Morning comes early as skiffs carry lobstermen to their boats followed by the sounds of diesel engines cranking up. Not unexpected in a working harbor. I check my phone to find small craft advisories the next couple of days as Erin moves north on the Atlantic. 6:10 tied to the Upper Town Dock for a walk walk and breakfast.
I find a coffee shop where the wifi password is "ElvisisKing," a place like that has got to be good. It is. A blueberry muffin and iced tea. I catch up on the news and notes from friends.
8:30 off the dock, sails up in a light southeast breeze. Slow tacking through the mooring field, the Harbor Master runs alongside in his boat to check on me. "Where are you headed? he asks. I tell him I'm going to Somes Sound to avoid the waves. His reply is an emphatic "GOOD!"
9:15 off the Coast Guard base, 9:30 out of the harbor. Better wind and sailing at 3.5. With Greening Island to starboard I notice a center console boat coming up from behind. The boat comes up on port side and I see it is Alana, from the sailing school. She shouts "I brought you some food!" I motion for her to come up along the starboard side. She comes in close, tossed a bag of trail mix and some cups of fruit into SPARTINA. I am touched. I thank her for her kindness, she waves and turns back to Southwest Harbor.
I am not sure what to expect with waves from Hurricane Erin. Last I heard, seven foot waves on the ocean today. I know what that is like on the shore - dangerous - but what does it mean for deeper water. It doesn't matter. The waves won't reach Somes Sound, and I would probably be sailing the Sound anyway as it is a beautiful place.
10:00 sailing between the mountains that line Somes Sound in a shifting wind. Soon better wind on the stern, tacking downwind the width of the Sound.
11:30 off Abel and Co. Yacht Yard at the top of the Sound. 12:00 duck into Sargent Cove just south of the yard. On the chart it looks like it offers good protection from the wind, but I find it too rocky and shallow. 12:45 turn downwind towards Somes Harbor. Passing through the narrow entrance I see the harbor is crowded with boats, most of them on moorings. Plenty of room, though, and after exploring a bit I find a nice spot on the west side of the mooring field. Anchor down 2:00. Boom tent up, I relax in the shade, catch up on the log, nap and check the weather.
15.64 NM
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