Newport (part 1)
2002-04-28

Well, we made it through the weekend in one piece, but not without serious attempts to change that. We got the boat loaded and got off right on schedule. Had a picture perfect exit from the dock and a nice motor to Newport. It was COLD, but the sun was out, we had the bay to ourselves and we were making great time.

I'm always in awe when we sail under the Newport Bridge. It looks so big from underneath, so fragile. We did not hit the bridge. This is a good thing. I looked for seals but the warmer weather of the last few weeks must have chased them all north. We saw a tanker transfering oil to a barge. We listened to music. Pretty uneventful. Until we got to Newport. Then all hell broke loose.

It was a full moon. The reason this is important is because during full moons the tides are get really high and realy know. I know this, but some how it doesn't register. We have all our fenders out and lines ready, decide what dock we are going to take and blam... We are stopped dead. Apparently between B and C docks at the Newport YC is a shallow spot called the hump. All the regulars know about the hump, new members find out for themselves. At high tide it is not a problem, but at a moon low... it is about 4 feet deep. We drat 7'2". We hit going about maybe 3 knots. I figured I could power off. No dice, we were stuck, bad. To top it off, we are directly behind the Newport to Providence ferry which is making ominous sounds like it is getting ready to leave. Um, not till we move buddy. M.E. tries to raise the YC on the radio, but it is still off season, so... We try the cell. This works, the steward will come out and pull us off in the work boat. Hmm, nice intentions, but no dice. After 15 minutes we are still stuck fast. A little fishing boat comes over to help. We throw him a line, and we are moving a bit until his ould fishing boat wood splits and his cleat goes in the drink. Plan B down the tubes. Finally somebody calls the Harbormaster. He has a BIG motor and a post for towing. He takes the stern line and two minutes (and a few bumps later) we are off. Five minutes later We were tied to the dock and I needed a drink. TO be continued

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