When "Plan A" fell apart with the Navy Marina restricting boat access until 1 June, we had to find another way to go sailing. A little sleuthing in Newport found that there were slips available for the month of May in downtown Newport.
On Tuesday 5 May, Spirit and Vento Solare had a pleasurable sail on a sunny day to Newport. Both Spirit and Vento Solare are now safely berthed at the Newport Yachting Center until the Navy Marina opens on 1 June. Thanks to Mary Martin for helping with the delivery and Pat Tormey for meeting us at the Yachting Center and supplying social distancing beer. There are crew practice and pleasure sails added to the Vento Solare calendar that crew may sign up for.
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Tristan Mouligne captured this picture from the Class 40 Res Potentia on Saturday morning. Vento Solare is limping into Newport with the spinnaker wrapped around the headstay. This occurred when a letterbox douse was attempted the evening before while trying to round R32 off Gay Head, Marthas Vineyard. The spinnaker became badly wrapped around the headstay and jib while unfurling the jib for a letterbox douse. Sarah was hoisted up the mast 1/3 of the way in the dark to try and unwrap the spinnaker but was unsuccessful. Thus the decision was made to retire and motor back to Newport. We tied up to a mooring at Coasters Harbor and hoisted Sarah to the top. The spinnaker head was fouled under the headstay and caught on the upper swivel, preventing the furler from moving in either direction. Sarah disconnected the spinnaker halyard and was able to unwrap the spinnaker. Once that was done we were able to unwind the rest of the spinnaker without damage, and completely unfurl, then refurl the jib.
Lisa flying the spinnaker on delivery to Tiverton
Fantastic weather for a spin run up the bay, followed by dinner at the Boathouse with Lisa, Francis, Pat, Cindy & Bill. The boat is all set for the race Saturday.
A great time and memories on Block Island with everyone this weekend. Here is a link to my photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/mByUFS7qtx2Vdz2d8
The drone we saw tonight was Stephen Cloutier's (Block Island Steve). Here is a link to some great video under spinnaker.
Vento Solare Spinnaker Video
Thanks to Lisa, Kathy, Sue & Gerry Vento Solare was wet sanded in no time at all with perfect wet weather to help. Here are a few pictures from Sue's phone. Thanks for your help!