Sailing the Sound
One September, some years ago, I had the chance to spend a day sailing aboard the Carpe Diem, a 45-foot sailboat moored at a small historic marina along the Thames River in Groton, Connecticut.
Accompanying me was Sally, my sweetness. We chartered the sailboat for the day with another couple, with Captain Jack handling the boat.
The plan for the day was simple. We would sail out of the Thames River, cross into Long Island Sound, and make our way to West Harbor, a protected harbor at Fishers Island, New York. Once there, we would have lunch aboard before turning back for a slow sail to Groton.
The Thames River was calm as we left the marina. Smooth water. Easy movement. It was an easy way to leave the marina and get used to the boat before reaching the open water.
Once we reached Long Island Sound, the ride changed. The Sound had a small to medium swell that gave the sail some life. Nothing rough or uncomfortable, but enough motion to make it feel like an adventure rather than just a leisurely ride on the water.
That was probably my favorite part of the day.
The boat moved well. The sails filled. The deck shifted underfoot. The lines pulled tight. Water slapped against the hull. Other boats passed in the distance. For a while, I found myself paying attention to things I normally would have overlooked.
After crossing the Sound, we reached West Harbor at Fishers Island. The protected waters of the harbor were calm. The Fishers Island Yacht Club overlooked the harbor, adding to the coastal character of the area. With its marina and sailboats moored in the shallows, it was the perfect destination for lunch.
We had lunch aboard: cheese, fruit, wine, and deli sandwiches. Nothing overly formal. Just good food, calm water, and a location that made it easy to stay a little longer.
After lunch, we sat for a while longer in the harbor before turning the Carpe Diem back toward Groton. The return trip was slower and relaxed. Back across the Sound, then into the smooth water of the Thames River, and finally back to the small marina where the day had begun.
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Technical Notes:
These images were captured with an iPhone. Shooting from a moving sailboat meant working with shifting light, water glare, and constant motion, resulting in images that favor atmosphere and immediacy over technical perfection. All images were processed in Lightroom for color, texture, and clarity, and are presented in a 4:3 ratio. Minor softness and imperfections remain, reflecting both the spontaneity of the day and the conditions on the water.
