Buzzards bay cruise

[frank durant]

Just back from a 'small boat' sailing adventure on Buzzards Bay erea.Left from Fairhaven across Buzzards Bay to Quissett Hbr,then to Hadley Hbr(wealthy erea)..on to Vineyard Haven/Lagoon Pond (nice boats through out cruise)..then to Cutty Hunk and back to FairHaven.Would have stayed longer but bad winds forcast with more rain so we thought we'd call it a cruise.Nice erea,beautiful homes..large and small...with a lot of cedar shake siding.Many beautiful yachts,again both large and small.Would like to go back.

[frank durant]

small boat raft-up

[frank durant]

boat shop at Quissett hbr

[frank durant]

Many pretty anchorages with a wide variety of yachts and homes

[frank durant]

back at the ramp in Fairhaven

[frank durant]

Cuttyhunk is a nice hbr

[mbd]

Hey Frank, are you cruising in your Suncat or giving the Flicka some excercise? Personally, I'd love to see many pictures of both. (Feel free to email them to me offline if Bill would rather not have you cluttering up the forum with "other" boats. :D)

I'd also like to hear about characteristics or features you prefer or dislike in comparison to 'Revival'. Yours is a unique perspective with all the different boats you handle. I'd be crurious to hear how our Ariels stack up - realistically - to other small crusiers.

[frank durant]

I won't have the Flicka down south until mid november.I am having a hoot trailorsailing these lil boats around !! Good group of guys...lots of fun and adventures....see a lot of new places.I solo sail a lot in the winter,so I find it a nice treat to sail with a likeminded group of 'minimalist' sailors.Little boats are fun...period.As to the Ariel.......I can not imagine a finer sailing boat for her size.Fairly shallow draft,great motion and stability and faster than I expected....actually a bomb on a reach!! And did I mention PRETTY ?? I will always have a real soft spot for an Ariel (#50 specifically) I expect the Flicka to be more mobile and cheaper to store(trailor)..nicer under power with a much longer range (diesel) and comfortable/safe off shore for her size.I do not expect the speed of Revival.

[ebb]

Frank, you ARE sailing!

Great photos
and ditto Mike, if it's ok with Bill:
All pics of small
and smaller
boats would totally good.
Right here!
Including yer flikaroonie.

[frank durant]

Ebb/Mike....here's one from last winter's cruise on the (Ebb's name) 'flickaroonie'.Rather than post more pics, I'll post a link to Flicka friends once the article on the cruise is finished. Last years was THEE best tour yet.Eastern Abacos are just beautiful!! This pic is at HopeTown in Elbow Cay.I won't 'clutter up' this fine site with 'other boats' but hopefully will help motivate some ariel owners to get out there ....they are GREAT boats..exellent sailors and fine lil cruisers.

[ebb]

The ways and byways of small boat sailing is infinitely interesting. Navagation, jigs, tricks, gear, and drink recipes. All is one, and any one is All!

[frank durant]

Sure would be nice to see some Ariel cruising pics posted...come on group...some nice Ariels at anchor or sailing by some nice scenery.

[frank durant]

Here's the link to last years cruise http://www.flicka20.com/ff/ff_12_01.pdf The trailersailing gang (ole farts club) are off to the North Channel on june 9th for a couple of weeks. I hope to sail at least one with them.

[commanderpete]

Great report Frank. Thanks.

I'll have some cruising stories for you this year.

This I vow.

Nothing too dramatic (I hope)

[frank durant]

I'll be waiting...take lots of pics ;-) fair winds

[frank durant]

Just back from a micro cruiser tour of the North Channel of Lake Huron...BEAUTIFUL erea.Anyone within 'getting there' distance-GO !! Tons of islands,clear water,varied bird life,great fishing and unbelievable scenery.