2022-07-10 Happy 4th, Boat Projects, Port Jefferson, Black Rock, New London

 We stayed a while in Port Jefferson.  Walked to groceries and relaxed for a couple of days while Kris's hand healed.   We also did some boat projects.   

Finally finished the dodger.  Complex curves are difficult to sew.  This one curved section was the toughest sewing project yet.  Strained Kris's patience, and several "time outs" were necessary.

Starboard side dodger.  Short section on right was last bit to sew.

We have an issue with our jib sheets catching under the window louvers.  Dean came up with a way to stop that, by putting pvc supports/blocks at the edge of the louvers.  Turned out nice, gives extra support, and stops the jib sheet from catching underneath them.  When the sails move from one side of the boat to the other, sometimes the sheet catches under the louvers, and there is a lot of force when the wind catches the sails.  We worried about accidentally damaging the louvers.

Round posts at edges of louvers are pvc pipe, painted and sealed in place.

We have an issue with the chain falling out of our windlass chain wheel, when it is slack.  Trying out a "chain guide" to see if it helps.  You can see we can be fairly creative and cheap to test ideas out.  We tied a pvc tee in place to guide the chain.

Looks stupid, but cheap way to test a theory.  If it works, we will install a nice looking chain guide.

In addition we swapped the chain end for end, as the first 75' or so is getting pretty rusty.  Will have to replace the chain this year.

We also did some general maintenance on blocks, lubing all of them- which is over 40 blocks - did not realize how many there really were, until going around putting water protect lube on all of them.

Just a few of the many blocks on the boat due for maintenance.

We also took some time in Port Jefferson (really is Setauket, but close to Port Jefferson), to have a nice lunch at an amazing deli place, with a huge menu.   If you are ever in Setauket, it is worth the stop.

A large, yummy sandwich

Setauket harbor is quite pretty.

Setauket Harbor

Cormorant taking a fishing break

Great Egret looking for lunch 

There is one very confusing sign we encounter on our way into town at Setauket.  

Dean clearly violating the law standing here.

After a nice few days in Port Jefferson (Setauket), and watching some fireworks on the 4th from the private homes around the harbor, we headed over to Black Rock, and got a dock for a couple of days.  

We usually don't dock, but this dock is only $ 0.50 per foot at the Fayerweather Yacht Club- which is really cheap, and is the closest spot we have to walk into Super Duper Weenie, which you may remember was Deans favorite lunch spot when he worked at Bigelow Tea.   

Fayerweather Yacht Club

We walked in, and had a nice lunch, met our friend John McCraw there and had a good time catching up.  Good hot dogs and fries.

Super Duper lunch

We also met our financial advisor while at Black Rock, Bob, who works with Stifel.  We had a quick meeting, and then he took us to a very nice dinner at the Boca Oyster bar.  They had really good seafood, and Dean even enjoyed his shrimp tacos. (Dean is not a big seafood guy).

Bob told us about a not to miss fireworks show that was happening in a couple of days in New London, CT, so we decided to head that way.  It meant a day of motoring, but we had some pretty scenery, and absolutely flat seas.

Falkner Island Lighthouse

Pequot Avenue Lighthouse - Connecticuts oldest and tallest lighthouse

The anchorage in new London was a bit rocky, but not too bad, and we were able to knock out another project, which was a sun shade for the stern.

Stern shade rolled up

Stern shade down

The anchorage was scenic, with Fort Trumbull in our background.

Fort Trumbull

We also were anchored next to this pretty little island.  Unfortunately, lots of birds on the island, so an occasional order, and bird bombs on the boat.

Pretty little rocky island with lots of birds.

New London has a Sailfest festival every year.  We did not go ashore, but were pretty disappointed for something named Sailfest, the only sailboat on display was Amistad.

The fireworks show was excellent, and worth the trip.  It was set to music as well, which is always fun.

New London is on one side of the Thames River, and Groton on the other side.   Groton is the location of the General Dynamics Electric Boat Submarine facility, and Naval Submarine base.   

We saw one going down the river.

Had to zoom in pretty close to see it, sorry about the fuzziness.

We will head out today, and move to a calmer anchorage (hopefully), before getting to Newport, RI.