Newfoundland Is A Large Island

Once the charts and guides are assembled, the enjoyable task of planning a summer cruise begins. In my case it didn't take long to realize that Newfoundland is one large and far away place, and that maintaining the relaxed pace I favor would require very specific choices. I'd originally assumed that St. John's was an obvious stop on the itinerary where my wife could visit and enjoy the sights and people. After studying the charts I realized that St. John's didn't make sense for a small boat coming from, and returning to, New Jersey in a single season. I then started looking more closely at the South Shore and once again fell back in love with the Maritimes. The present plan will, I hope, develop into something approaching the following outline. (Photo by Ty and Suzanne on Liberty)

We will "scoot" from NJ up to Boston for a short stay, visiting friends and affording my wife an opportunity to drive up and enjoy Boston and the surroundings. Next it's over to Nova Scotia, clearing probably at Shelburne. Thence quickly along the Southeast Coast to perhaps Louisbourg, where we take departure for the French Islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. From there it's over to Newfoundland proper, clearing in at Fortune Harbor. Then we hope to work west along this coast to Port aux Basques, and finally back offshore to Sydney NS and home via the Lakes.

This is a seemingly workable plan for a single-handed yacht with a circumscribed time window. The plan's upside is that the South Coast is one of the most scenic and enchanting parts of the Province; the downside is that my wife will be unable to visit because many places along the South Shore can only be reached by sea. Sailing is a compromise, but probably still worth the trouble.