We now know that entering the Plymouth Harbor channel is a challenge during the daylight with its snake like shape and sandbars lurking around every corner. To do it at night, with a wide array of red and green lights flashing from all directions on shore is nearly impossible if you are unfamiliar with it.
We had to request the assistance of the harbor master to guide us in as we could not determine where we were in the channel or if we were even in the right channel... The harbor master had us anchor where we were at marker G5, while they headed out to find us. To add to the confusion, the harbor master crew was looking for a power boat since most people are aware of Albin 28 power boats rather than the Albin 28 sail. But they did find us, and led us through the channel to our mooring at the yacht club.
They would have had every right to act annoyed with us since we were foolish enough to enter at night, but they were nothing but polite and extremely helpful. The launch at Plymouth Yacht Club was more than patient as well. They close down at 11:00pm but Connor, from the club launch, stayed on the radio with us and the harbor master throughout and made sure we were safely tied up before checking out for the night.
Here is our new list of rules when heading out on a full day excursion:
1. Arrive at the launch by 9:00am.
2. If wind conditions are such that we are beating out of Boston Harbor, motor out and determine wind conditions outside the harbor as soon as possible.
3. Determine in advance where it would be safe to anchor overnight en route if need be so we are settled before dusk.
4. Plan, plan, plan so that we do not enter an unfamiliar harbor at night!
We are off to breakfast in town. The weather forecast is hot and humid with 0.0 wind. Looks like we will be staying ashore for the day.
Ready to Set Sail
