Bo, Read through this thread http://www.boatered.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=66886; and you will get some good thoughts and launch site ideas. I have sailed my M15 out of Hyannis MA on several occasions and they have a good, free ramp with decent parking. A nice protected area to start out in with some good free anchorages In the Harbor area - beautiful spots. I have anchored many a night behind Pine island or up in Uncle Roberts Cove and have enjoyed every one of them. But it isn't Martha's Vineyard. The currents run east at 2 - 3 kts for the run of the tide then turn west at 2 - 3 kts. Don't try to fight the current. Read the tide tables and plan your trip. The strong current over the shoals create a fierce overfall that will really set your M15 to bouncing. You will find that 60 ft deep water moving at 2 kts creates quite a ruckus when it hits a 10 ft deep shoal. Does your M15 have at least 1 set of reefing points? If not get two sets and put jiffy reefing at least on the first set. The normal sea breeze off of Cape Cod is ideal for an M15 under a reefed main and working jib (110%). In order to take more sail off the next logical step would be to a smaller jib - 70% or less. As to anchorages on MV - you can't beat lake Tashmoo on the SW side of the Island. It has a very shoal entrance which keeps the big boats out so you have to time the entrance for mid tide and up. It is unmarked but rock free. Lots of sand. It's quiet, peaceful and has no commercial facility. The Cape Poge Bay on Chappaquiddick island is also free of big boats. Edgartown harbor has mooring for $30 a night and has a water taxi if you want to get to town. You have a great area to sail in and the M15 will handle it well but pick your days as the area can get rough quickly. Pleasant Bay is also a very nice cruising ground for a weekend overnight. Very protected, nice beaches, good snorkeling, good ramps and nice anchorages. Enjoy. Doug Kelch "Seas the Day" M15 #310 --- bo Swartwout <caboswart@hotmail.com> wrote:
I have recently moved to Cape Cod and purchased a 15 ft. Montgomery. I would like to sail to Marthas Vineyard.I would like to hear from anyone who has done it about: Where to launch? Where to stay (free anchorages)? What to watch out for on the crossing? And any other helpful info. Thank you so much for any response, Bo _______________________________________________
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