CODA: DIYC Sail to Westport

 19August 2023

Point Bay Marina Moorings

Charlotte, Vermont

The sun is shining down upon Westport, New York and the Adirondack Mountains.

Marc-  We took part in the club cruise to Westport this past weekend.  Eight boats gathered at or around the Westport Marina.  There was also a club breakfast and a Fastsail race.  I did volunteer to assist in the breakfast that about a dozen people attended.  We did not take part in the race.  The one way race started off great with a 10 knot South wind that unfortunately virtually disappered before all of the boats could get to the finish line.  We left two hour after the race start and arrived before two of the racers (we motorsailed).  A good time was had by the sailors visiting the shops and restaurants in the village.  

Our friend Mindy at the wheel of CODA a few days later when the steady Southwest breeze returned.

CODA: Quick sail to Essex, NY

 17 August 2023

Point Bay Marina Moorings

Charlotte, Vermont

Marc-  Our friend Cheryl was visiting so we decided to sail over to Essex for lunch at the Old Dock Restaurant.  The Old Dock allows for free docking when you are a guest.  We arrived at about 11:00 after a nice sail over from Charlotte and alerted the staff that we would be touring the town before lunch.  Essex has some nice shops including a bookstore and ice cream shop.  There are several restaurants and a museum as well as a library worth visiting.  We also enjoyed visiting the Episcopal Church to view it's fine stained glass windows and a sailing ship hanging from the ceiling.

A tribute to sailors.

CODA: Cruise Week - Burlington Festival of Fools

 5 August 2023

Burlington Community Boathouse

Burlington, Vermont

Chrch Street and City Hall Plaza were filled with performers and spectators today.

Marc-  We left Burton Island at 09:00 and were able to make the 10:00 ferry.  Unfortunately there was little wind today so we motorsailed all the way to Burlington.  Other DIYC members were there to help us dock perfectly.  Best of all is the camaraderie provided by this group.  This was especially apparent at the pot luck dinner at the dock.  Thank you Will and Kathleen for hosting and for the delicious chocolate cheesecake.

Our fleet was split between two marinas (south boats above).

Fitz, our commodore, in the sunset.

Good night.

CODA: Cruise Week - Weather delays for some - Burton Island State Park

 3-4 August 2023

Burton Island State Park

Burton Island, Vermont

Living the dream.

Marc-  We are still at peaceful Burton Island while the wind and storms carry on.  Much of the DIYC fleet has moved South to Valcour Island or beyond.  Four of the most adventurous sailboats left yesterday in mounting winds with gusts reaching 30 knots and as much as 6 foot waves.  No hurry for us since our next reservation is at Burlington on Saturday.  John and Michael Foley aboard Madrigal II have remained as well. 

We enjoyed a fantastic time socializing and having dinner aboard Madrigal II.  

    The winds persisted all night with thunderstorms lighting the sky at a distance.  No problems here.  I had time to replace the galley faucet with a more modern design (the crew threatened mutiny if the spring loaded faucets, designed to limit water use, were not replaced).

Michael's fire.  Sara Lou's marshmallow.

CODA: Cruise Week - Burton Island State Park

2 August 2023

Burton Island State Park

Burton Island, Vermont

Sunset last night.

Marc-  Steph reported a beautiful full moon sail last night on Chip and Angela's magnificent New York 40.  I used one of the park fire rings to cook dinner earlier (Too windy for the boat barbecue).  

Plenty of heat from this one.  

CODA: Cruise Week -Willsboro Bay Marina to Burton Island State Park

30 July 2023

Willsboro Bay Marina

Willsboro, New York

Moonrise above CODA at Willsboro Bay Marina

Marc-  We had a late departure at 12:00 due to getting a few last minute chores at the house in Vergennes and gathering everything we would need on our trip.  Northwest winds of 10-15 knots in Town Farm Bay were on the nose so to speak when we turned the corner at Split Rock and headed Northwest.  We gave up on any hope of sailing up the Lake when the wind speed diminished and the sailboats were not making much progress.  In the end we motored under automatic- pilot for most of the journey under bright blue skies.  Roger Wallace, a friend and fellow sailor, greeted us at the marina where we backed into the slip.  CODA makes the task easier by having a bow thruster.

The Diamond Island Yacht Club cruise pot luck dinner was great fun.  This marina is very welcoming for group reunions.

You know what is on my mind.

31 July 2023 - 1 August 2023

Burton Island State Park

Burton Island, Vermont

Arriving at Burton Island.

Marc-  I cooked up a breakfast of french crepes for the family while still at the dock in Willsboro.  We did not depart until 9:30.  

Stephanie seeing us off at Willsboro.

(Steph took the car to Burton Island due to her work commitments.)

Hiking about the Island.

DIYC fleet growing.

Welcome to Burton.

Burton Sunset taken from the campfire and s'mores gathering.