Wet & Wild RIB Gathering!
It was a made to order day for RIBs; sunny, 70 degrees, 20-25 knots of breeze, and 3'-4' seas. Our RIB Rendez-Vous on Saturday was a great success and lots of fun. 10 RIBs gathered in Marblehead and en masse we headed out of the Harbor in a scene that Dan Tucker mentioned was reminiscent of Apocalypse Now.
As we made our way to Boston, a small craft advisory was issued and the area yacht clubs cancelled the day's sailboat races due to too much wind. The day was definitely a testament to RIBs. With the 3-4' waves and strong steady breeze, there wasn't one of us who were dry by the time we made it into Boston (less than 40 minutes I may add). As we sat and ate our picnic lunch at the Courageous Sailing Center in the heart of Boston Harbor, we all agreed that we couldn't wait to get back out there but couldn’t imagine doing the same thing in a hard sided boat!
After we ate and had a chance to dry off, we headed through the Charles River locks and up the Charles River to Boston University's boat house where we turned around and headed back. It was beautiful and so peaceful on the river that most of us forgot what was waiting for us on the other side of the locks (20+ knot winds and big wet seas). But after a great lunch and the re-charge on the river, the passage back to Marblehead was loads of fun (still wet, but can't beat a fun and exhilarating ride).
We had a great time on the water and are looking forward to another outing!
Take a look at some of the photos I've included below and enjoy!
Matthew Velluto (filling in for Fred)
All of us gathering at the Town Dock in Marblehead before venturing out.
Some of the RIB armada heading out of Marblehead Harbor.
Two RIBCRAFT 7.8's making their way up Boston Harbor (finally calm enough that I can take some pictures)
Having some lunch at Courageous Sailing Center in Boston Harbor
Here's the flotilla tied up at the Couragous Sailing Center after the first leg of the trip!
Quite a sight to see a bunch of RIBs all lined up in the locks - the Lock Operator had no idea what to make of it!
Hanging out on the Charles River
