Journey to Martha's Vineyard

Sailing Vineyard Sound, and arriving at Lake Tahmoo

[Kyle]We started the day before sunrise in Cuttyhunk. The place was quiet; probably everyone relaxing from the wild parties the previous night (NOT). The first half of the day we had favourable winds, but unfavourable currents. We sailed up Buzzards Bay in a light head wind to a gap between Nashawena and Pasque Islands called "Quicks Hole", there are other shorter routes, but this is considered the safest.

The Northbound current combined with the South bound wind made for a short chop through the gap, and cut our speed in half. Once we turned into the lee of Pasque Island, we enjoyed a brisk upwind sail in flat water. The sun was bright and the islands were beautiful. Maryanne commented that the private Pasque Island looked like someone had unrolled a carpet of trees atop the sandy island; pretty cool.

We saw a few fishing boats and Maryanne again decided it was time to trail the fishing lure - we stayed in the lee of the Elizabeth Islands as we sailed NE which gave us moderate winds and flat sea, and being against the current (still) gave us plenty of time to enjoy the views. The entire time the cliffs of Martha's Vineyard were visible to the south in the crisp, bright air.

Just before noon, we turned South and crossed Vineyard Sound, lowered the sails and motored into Lake Tashmoo, just around the corner from Vineyard Haven. The entrance here was narrow and shallow, but eventually opens into a wide bay, about 10' deep. The Lake is very petty surrounded by trees through which you can see moderate sized houses, all with docks jutting out, and boats attached. Like many areas in this part of New England, the bay was filled with moorings. We found a space, and after a 3rd attempt we managed to find good holding ground in which to anchor. Given the wind forecasts (strong, from the NE), we again put out our 2nd anchor (rowed out in the dingy, as we had in Newport).

We tidied up the boat, and rowed to shore for the 30 minute walk into Vineyard Haven - time to explore.

[Maryanne]As we entered Lake Tashmoo, there were people fishing - and no, I have still to catch a thing (even with my lucky lures from John Dickerson).