Cruise Report

     This year’s summer cruise was different for several reasons. First there was a 2 week & 3 week option. Since there were no takers for 2 weeks, it turned into a 3 weeker. But for you future 2 weekers keep that itinerary because it is a good one.

     The second reason is that we did several ports that were different from anything we had ever done over the years. We had heard that New Bedford was making an appeal to cruises to come to their historic town. The reports we received were good so we decided to give it a try. Ever been in to New Bedford by boat; we never had? Well surprise, Whaling City Moorings was very hospitable and inexpensive ($30). The Harbor Master welcomed each boat with a Gucci bag containing hats for all the crew and other goodies. He also supplied information about the town. Karen Allen, a gal we had met at the Newport Boat Show last year had set up a tour of the Whaling Museum with a guide. This was followed by a wine/beer and snacks reception on their upper deck overlooking the harbor. The museum is very well done. And there is a City National Park which includes the Seaman’s Bethel made famous by Herman Melville’s “Moby Dick”. And of course their were Portuguese restaurants and bakeries. Joan Marcus even found a interesting & fun Chinese restaurant in Fair Haven on the opposite side of the harbor.

     Thanks to Joan, on our way to Boston, we stopped at Duxbury as an alternative to Plymouth and then Cohasset. Duxbury OK but Cohasset, what a surprise! Who would ever think of stopping at Cohasset? A small, picturesque harbor. Lorrie the Harbor Master could not have been nicer. After navigating around Minot’s Lighthouse and the rocks and finding our way to the harbor entrance (not so difficult really), Lorrie met each boat at the inner breakwater, led them to the moorings and presented each with a package of home- made trail mix. She made room for 5 DIYC boats and couldn’t have been more hospitable.

     Cohasset is an upscale suburb south of Boston. The town is interesting and within walking distance. A good restaurant on the harbor. We attended a Doo Wop concert at the South Shore Music Circus. Music of the 50’s & 60’s. Lorrie provided transportation to & from the performance, gratis. We will be back.

     As the power contingent headed for Boston , the sailboats headed for Maine . Reservations at Boston Yacht Haven although expensive, put us at docks protected from the harbor wash. It was a 5 minute walk to Quincy Market, Durgin Park , the Aquarium, and Fanuel Hall. The Italian North End was close by with 100 restaurants, and bakeries and Italian markets. Yo, Anthony!

     We did The Duck Tour thing and visited the Museum of Science & Industry, fully worthwhile. After 3 days in Boston , we left the tourists behind and continued our bucolic cruise back south. with stops at Scituate, Redbrook Harbor, Cuttyhunk and Block.

     A mention has to be made of the many eclectic restaurants we frequented. We started at the Back Eddy in Westport which was superb. In New Bedford , Frescas touted as being Portuguese had changed their menu but was also superb. Anthony’s for lunch gave us the Portage flavor, with a stop at Estelle’s bakery on the way back. Rabinos in Boston ’s North End served fabulous fare at modest prices. And Dim Sums in Chinatown, most delicate and flavorful egg foo yong I have ever had, and I’m a fan of egg foo yong. Lobster ordered at Cutty was eaten on the top deck of Just Desserts with shells over the side. And finally, a dinner at the Oar at the Boat Basin at Block. It has to be noted that there were 3 Chinese restaurants which were visited to supply Jewish soul food.

     So the Cruise of 2010 has to go down as one of the best ever. The weather was perfect, the ports new & old were great, and our cruisers were fun to be with. Come join us next year.

Ruth & Pete Connal

M/V “Ceilidh”

(it’s pronounced KAY-Lee)