November 2022 Papoose Article

In late September, long-time LMYC members Hank & Beth Jelinek went on a week-long cruise in New England with friends and wrote this story about their adventure. Rich and I, and probably many of you, sailed to all these places years ago and are glad to know these delightful sailing meccas are still enchanting. The Jelineks sailed a Lightning on Lake Mohawk for many years, and now enjoy the comfort of bigger boats. Hope you enjoy the ride and the photos!

“Beth and I traveled to Rhode Island and boarded a 43 ft. Jenneau "Venteux" and sailed the local waters. We boarded on Saturday 9/20 and shoved off Sunday to practice tacking and jibing as the boat, a 2021 model, was unfamiliar to us and the wind was favorable. Did not hit anything so we sailed to Jamestown Sunday evening and took a mooring.

Monday was a typical rainy foggy New England weather day but we shoved off to Cuttyhunk Island, the last island in the Elizabethan chain, 38nm southeast. Wind was light as we close-hauled to Cuttyhunk but time was not on our side so we employed the "iron genny". We did arrive at 4 PM, the weather turned sunny so a few brave souls jumped into the water to swim. No Great Whites!! The evening was spent ashore enjoying a soup to nuts New England dinner - lobster was Great!

Tuesday brought another dose of New England weather with 7 to 9 knots of wind. We raised sail again as the wind was on the nose and we close-hauled to Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard. Coming into Edgartown we passed the iconic Edgartown Light and six superyachts. After taking a mooring in the crowed inner harbor, a few brave souls had another swim. Two nights were spent on the mooring as the crew went ashore and rode bikes, spent money on overpriced tourist stuff and took in the various sights. Beth and I visited the classy Edgartown Yacht Club (pictured here) and learned that as members of the Lake Mohawk Yacht Club we could join their ‘Yachty Crowd’. Edgartown members were just completing their afternoon race in Herreshoff 12.5 sloops, a great looking sloop that has been around for over 100 years. Glad to see many women skippers in the fleet!

Thursday we motored to the water dock in Edgartown harbor to fill up the tanks. Hank was at the helm as we motored to the dock but had to try 3 times to dock the boat. The Jenneau has two rudders and two wheels and sails differently than a boat the same size but with a single rudder. Once the water was replenished we motored out of the harbor and set sail for Menemsha harbor, a small picturesque village whose fame was set as the harbor that Captain Quint in "Jaws" sailed in the quest to kill the big brute. However, Jaws did not appear as the intrepid few swam in the harbor and other crew members went ashore to procure fresh seafood at the local seafood joint. Great shrimp, swordfish and bluefish were enjoyed by all.

Friday, our last full day, gave us great 10-12 knots from the southwest as we broad-reached back to R.I. It was a great sail as we got the boat up to 8 knots and saw porpoise at the Newport harbor entrance. The last night was spent celebrating our good time with one another at the shore side restaurant as the heavens opened to a pouring rain. Luckily the rain ceased when we finished. Saturday we returned the boat to Bluenose Yacht Sails and made our fond farewells. Another great sailing adventure to remember!”

We are planning some winter activities, so watch our website for what’s happening – www.LakeMohawkSailing.org and write to us at: www.LakeMohawkSailing@gmail.com

Until next month,

Smooth Sailing and God bless America!

Submitted by Gail Miner