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SailingI love to sail! I have been around boats since I was 3 years old, first powerboats and then sailboats. I have sailed on boats from 12-foot lateen rig to the Clearwater a 100-foot sloop. My first time sailing was on a 12-foot Sunflower that my father had bought for us. We named it Two Small--only two people could fit on it at a time. Two Small had a long life; we sailed on Lake Lillinonah, Long Island Sound, and its final resting place, Deal Island on the Chesapeake Bay. When we moved to Fairfield we purchased a Nordica 16-foot day sailer. Even though it was small, I managed to do several overnight trips. One very memorable trip was made with my brother David. I think he was around twelve when we made a trip to Cockenoe Island. Cockenoe is about nine miles from where we kept the boat; he fished all the way down to the Island; and caught about twenty snappers (baby bluefish). David filleted the snappers, I breaded and fried them in a small fry pan on a stern-o camp stove-- boy, was that good! I started sailing with Sea Scout Ship 84 out of Southport CT in 1978; on board a 1968 Hinckley Bermuda-40 (B-40) that had been donated by a gentleman who had it custom-built for his family. I sailed with Ship 84 for three years and discovered Block Island, Nantucket, and night sailing for the first time. During one summer I logged about a thousand miles. Several years later I returned to Ship 84 as a First Mate, teaching young people14 to 21 years old; sailing skills, navigation, how to plan sailing trips, small boat handling skills, and boat maintenance. My parents purchased Ariel a twenty-one foot Quickstep, in 1990. The first time we saw the Quickstep we knew it was the boat for us. The cockpit is large about 6 1/2 feet long, big enough for the family and friends. My family and I have enjoyed taking family and friends who have never sailed before out on Ariel. They enjoy the comfort and ease of handling of the boat. The cabin area has several portholes, with wood, cabinets and floor and comfortable berths. We were able to get a tour of the boat yard in Bristol, RI where the boat was being built; we saw the deck in one area being put together, and the hull in another area. Lowell and I enjoy taking Ariel to Port Jefferson for long weekends even though we hardly ever go into the town of Port Jefferson. We anchor in Crescent Bay on the right side of the channel close to the beach (we draw about 3 feet of water); we row a shore, and go for long walks on the beach. At night we cook a great steak dinner on the BBQ, potato pockets, have some wine, listen to jazz, watch the sunset and the boats. Ariel has to be one of the best restaurants in Port Jefferson. One day we hope to own a larger boat and extend our cruising grounds. Below is a list of additional nautical websites:
Mountain BikingI have always enjoyed bike riding I have taken many rides around New England and the Islands. It’s a great way to see the scenery and find some out-of-the-way places. Massachusetts has the best ridding; Cape Cod and the Island’s all have bike paths near the main roads, which makes it good for road bike riding. You need to watch out for the sand that accumulates along the sides of the road. If you really want to see the land and want to feel like a kid again get on a mountain bike!Lowell and I have enjoyed many great rides in the Boston area. One of the most challenging rides is at Foxboro; it’s tough but exhilarating, a nice easy ride is on the Minute Man Trail. One of the best books to get is Mountain Biking in Southern New England--it list trails by geographical location, ability, single and double track (single track trails are very narrow trails, double track is wider and usually a lot easier). We both have Trek mountain bikes with no suspension. We have never had a break down on the trail. Below is a list of additional websites that contain information on trails, bike repair, equipment and safety tips. Mountain Bike Associations:
Bike Repair and Equipment: Make sure that your bike is in good riding condition:
What to bring on the trail:
Things to remember:
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