First long sail after launch, Mahone Harbour to Stonehurst.
Nov 9, 2017
In earlier OnBoards we covered the building of the Cape Henry 21 Elvee by Keith Nelder in his Martins River boat shop and her subsequent completion and launch by owners Anne and Ryerson Clark. The Clarks have been busy with fitting out details but have still managed a few cruises in their new boat. Here is Ryerson’s description of their first long sail accompanied by a nice video to put you in the mood for small boat sailing.
“Mahone Harbour to Stonehurst out on the coast is about 17 kilometers as the crow flies, but being sailors, we know we seldom go in a straight line.
The day is perfect for this sail with our friends Shane and Jaye-Marie. Light north wind to start that carries us out the harbour into the bay and almost to Covey Island before dying completely. We motor along in bright sunshine for around 20 minutes until the south sea breeze fills in. Soon time for snacks and food is passed around and enjoyed by everyone. Sea birds and seals keep things interesting and we watch for “Hilton” the Great White shark that has been tracked into the bay.
As we beat out into the more open sea we rise to the gentle 2-foot swells and before long the usual sea breeze builds to about 10-11 knots, right from our destination direction. We enjoy the sail but soon heave to and tie in the first reef in the main. Elvee is a very gentle boat when hove to and minds her manners. Even with the reefed main we still maintained 4.5 knots as before but now there was less strain on gear and bashing around.
From here it is tack on tack, going very well and avoiding the shoals in closer to the Stonehurst side of the bay. We line up with the green buoys marking the narrow channel into Howard and Donna’s place and have a quick reach in past very close rocks on either side, but deep water under our keel. We lower sail and moor under motor. Howard came along side and ferried us all ashore.” Ryerson Clark
Video: https://vimeo.com/229386682
Photo Credits: Ryerson Clark
