"Alabama" and friends in Fisher's Island Sound

[Figment]

I was invited to go racing on Fisher's Island Sound last week. It's been a while since I've done any racing, so I jumped at the chance despite the inconvenient distance. The racing wasn't much to write home about (scratch boat in the first class of a PHRF fleet, no competition within 100yds after the start) but the schooners Harvey Gamage and State of Massachusetts were anchored in the hurricane hole. A lovely bit of surprise eye candy. A third schooner was under sail a few miles to leeward, but we never got close enough for a good look.

I was invited back aboard last night, and this time the Alabama made an appearance! Again, that ghostly third schooner sailing around a few miles to leeward, though Massachusetts wasn't at anchor this time so it may have been she.

Fisher's Island Sound is new water to me. I don't know if the presence of such salty beauties is the exception or the norm. I think I need to finagle another racing invite! and bring the digicam, of course.

[Wild Dingo]

Originally posted by Figment:
... I think I need to finagle another racing invite! and bring the digicam, of course.Never a truer word be said matey... all them thar schooners an nary a pic to tempt us with yer survey dawg... to the plank with ye!!! :D

Still sounds like a great time was had! :cool:

[ 06-10-2004, 09:36 AM: Message edited by: Wild Dingo ]

[Noah]

Sounds like a fun time.

Once apon a time my family owned Fishers Island. By the 30's they had sold off most of it. I would have had a pretty different life had they managed to keep it in the family.

Racing is always good practice for whatever kind of sailing you do. Whether you are lead boat or last boat you need to think the whole time, otherwise you will loose.

Noah

[bamamick]

I know how you feel, Noah. At one time my mother's family owned a large chunk of a resort area called Orange Beach. The family were mainly fishermen (oysters, crabs, and shrimp). They sold property for $1000.00 an acre that is worth half a million an acre now. Oh well. Never had it, don't miss it.

I have been a 'racing' sailor all of my life. It does teach you a lot of useful skills. Proper sail trim, heel, boatkeeping, etc. One thing it does not do is teach you (at least most people) navigation, anchoring, and many of the basic skills involved in cruising. In other words, doing some of both would probably be the best idea if want to accumulate all of the skills of a sailor.

As far as being there with the Alabama and the Massachusetts, well, I wish that I could have been there. The Alabama was homeported out of my hometown for what, 50-60 years? I never saw her. If I ever get up that way again I will make a special trip. I am grateful to the folks who brought her back.

I have never done any classic yacht racing, but I am going to. We have a couple of small wooden boat regattas down here, and my newest boat will add one more to the fleet. I look forward to it.

Cheers. Mickey Lake

[brian.cunningham]

:cool:

[Figment]

Last week the schooners were gone (and they took the wind with them) so I didn't bring the camera with me last night. Naturally, this lack of hardware guarranteed the return of the eye candy! Harvey Gamage was back on the hook last night in west harbor. Evidently she's part of some kind of "offshore classroom" organization that I need to learn more about.

Noah, a museum has been founded on the island, primarily focused on the island's history. I'm told that it's well worth a visit.

[Noah]

Figment, I know about the museum. It was started by a "cousin" of mine. This weekend is a huge family reunion down there. It would have been fun, but unfortunately my boat is going in the water tomorrow so I couldn't attend. (It will be in the slings all weekend so I need to check up on it.)

I'm sure it is an amazing place to sail.

Noah

[Ariel]

Hey! Mickey Lake. You should tell them what those "classic boats" of yours are. They will be impressed. I know but it is up to you to tell.... Are you coming to Fish Class meeting tonight--have given up on seeing you at Bucs meeting. I saw the Alabama when she was here--looked terrible at that time. My uncle took me to see her.

[bamamick]

Ariel, how are you? How is your cat boat? No, I did not attend the Fish meeting, as I have been at work, but I probably would not have gone anyway. As you can probably guess by now I am not much on meetings. I don't mind helping do stuff if needed, I just don't like meetings. Weird, I know.

If you get a chance this weekend, wander over to Turner's to look at the schooner. If you see Louise please tell her that it's there. She and Mr.Bill would probably get a kick out of her. It's a shame it's rained every day this week. We were hoping to have her lauched and out of there by Sunday. Oh, well. We have time.

I'll be down Saturday to rig the Fish, work on the Dragon, and piddle about with the schooner. I've also got a new mast for the Star, but I don't think that we'll get to that this weekend. Stop by and say hello if you are around.

Mickey Lake

[Ariel]

Catboat is in Ariel's slip. I sailed her home to finish her sails close to the sewing machine in case of alterations. Will be around the club this weekend. For sure will go see the schooner and will call Louise and Bill and tell them also. What are you doing on the Dragon? Have you any bites on the sale of the Fishboat? How is your Beetle cat? Will get the answers to these questions hopefully over the weekend.

[ 06-25-2004, 11:05 AM: Message edited by: Ariel ]