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Log from the s/v Dutch Nirvana

[ 2001 Log ] [ 2002 Cruise ] [ 2003 Cruise ]

Sun. 7/22/01

17:00 - Slipped the lines w/ F. aboard and motored down to Coxsackie at 6.2K against the tide and a 8K wind. Pleasant trip with pleasant company.

18:15 - Tied up at the Town Dock at went ashore to a concert in the riverfront park by 'Dakota'. Good music (mostly) and pleasant conversation - she knew a member of the band so we talked with him awhile after the concert.

20:15 - Motored away from the dock at 6.2Kts with the tide - wind had dropped to under 5Kts - and had a nice evening ride back. Noticed several buoy lights were not operating and issued a 'Securite' over the VHF with no response. Burned out a fuse for my navigation lights and replaced same. Realized one of my fantasies for this boat - having a beautiful woman lounging on the bow while boating on the river into the evening.

21:30 - Arrived at slip after a great evening boating on the Hudson.

Sat. 7/21/01

Rigging for a Sail-Away from the Town Dock at Athens, NY less than 80K 11:00 - Slipped the lines w/ C. aboard and motored downriver to Athens at 6K.ts Wind from the S at 8Kts and tide coming in.

12:55 - Arrived at the Athens Town Dock and tied up for lunch. Explored the town and ate at the RiverView restaurant.

14:00 - Raised sails and sailed away from the dock with wind from the South at 5Kts variable and with the tide. Wind soon died down.

14:30 - Dropped sail and motored back to my slip.

Sat. 7/14/01

Albany, NY Waterfront on the Hudson Riverless than 80K09:15 - Slipped the lines alone and motored up to Albany at 6.2Kts with the wind from the NNW at about 8Kts, against the tide and current. uneventful passage.

12:05 - Arrived at the Riverfront Bar & Grill barge - I was approaching the dock with fenders out at about 2Kts when a 16' power boat came across channel (and my bow) and tied up 100 feet from me. I had given him 5 blasts but he just ignored me (like grabbing a parking place in the city). Fortunately, I was able to go around as my 2-ton displacement (1600# iron keel) would have made matchsticks of him. I asked him to move up a bit and made another approach and he helped me tie up. Ate lunch and went up to ESP for the Fleet BluesFest.

14:00 - Raised sail and sailed away from the dock heading back to my slip -  this time with the wind, tide and current. Great sailing almost down to Castleton-on-Hudson and was able to stay on the same tack for long periods of time.

~15:00 - Cigarette boat overtook me at about 60 MPH and passed within 100 ft of me before I even knew he was there - he just about swamped me as this was a bend in the river. Lost Jib bag over the side when water came over the bow from the wake. Dropped sails and motored the rest of the way to my slip.

16:05 - Arrived at my slip and tied up.

Sat. 7/7/01

09:55 - Slipped the lines w/ J. aboard and motored downriver to Athens at 6K. Wind from the S at 8-10Kts steady. Noticed several red cans, not on chart, channel side of day markers - assumed silting from heavy rains this past couple of weeks. Beautiful day.

11:45 - Motored into Athens channel and berthed alongside Hagar's - famous local hot spot. Waited for noon and had lunch on the patio overlooking the river - good food.

13:15 - Motored downriver to the Rip Van Winkle bridge.

13:55 - Hove to w/ wind still from the S at 8-10Kts and raised sails. Came about and sailed upriver with wind behind us. Beautiful day for sailing the river. Lots of traffic on the river but few sailboats. Sailing 'Wing on Wing' about 50% of the time between 5 and 6.7Kts w/tide.

17:00 - Passed my slip, started engine and hove to against the tide to drop sails. Motored into my slip against the tide. End of a great sailing day - covered 15 miles sailing and 15 motoring all total.

Sat. 6/30/01

10:05 - Slipped the lines w/ J. aboard under jib alone (with the tide). Wind from the NW at 5-8Kts variable. Raised the main and commenced sailing sea trial. Handled well under the variable wind conditions. No noticeable heavy helm.

12:15 - Started the outboard and returned to slip against the tide.

20:30 - Slipped the lines w/ J. and L. aboard and motored upriver to Coeymans Landing at 6Kts against the tide. Pleasant evening with clear skies. Turned on running and masthead lights.

20:45 - Anchored off channel near buoy 192 in 17' of water with #13 Quik-Set, 4' of chain and 100' rode. Set anchor lamp (kerosene lantern on forestay). Several other boats (all powerboats) anchored nearby. The Dutch Apple Cruise boat was steaming back and forth in the channel (with loud music). Fireworks show started at 21:15 - spectacular show right on the water enjoyed by all.

21:40 - Started engine and slipped the anchor - port red bow light not working. Motored down port side of channel and then crossed over channel to my slip. Very poor berthing on my part against the tide - first time at night - had to bring the stern in by spring line and prop wash.