of the harbor to look in the window of 3 Lantern Marine Hardware; this is where I should have gone this morning, instead of wasting time going to West Marine. Worth a visit in the morning or the next time we are in town. Back to the boat for twilight; finally got the guitar out again to harden up my fingers a bit. 42-36.635’N, 070-39.294’W.