Why Day Zero?
Our cruise of the southern New England Islands and visit to New York was scheduled to begin Monday (AKA Day 1), but it actually began around 2:00 on Sunday when we decided to head to Newport a day early.
This is one of our major annual cruises, but we had to cancel last year because Amazing Grace was in the shop for repairs.
The trip was planned with our dear friends from Austin – Jake and Peggy.
They flew into Boston late Saturday night and arrived in Onset about 1:30 Sunday.
A New Record for Invoking Plan B
Mrs. Horne and I got to the boat around 11:30 to provision, stow gear, and add fuel. As captain, I constantly check marine weather forecasts and NOAA had issued Small Craft Warnings through Monday:
Small Craft Warnings don’t stop Amazing Grace, but they are unpleasant for guests and I’ve found it can be a mess off the Wildcats where Buzzards Bay meets Vineyard Sound.
Accordingly, I planned to have everyone stay onboard in Onset to give me the option of leaving early for Jamestown Rhode Island.
As I was fussing around the lazarette amid tropical temperatures, I noticed there was virtually no wind and occasional breaks of sunshine. I went below and asked Mrs. Horne “Do you think we should head to Newport this afternoon?”
She said: “Why not?”
So I texted the Newport Yachting Center to book dockage and invoked Plan B for Newport around 2:00.
Newport Bound
With plans to meet friends in Jamestown and traces of a passing hurricane (Ernesto) along the eastern coast, Newport made a perfect “Port In A Storm”.
As we cleared Bird Island, Buzzards Bay was virtually dead calm.
I checked the BB NOAA buoy and it was reporting 7 knots.
The ride was quite smooth until we got near Sakonnet big rollers with long periods started coming in from the east.
Sunday Night in Newport
We arrived at 4:00 and the Newport Yachting Center gave us our preferred docking.
Mrs. Horne managed the docking single-handedly.
It’s a port tie-up on the outer face dock; perfect for boat and people-watching.
Mega Yacht Neighborhood
Back To Lucia
Despite decades of dining in Newport, we only discovered this wonderful little Italian restaurant last year.
The atmosphere is cozy, the service is warm, and the food is classic Italiano!
Tagliatelle ai Gamberi e Cappesante – $27.95
Bow-Tie Pasta sautéed with Shrimps, Scallops, Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, fresh Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes and fresh Basil
Fresh Three Cheese filled Ravioli served with a hearty traditional Northern Italian Meat Sauce
Vitello Piccante Alla Mozzarella – $30.95
Veal Scalloppine sautéed in a spicy Tomato Sauce, Garlic, and Herbs topped with melted fresh Mozzarella. Served with sautéed Spinach
Salmone al Miele – $30.95
Honey glazed Atlantic Salmon fillet flavored with Garlic, crushed Red Pepper, Soy Sauce, and Lemon. Paired with our Broccoli
After dinner, our Texas friends enjoyed a cool New England night in August off the Skydeck.
Next Up – Jamestown
Hi Dave!!
I’ve been following your blog for years and we actually met in OB a few summers ago.
I heard you are keeping Amazing Grace in Onset and was able to give you a wave on Friday:)
Congratulations the new boat is beautiful.
Michelle
I thought I recognized you! Next time stop by and say hello!