We left Hull YC about 9am and motored out of Hingham Bay to find the wind.
We went between Georges and Lovell into Boston Harbor. Close call with a green channel marker while putting up the main. Close reach up to the North Shore. Beautiful sail. Sea breeze East 5-10. Sailing about 5 to 5 1/2 knots. Sailed past NOOD's in Marblehead, along with a huge sailboat.
Winds lightened as approaching Children's Island off Marblehead.
Sails down as we approach Salem Harbor.
Salem Water Taxi set us up with a mooring close to town center. Once settled, Salem Water Taxi picked us up and brought us in. We went to Salem Witch Museum, out to light house, and walked around Pickering Wharf.
Rita's opening day in Salem. Free ice... Rita's has finally made it to MA. Drinks and dinner at Victoria's Station. "Wharf Rat" drink - famous Salem drink. Run to get launch back to VIVA. As get on boat, Jon sees a white tent in the distance surrounded by boats. Jon calls Salem Water Taxi and ask if there is a floating bar in Salem Harbor. Water Taxi responds yes and "Rockmore" has their own launch and will pick us up. Great bar with white fishing seats around the bar. Life jackets hanging up the white tent. Rockmore has food and serving 40 oz. Coronas. Lots of powerboats rafted up to each other. No sailboats. Maybe next time we will bring VIVA.
VIVA spends the night in Salem Harbor.
July 26
Wake up at 7am. Tea and pineapple. Take launch in to Hawthrone Cove Marina to shower. Walk around to find breakfast place. Walk around and find Red's Sandwich Shop-
Voted best breakfast in Salem for 21 years. Excellent omelets (cheese and kielbasa and Greek with sausage). Back to VIVA and leave mooring at 10:30am. Sails up right outside Salem Harbor. Beautiful day! Boats are heading out to the NOOD's race course as we go between Children's and Marblehead. Winds 10-15 past Graves. Average 6 to 6 1/2 knots. Arrive at Boston Light in a little over 2 1/2 hours. A perfect 10 sailing day!
