We seem to be two of about only five other people on the whole island of Cuttyhunk. (Wikipedia tells us that the year-round population is actually close to 50, but we’ve encountered no more than three of those residents.) A couple other boats come and go briefly over the four days we anchor here, but it’s far from the bustling harbor we visited two summers ago, where a boat full of teenagers zipped around busily to deliver oysters that cruisers could order via VHF radio.

We seem to fall deeper into the transient’s rhythm here, and the reality of our trip is starting to finally ground itself in our minds. We witness the sunrise and sunset of each day. We row to shore to meander along the beach and collect sea trash treasures. We walk around the island and find the raw bar boat tied up for the season.

We finally leave on Saturday morning. We have what feels like a victorious departure from Cuttyhunk, finally fully under sail — not motoring, not motorsailing — and making 8 kts in 10-15 kts of wind. It’s the first time in a while where we have been able to sail for so many consecutive hours. Enthralled by this, we continue to push further south into new territory.

We cruise through Block Island Sound, and stop in at Mystic, Connecticut. We haul ass (Oates) on a two-mile dinghy ride into shore to make it in time for happy hour at Oyster Club…immediately followed by a trip to Mystic Pizza™. 😀

In the morning, we motor briefly from Mystic to New London to settle in for the following week. While certainly less quaint, New London promises not only (completely empty) town moorings, but also showers and laundry facilities!

Cuttyhunk:

Heading to Connecticut:

Mystic, CT: