26 July 2017 Richbouto, N.B.

26 July 2017:  Richibucto, NB – to – Shippagan, NB

Acadian Pride

 Shippagan.

Marc-  Now this was a day and half of sailing.  We departed the Richibucto River in the Fog (the Radar worked fine) along with a few fishing boats.  No problems getting out into Northumberland Strait.  Light wind for 2/3 of the day but both wind and seas built out of the South East as we approached the Shippagan bar and entry into the Shippagan Gulley.  The Gulley was nothing compared to the inlet.  Luckily a fishing boat came out just before we entered the passage and we also had out previous tracks on the chartplotter to guide us in.  The fishing boat created a lot of spray and seemed to be pounding on its way out.  The tide was against the incoming wind created a mess at the bar.  We had the calming effect of the mainsail and the mizzen sail to stop the roll.  All was calm as soon as we passed the breakwater.  Current in the gulley was 2.5 knots against us so we kept both sails up and used the engine to enter the harbor.  We dropped anchor near the bridge and let out 90 feet of rode.  Unfortunately that placed us on a sand bar if the wind shifted to the West so Sara and I reset the anchor in a better location.  The wind is blowing 16 to 20 knots and expected to rise during the night before calming down in the morning.  We seem secure on one anchor.  It really digs into this mud.  Total miles today 68.1 nautical miles.  We are currently 78 nautical miles from Gaspe but we hope to take two days to get that done.

Sara cooked up a wonderful vegetarian dinner of baked beans and tufo.  She knows just what to add in terms of spices.