I sailed away from Scituate Harbor, Massachusetts, transited the Cape Cod Canal, and wound up at the lovely dock at the Beverly Yacht Club in Marion, Massachusetts.
The sail to the entrance of the canal had to be timed correctly so that once I entered the narrow waterway I was motoring with the flow of the current as the tide moved, not against it. Filled with mostly motorboats, the canal is fairly busy. When compared to the open ocean it’s a bustling highway and a social occasion.
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In my 29-foot vessel I floated past barges the size of department stores. On my left as I exited the canal I passed the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and admired their waterfront. The rest of the way to Marion was wet and grey but the Commodore of the BYC, Larry Hall, greeted me warmly at the entrance to the harbor and guided me to the dock where I was allowed to stay at free of charge.
Marion is a quiet town. There, I befriended two older couples and was treated to a home-cooked meal. One of my favorite things about the sailing community is the feeling of acceptance that I get. People of all different ages and backgrounds can connect over this common ground they share. Although I had never met them before, the two pairs and I were able to chat freely for the whole dinner.
Similarly, in Scituate Harbor, I encountered a family aboard a boat named “Trustworthy.” In Woolwich I don’t generally get to spend much time with young families, but rather see people closer to my own age. Friendships like the one I have with “Trustworthy” give me the chance to befriend the younger generations, too. I believe that is an invaluable part of my experience.
Tonight, I am anchored in a quiet harbor that I have all to myself. It will be very quiet without any other boats (or dogs!), but relaxing.
Tomorrow I will make way to Newport, Rhode Island. The busy harbor will seem action-packed compared to where I have been for the past couple days. I am enjoying tonight’s quiet, and look forward to tomorrow.
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