Summer 2006 JYC Cruise Report

The "official"  JYC cruise got off to a rough start for those who ventured out of the bay after mid morning on Saturday July 22.  They were greeted by heavy wind and steep seas which made for either a pounding to weather or a very uncomfortable reach once the turn was made around Bretton Reef.  Secure moorings and the excellent hospitality of the New Bedford Yacht Club awaited the three who ventured out to Padanarum Saturday. 

With clearing skies the group moved on to Red Brook on Sunday where we rafted at anchor and witnessed a spectacular sunset over Bassett's Island.  In the morning we got in a swim in the warm water and some dinghy sailing before heading off to Hadley's Harbor.  We hated to leave our almost private anchorage and we vowed to return in the future. After a fast sail down the bay we experienced the usual jockeying around for moorings at Hadley's but we were able to get settled in and connect with the rest of the cruisers for cocktails aboard Aurora which was the only place to fit seven boats worth of adults.  The Nine kids had their own party and then headed out to jump off the bridge at one of the gutters leading out to Vineyard Sound.

On Tuesday several boats headed out to Nantucket and with a favorable tide and a strong breeze we made quick work of the transit and we were rafted up by noon.  Our two days in Nantucket were spent bike riding, swimming and wandering around town.  Next time we should stay longer!  Thursday's sail to Martha's Vineyard was another quick one with some boats choosing Edgartown, others Vineyard Haven Harbor and the Explorers heading into and all the way up Lagoon Pond.  On Friday most of the group started heading back east via a night or two in Cuttyhunk.

After a gray start the eastbound cruise was a great success with beautiful weather and great wind.

Meanwhile... another group of JYC cruisers headed West.  They reported that they also had a great experience with seven boats, three from JYC, three from CYC/JYC and one from CYC.  They visited Block Island, Coecles, West Neck and Dering harbors.  Group dinners were enjoyed at Rams Head Inn at Coecles and Shelter Island Yacht Club.  At the yacht club they celebrated Vick Calabretta's 60th birthday and Stacey's (from Maverick) 50th birthday complete with a great birthday cake.

The JYC Cruises are always an enjoyable time.  We welcome everyone and encourage all JYC members to cruise with us.  Hope to see you next cruise.

Samira Hakki

JYC Cruise Chair