Hanging up the sea boots - for now

Nearly a month since the Shark excitement, and much water under the hull since then so to speak - actually not that many sea miles but many hours of hard graft, land and air miles instead. Hard graft was mainly by the Skipper to prepare Follyfin for the winter and for ‘showing’ (yes, we have taken the hard decision to sell her) whilst I, the First Mate spent a week in Jersey City with son number one and his family. Of course it wasn’t all fun and games...

Malted milkshake tasting in Jersey City

Beer tasting in Jersey City

By way of a very welcome break, Skipper and I were tempted to go for a weekend sail on North Star V with Capn’ Lee and Deborah, with whom we had been sailing in tandem since Cape Cod in early September. Off we went on Friday 20 Sept, first east 35nm on Long Island Sound then north the following morning up the Connecticut River to Essex.

Duck Island Roads: sunset from North Star V

North Star V in Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard (Follyfin behind)

Skipper was allowed to take the watch occasionally 

Heeling as we sailed on a broad reach

A galley slave’s work is never done...

It really was a lovely relaxing weekend which was so much appreciated - none of the responsibility but all of the enjoyment. On our return on Sunday evening, the work recommenced, me assisting with washing and cleaning the coach roof as well as cleaning and polishing down below of course, not to mention the tidying and packing up for winter. She really did look smart when we had finished.

Once Follyfin was hauled out of the water on Tuesday 24 September, our good friends Lee and Deborah once again invited us to stay in their house - an offer that we could not refuse, it being so much more comfortable than staying on the boat whilst it is on land.

Follyfin having her bottom washed

On her way to winter quarters at Captains’ Cove, Bridgeport, Connecticut

But autumn - or ‘Fall’ - is nigh (as shown by this splendid tree, snapped during our weekend in Essex) so it’s clearly time to head home.

Now Skipper and Mate are ensconced back at Follyfoot, having returned on 2 October to chilly, damp autumn days. Blogger will be returning next year. Meanwhile we await developments...farewell until the Spring!