Tagged: fall boating
Big Seas
Big Waves It is the last week of September and sea conditions are rapidly transitioning to Fall boating which is characterized by heavy sailing conditions, large swells and an aggressive chop, from local weather patterns and large remote disturbances. The picturesque result, when viewed from the beach, is a bit more thought provoking when on board: will I unexpectedly wrap a lobster pot line around the prop, immobilizing the boat in the huge waves?; will I hit a rock obscured by the surf and quickly take on water; or will I catch a rogue wave at a bad angle which [...]
Scouts
Historically, the Boy Scouts motto has been “be prepared”. Based on my experience today, I think it’s an excellent one for fall boaters, too. This afternoon, the swells were in the 6-7 foot range and there was a confused chop laying on top of the massive waves. Many times throughout the afternoon, I could feel and observe the boat being rapidly thrust forward on top of a massive wave with a significant reduction of control on my part. Here are some mental notes I made. One, stand while piloting to give yourself the best chance of avoiding entanglement with lobster [...]
Icebergs
Labor Day was just last weekend and the temperatures seemed to have already shifted from summer to fall. Now, if you live in the Northeast, this, along with shortening daylight hours, is yesterday’s news. However, if you’re a boater, you need to consciously adapt to these changing conditions to stay safe and comfortable. Cool temperatures can turn into cold temperatures in minutes after the sun has dipped behind the clouds or beneath the horizon. It’s smart to pack extra clothing – long pants, sweat shirts, jackets and hats to prevent discomfort among your crew. It’s a simple thing, but sometimes [...]
Staying Connected
Well, it’s pretty clear, with falling leaves and rapidly dropping temperatures, fall has definitely arrived and winter is not far behind. With the boat out of the water, there’s not much to do beyond making some final winter cover adjustments and placing the winter stick on the mooring. If you enjoy boating in the Northeast, it’s possibly the worst time of year, however, there is a ray of hope, namely clubs, associations, and museums. Over the years, there have been a number of clubs established for popular brands such as Bertram and Lyman which have offered enthusiasts a way to [...]
Quiet on the Front
Yesterday was a great day for boating – sunny, with a light breeze and mild chop. But, activity on the waterfront was subdued to say the least. Just a handful of boats were milling about the harbor, and the island coves and sheltered beach anchorages that were packed one week ago were virtually empty. So, if you like the feeling of being part of the gang, it might be a good idea to arrange for the fall haul out. However, it you enjoy being able to connect with nature, watching the seagulls soar, fish jump, and island shrubs bend gently [...]
Warm & Sunny
It’s September 22nd and the forecast calls for temperatures in the mid-80s and a slight breeze. With the swells from the last passing hurricane diminishing, it all adds up to good boating weather. Now, it’s easy to overlook the fact that in another month the temps will be in the mid-60s, darkness will descend before dinnertime, and the seas will be more aggressive, but that’s the cold, hard truth. So, don’t squander this excellent weather on other activities. Get in your final boating days of the season while the going is good. Trust me, if you do, you’ll be counting [...]
Fall Flippers
We’re starting to move towards the tail end of the boating season. The days are growing shorter, and the breezes cooler. To be sure, there are some issues to boating later in the season; however, there are some benefits as well. A key benefit for many folks is the chance to reconnect with nature and, in particular, the wildlife. During the core season, when there’s a lot of boating traffic, many birds and animals move into hiding. But, after Labor Day, when the boat count drops dramatically, the wildlife returns. Egrets, herons, and hawks get bolder and more visible. Yesterday, [...]
No Curtain Call Yet
It’s late September and the Patriots are gearing up for game number 4. The days are getting shorter and the breezes cooler. But don’t despair yet, there is still some good boating to be had. Last weekend, a college buddy and I went swimming. Honestly, we thought we were going to either freeze immediately on hitting the water, or shortly thereafter when standing in the cockpit. To our surprise, we weren’t uncomfortably cold in either element, and we both thoroughly enjoyed the swim. n the coming days, chances to swim comfortably will diminish, but, with any luck, we’ll get an [...]