Block Island Race Week

Shrouded in evening fog, a large number of sailboats have congregated for Block Island Race Week.

BI Mist

Images captured while cycling around Block Island on a foggy day.

Nantucket, May 18-26

As Event Horizon was returning to her home port, the crew decided to take advantage of pre-tourist season on one of our favorite islands, Nantucket. Nearly everything is open for business in anticipation of the busy summer season ahead, which officially starts Memorial weekend, yet for just this week there were mooring balls available without a reservation, no waits at restaurants and miles of non congested bike paths.

Boston Night Skyline

View of Boston at night from the Moakley Court House.
Image taken with my iPhone.

Puma Skyline

Volvo Ocean Race Leg 6

Ericsson 4 wins leg 6, the only North American stop in the 37,000 nautical mile, eleven-stop Volvo Ocean Race, perhaps sailing's most thrilling international event.

Team Puma--mostly Newport, RI based--arrives at Fan Pier to cheering fans as daylight fades.

Boston Bound

Sailing...Boston bound to welcome the Volvo Ocean Racers. Photo shows us sailing towards downtown Boston where we plan to live afloat for 3 weeks at Boston Waterboat Marina, walking distance to the race village.

Alone in Newport Harbor

It may be cold outside but we have nearly all of Newport Harbor to ourselves on this beautiful spring morning.

First Sail of 2009

The first sail in New England is always a very cold one! It may appear that I'm not having fun yet but it feels good to start the season early and it's nice having Narragansett Bay all to ourselves.

Afloat, Again!

Watching my "home" get splashed yesterday at New England Boatworks (NEB) in Portsmouth, RI.

Now a couple of days work to put her back together again.

Splash Day, Spring '09

After four months ashore and forty-plus inches of snow, I am returning to life afloat because the calendar claims it's spring.

New Transport Hits the Water

Today was a special event for the Event Horizon crew. Our new transportation--a 2008 rigid bottom Avon 310 inflatable rib--was delivered and placed in the water for its first time. We found an excellent deal during the winter through Conanicut Marine's chandlery that also included free storage. We still have our trusty 2004 Avon Rover R280 air bottom, which conveniently roll-ups for storage down below, that we will continue to use while cruising (because my captain refuses to tow a dinghy). Already enjoying the comforts of this larger and sturdier dinghy, and know our guests will too.

Volvo Ocean Race Coming to Boston

The excitement is mounting...it's only a few weeks before the incredibly gripping Volvo Ocean Race arrives at Boston's Fan Pier. Mark your calendars and invite your friends to meet dockside to welcome one of sailing's most thrilling events to the US.

Antigua Anxiety

The recent altercation in English Harbour that resulted in the shooting death of an Australian captain has yachts departing the once perceived safe haven of Nelson's Dockyard. After reports of increased crime last season, including the costly ATM banking scam, and now death, Antigua officials will need to restore confidence fast.

Armchair Sailing

The Big Picture, a Boston Globe photo blog presented by Alan Taylor, is featuring Sailing, Around the World -- 30 incredible images from 2008.

Snowy December at NEB

Hibernating at NEB

It's official. Event Horizon has been hauled out at New England Boatworks, Portsmouth, Rhode Island for the winter. My captain expressed concern "After three years of continuous use, it's time to let the hull dry out to avoid any long term damage".

Good news, upon lifting all moisture readings were normal.

Newportant

At the last minute Event Horizon decided against heading south for the winter. Her crew is contemplating their inevitable fate of returning to the “real world”...

On Thanksgiving Eve we moved into a little newly furnished apartment in downtown Newport, RI. It's a month-to-month arrangement while we explore land-based opportunities and let Eve dry out for the winter.

Pirate Tragedy in Venezuela

As we consider our winter options and begin to allow the promise of warm weather sailing sway our decision, we are abruptly reminded of cruising dangers beyond those of Mother Nature. Noonsite has reported another piracy attack off the Venezuelan coast. In recent years piracy has increased around the globe, particularly in southern Caribbean, Indian Ocean and SE Asia, and the trend is expected to continue as the worlds’ economy shifts.

Fall Signs

There is no denying it, fall has arrived...

Harvest colors decorate my surroundings.

Squirrels are frenzied.

People are leaf peeping and apple picking.

Distinct autumn smells mingle with brisk winds.

Dog walkers are wearing jackets.

Boats are vacating marinas and disappearing.