We decided to spend our second season on Long Island Sound, Block Island Sound, Narragansett and Buzzard's Bay. We did some major upgrades, including replacing both fuel tanks, a new suit of sails and upgraded electronics.We also learned the hard way where the name Stonington came from by encountering Catumb Rock while heading out through Lord's Passage!
First mate Anne Fogarty and I took Veneeni to Boston in mid-November, 20 degrees, sea smoke and freezing spray, where I lived aboard very comfortably all winter at the Constitution Marina along with friends on 125 other boats. The Webasto diesel heater system was great and essential. The insulation of the cabin and hull built into the Lord Nelson really paid off, as condensation was not an issue--for much of the winter, the Weeks and Plath Lantern in the saloon was enough heat to get by comfortably!
We are sailing Massachusetts Bay this season while we make final preparations to head South in October. We plan to head first to Annapolis and spend some time cruising the Chesapeake, the thinking about sailing to the Islands by way of Bermuda, probably in December. That said, the beauty of all this is that for the first time in my life, I will never again have to be anywhere for anyone else's schedule unless it is my choice. Cruising is a voyage, not an itinerary! We will keep everyone informed. We will happily receive emails at sailveneeni@gmail.com.
