We woke on July 5th to a glorious cool day; perfect weather for us to head north and east through Long Island Sound. We planned on sailing with Wind Runner to her home port of Niantic, Connecticut. Natalie and daughter Angie joined us for the day.

We proceeded from behind Roosevelt Island on the east River around past the United Nations and up through Hell's Gate where the Harlem River joins the East River at the North Eastern tip of Manhattan. We were fortunate that tides, currents and winds were cooperating. The Cruising guides make a big to do over this spot. We saw rips but experienced no difficulty.

In a short time we were out into Long Island Sound. The wind picked up and the sailing was delightful. We stayed with Wind Runner while we could but Shearwater wanted to run. We were on a broad reach with winds from the North West. She was flying along at 9 to 10 knots and loving every moment of it. Shearwater comes alive on a reach. It's almost as if she lifts up and glides across the water. We took some great pictures of Wind Runner as we glided past.

We decided on making an stopover at Port Jefferson on Long Island. Its a beautiful sheltered harbor. Shearwater arrived some time before Wind Runner and Crew. The kids went ashore in the dingy to burn off some stored up energy while the adults settled in for a sunset drink. Stu managed to get the grill going and we enjoyed a tasty meal and planned for another great day on the water.

We had a lazy morning knowing it was only 40 miles to Niantic. By the time we got underway the winds had calmed considerably and were behind us. It was time to fly spinnakers. We were able again to take some great pictures of Wind Runner as we glided across the sound. Justin Smith Gary's Grandson spent the day with us. He particularly liked it when we glided past Wind Runner.

It was getting dark as we approached Niantic Bay. There is a narrow train bridge at the entrance into the Niantic River. We elected to anchor out until morning. Gary and Crew headed home to his Dockominium just inside the bridges.

Early on Sunday morning we made our way through the narrow train bridge and its next door neighbor the Niantic Highway Bridge against strong a strong current. We were concerned about the single span which appeared to open about 45 degrees. We edged our way along the fender board on the far side of the bridge so that our 63.5" mast would have maximum clearance. There were lots of people watching and cheering us on. Well, we lived to tell the tale.

Waiting at the Dockominium were the Wind Runner Crew and many of Gary's friends who followed our trip across the South Atlantic. They welcomed us with open arms and hearts. We don't realize, sometimes, how many folks follow along with us. It was a warm and welcome feeling.