Nantucket-Falmouth-Newport......from P

Wow - lots of catching up to do. The weather in coastal New England has been perfectly beautiful, including good breezes to sail under. Even after our primary genoa sail tore on the way out of Nantucket, the breezes were accommodating and allowed us to continue along.

Morning departure around the point of Nantucket

One of the many mansion views as we sailed into Newport. Um, is Mr. Gatsby home?

A new record under sail! From Falmouth we sailed 45 nautical miles Thursday - all the way to Newport. It was just too perfect to stop sailing until we got there. Newport and Annapolis have an ongoing battle for the title of "sailing capital of the U.S." Newport is a great city for sailors - boasting an easily accessible (by boat or dinghy) charming downtown area, and a unique stop-over place for "weary mariners" known as the Seamen's Church Institute. This attractive but unpretentious building sits on prime property in the midst of the pricy waterfront cafes. It is a not-for-profit facility that feels like a nice hostel, offering cheap food, overnight lodging for mariners, a well stocked library, a chapel, bathrooms and washer/dryer facilities. We had lunch there but overnighted aboard Senara. What a great concept! Every port city should have one of these.

At the Institute

Our entertainment in Newport included gawking at high-tech race boats sitting next to little unkempt sloops, and - oh yes- going to a local theater to see The Boss (Mr. Springsteen)'s concert film, "live in Barcelogna." We found ourselves hollering and singing along - then a nighttime dinghy ride back out to Senara who was sitting patiently tied to her mooring ball.

K's favorite new boat name....

Of course, Newport was the original site for the America's Cup races - and the culture here is still centered around sailing. But I can't quite grant this town the title of sailing capital of the U.S. - there are just too many other great places!