5 Oct 14

Up early (for us) at 07:30 to check the weather and get ready for a slog to Gloucester. The wind at the marina was W 25, gusting 30 and the forecast for our area was about the same, with 3 - 5 ft seas predicted, but we determined to proceed anyway. Or, at least to stick our nose out into Bigelow Bight and sample the conditions. As we departed the Piscataqua River, the wind was on the beam (W 20 - 25) with a 2 ft westerly chop and the long period easterly swell of 2 or 3 ft. We hoisted the full jib, and triple-reefed main and we were off like a rocket. After about 30 minutes, I took another 2 wraps on the main and this balanced out the steering nicely. We cruised along all morning and through the afternoon with only minor course adjustments to dodge lobster pots. Entry to the Annisquam River was achieved at 14:43, 10 minutes before LW. We dropped the sails and motored slowly through the canal, touching the bottom only 3 times; we were able to get off each time by simply backing off and moving over a few feet. Tied to a mooring ball in Gloucester Harbor at 16:05. Dinner aboard. 42-36.302’N, 070-39.302’W