Monday
0750 Steaming out of Freeport, saying final goodbyes, emotional and exciting and we are off and running steaming towards the Cape Cod Canal, destination Newport RI.
A few shots of the support staff, thank you!
1100 F$&k!!!! as I strive not to completely spew all over my computer. What is up, what is down, a rather large sea swell on the aft quarter, dealing with leaking sea cocks to name one of the many issues has lead to well… a tough first day out on the boat, I am not going to lie, did I sign up for this sort of stuff ! We did manage to cook some hot dogs for lunch, rig jack lines and unsuccessfully attempt a single side band radio reception
Winter Time Sailing Baby!!
Tuesday
1545 Wow, what a difference a day makes! Sunny, crisp skies as we entered the Cape Cod Canal, timing it perfectly for the outgoing tide and thus a 9 knot motor cruise emptying us out at Buzzards Bay. Calm seas (yessss!!!!) and cruising at speeds up 7.5 knots under sail only, a little drizzle and good spirits all around. Everybody helping, everybody driving, the team bringing it together and a crisp reception from the single side band transmission… what a difference a day makes!
1808 Right now… sitting at Starbuck across from teammate Steve as we both avidly type out our blogs, (if you have not read it, check it out southboundsaint.blogspot.com ) . Approximately 180 NM later, 
the Audax peacefully rests at Bannisters Wharf right in the heart of Newport, free dockage thanks to the kind Newport hospitality although it might have something to do with the fact no other freaking boat is crazy enough to still be in the water at this time of year. All in all a most successful first leg, great team work/communication, we have not sunk yet and a solid start!
I was however thankfully reminded of how harsh and unforgiving the ocean can be as I was rigging the jacklines (lines you run from the bow to the stern of the boat to tie yourself into in stormy weather so you don’t fall overboard) in a pounding sea with snow falling and that feeling of anxiety in the stomach quickly bubbled to the surface on how scary something can be when your life is at steak but with respect, careful planning and attention to detail the risks can be minimized and the beauty of the adventure can be realized! A treat tonight with Mom and Dad Herrigel swinging through town enroute to Maine, perhaps a free meal to go with the free lodging! God bless…..
November 20th, 2007 at 7:01 pm
John, may your cruise be like our marriage - the first day being the worst of the entire adventure (a wedding day story for when you return). This comparison should encourage you on both fronts (hint hint)
November 20th, 2007 at 7:16 pm
Congratulations to you all for making it through your first leg of the trip. Weather sucks around here so I can only imagine what it’s like on the open sea. We went to UNH today to see what it has to offer for Olivia and it snowed all day long! One thing to keep your spirits high is that for every mile south, things WILL (should) get warmer. Take care and keep up the good work.
November 20th, 2007 at 9:04 pm
Herrigel, Congratulations on the solid start to the trip. I am enjoying your blog. The photos are great, although it looks pretty cold from my perspective in Southern Cal. Best of luck!
November 20th, 2007 at 9:07 pm
Hey Guys, Glad you made it safe and sound. Need any help I’m just a phone call,sms,email away! If you have to lay over very long, take a walk south down the water front, past the Seamans Club, to the wooden boat school. May the warm air hit you from behind.
November 20th, 2007 at 9:32 pm
You made it through the first night! So proud of you, be safe, be happy! XOXO
November 20th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
John:
Spoke with your Mom & Dad this afternoon. Told them if/when you make it to the Chesapeake, we’re in Chestertown (about 10 miles up the Chester River) and would love to give you a warm place to stay and a warm meal or two. When you make it to the Carribbean, try The Abacos in The Bahamas. Sailors & boaters love it there with many beautiful islands and friendly people and interesting harbors & marinas. We will be there in Treasure Cay from 12/24 - 1/4. There is a good marina there and a great bar The Tipsy Seagul. Lastly, my godson, Matt Keeney, an ex-Marine helicopter pilot, now flies rescue for The Coast Guard out of Atlantic City, so if you’re in trouble, ask for him. I hope you won’t have to.
Best, Vic
November 21st, 2007 at 5:54 pm
Wait, I’m stuck at the second paragraph, John — you have a leaky WHAT? Guess you don’t have to worry much catching anything in the islands…