Mile 480: Sailing Porn

Took our final dip in the pool at the marina, called the Nexus office (friendly person on the other end!) and pre-cleared out entry to Port Huron.  Very quick indeed!.

We then slipped out lines, and headed out for our next leg of our journey .... 10 minutes later I was on the radio with the Port Huron Harbour master, and was assigned a rafting position right near the mouth of the river (no bridges to wait for) ... we didn't even remove our fenders ... 

Our raft is 3 deep, with a neighbour from Windsor.  Any deeper would encroach on the harbour width.  Our entrance (as is everyone's) was announced to the whole harbour via PA system.  A steady stream of arrivals, and accompanying announcements, streamed into the river all day.  Many boats from Chicago, probably having just finished the Chicago/Mac race last weekend.  It's not 8:30pm, and the traffic has changed to non-stop pontoon boats, and 1000hp motor boats, and everything in between.  Seems like the locals returning from a day on the water, or just putting up and down the main drag/river.

Beyond the first two bridges more boats are moored, and that's where the big boys are moored.  There is a whole fleet of Santa Cruz 70's in this race.  Very big boats indeed.

The weather here is sweltering, as I think it is for much of the country.  It's 35 down below in the boat, and the nice breeze we've had all day seems to be dying.  We are keeping cool by consuming a steady stream of ice water and other fine beverages.  I expect that we'll buy a bunch more ice tonight and tomorrow just to stay cool.

The town host a huge harbour event on this weekend too, and the streets are closed off and lined with vendors.  There are multiple stages with live music going all day (and probably all night).  It is truly a huge event and I expect that tomorrow will have more boats arriving and everything will ramp up a little more.  

Conrad and Elsabe will arrive tomorrow evening, and will go over final prep, safety, equipment, etc.  Saturday will require us to get on the water early to fight the current to the starting line, and be sure we're ready.  Our start signal is at noon.  We're in PHRF F with about 14 other boats.  We're fastest boat in our division, so we have to  work hard to keep in front of everyone.  Weather is a little hard to pin down, but most wind directions are favourable to some degree.  Ramble On shines off the wind, and struggles with the wind on the nose.

We are moored just West of PHYC 3 deep on F11.

Cheers from Port Huron!

Chris

[Update: I forgot to mention ... 38 Special was the headlining act right onshore from where we are moored.   Deja high School! or what.]