First sail on new boat ... first sail while snowing

killarney_sailor · #1 (**permalink**) 12-25-2007

Didn't think that this belonged in the Cruising forum. I delivered my new (to me) Bristol 45.5 on Friday/Saturday from Stonington, CT to Jersey City. Left about 3 pm and arrived around 9 am. Needless to say we did not see any other pleasure craft on Long Island Sound. A few of the tugs we saw lit us up with spots - I guess to confirm what they thought they saw.

Had a great sail with just the genoa up on a broad reach tending to become a run. Winds were in the 10 to 20 knot range. The boat has a lovely motion in what could have been an uncomfortable sea (direction not size). We were dressed very well and had the new Espar ticking over in the cabin so we could warm up from time to time. Hit the East River at exactly the right time and had a placid sail past Manhattan. It was nice when the sun finally came up so that it was easier to see and be seen. There was a surprising amount of commericial traffic the whole way.

On arrival at the marina I did have my finest hour docking. Had to go around and do it twice - nothing like first docking with a new boat that is twice the displacement of the previous one - and a cross wind - and being up all night. No damage done - other than to my pride. I now know that some of my Niagara 35 handling tricks do not work the same on the Bristol. Now working on getting ready to move aboard by Jan. 10. Complex boat (for me) and lots to learn.

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 12-25-2007

Congrats...

BTW, think you meant to say

Quote:

On arrival at the marina I didn't have my finest hour docking. Had to go around and do it twice - nothing like first docking with a new boat that is twice the displacement of the previous one - and a cross wind - and being up all night. No damage done - other than to my pride. I now know that some of my Niagara 35 handling tricks do not work the same on the Bristol. Now working on getting ready to move aboard by Jan. 10. Complex boat (for me) and lots to learn.

teshannon · #3 (**permalink**) 12-25-2007

Congrats and best of luck with your Christmas toy!

Melrna · #4 (**permalink**) 12-25-2007

Congrates and fair winds on the new boat. Welcome to Liberty Landing. What dock are you on?

sailingfool · #5 (**permalink**) 12-25-2007

KS,

Congrats, you have bought the boat I'd like to have as my next one. I look forward to hearing about your experiences with the boat in general and the liveaboard. Do you have a genset?

Good luck.

Valiente · #6 (**permalink**) 12-26-2007

Nicely done, Bruce. Please keep us posted as you proceed in the liveaboard/sail-around adventure. I admire your fortitude and hope to follow in your wake.

killarney_sailor · #7 (**permalink**) 12-26-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melrna

Congrates and fair winds on the new boat. Welcome to Liberty Landing. What dock are you on?

I am on 'F' Dock - forget the number already but towards the north end.

killarney_sailor · #8 (**permalink**) 12-26-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingfool

KS,

Congrats, you have bought the boat I'd like to have as my next one. I look forward to hearing about your experiences with the boat in general and the liveaboard. Do you have a genset?

Good luck.

Yes, the boat has a Northern Lights genset - 5 kw I think

chef2sail · #9 (**permalink**) 12-27-2007

Great boat...Fair winds to you.

We will have to stop by as Liberty Marina is one of our layovers on our 3 week trip from Baltimore to Mystic and back.

Dave

camaraderie · #10 (**permalink**) 12-27-2007

Hey KS...congrats on the new boat and the good first run. They are beautiful boats. Let's have some pix when you get a chance!
Good luck with her!