Greetings from Kings Point, LI, home of the Kings Point Maritime Academy. We arrived mid-day Saturday, bleary-eyed and exhausted, after a relatively uneventful but sleepless 36-hour transit from Lewes, DE. The weather was fine with a light westerly breeze and small sea swell that paled in comparison to our previous day underway! Setting the fores'l and the stays'l, the boat was rolly but stable and we were able to push the rig a bit while identifying some rigging kinks to address in May's uprigging endeavour.
We received a warm welcome by fast-boat from two of Kate's best friends, Chris and Tiffany. Chris is the Sailing Master and Waterfront Director here at the Academy and has graciously offered to help with the pulling of the Spirit's rig as well as supplying a quiet, protected place to get some maintenance done before continuing north to the Erie Canal. After travel arrangements, showers and a couple of relaxing beverages we headed over to a wonderful, gut-stuffing barbeque held in our honor by our friends.
Sunday was spent downrigging and logging some quality time with friends as well as saying farewell to some crew who have headed home to Buffalo. Today has brought rain, wind and cold. Needless to say, we've been cooped up down below all day, on the phone, arguing about business tactics, marketing and scheduling, taking things apart in preparation for the rig-pull, chowing on junk food and trying not to kill each other! (just kidding...). Dennis and Ric arrived yesterday with the spar trailer that will allow us to transit without the masts and yards clogging the deck. Joey arrived early this morning to assist with rigging, as well.
While it's tough to stop mid-stream like this, Kings Point couldn't be a better place to lay up for a few days and we are grateful for their hospitality. A private maritime academy, Kings Point has what I like to call a "playground" of vessels, almost all of which are utilized for cadet training. We'll be out on one tonight, getting a taste of being on the water and staying dry...what a concept!
The Spirit of Buffalo phone continues to ring off the hook and word continues to spread of our impending arrival. Kate returns to Buffalo by Thursday to move along with the BUOE Foundation and will continue to report on the Spirit of Buffalo's northward progress as news arrives!
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