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And so it goes–another summer has slipped by us like beach sand through splayed fingers. Why does it have to pass so quickly?? Well, there‘s not
much we can do about it, is there– except for promising to enjoy the last precious days the weather gods might grant us in these next few weeks. If
the mood strikes, give a call, and we‘ll
do our best to make it happen for you.
A reminder, the old girl will be hauled
out soon, so don't delay!
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Most Recent Entries
October 7, 2011: It would appear that keeping the site updated is a chore we were
willing to let slide. Well, no more slacking off, especially not now, at the end of this very
fine season. September‘s weather added some considerable sand to the grease of commerce, the very iffy forecasts scuttling several planned trips. But if one last sweet weekend can make up for those lost days, this one looks to be the one–classic Indian Summer weather, clear through (pun intended) to Monday‘s holiday. The Marcia Mongelluzzo party of six was wise to this fact, hopping aboard this evening to enjoy
a spectacular Fall sunset cruise and birthday celebration. Thanks, Marcia!
August 30, 2011: We’re back up and running! Hosted David Spira and his elegant wife, Shirleyan, who were celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary today. A run down to the Noank Shipyard to welcome the happy couple on-board, then a scoot back up to Watch
Hill, where they planned to toast each others’ good sense in choosing a spouse during
a memorable dinner at the Ocean House. And the weather? Perfect!
August 29, 2011: Whew! We feel very fortunate to have ducked that haymaker Irene
had aimed right at our chins. Our best hopes for speedy repair and recovery to those
locales further west that weren't so fortunate. The sheer magnitude of nature’s forces
are incredible to behold, aren’t they?
August 12, 2011: Welcomed Wendy Brown, esteemed president of the Watch Hill Merchants Association, on-board today, accompanied by her visiting sister, niece and daughter-in-law. Bit of a puff out there, but the sun was bright and the temperatures
balmy. A tour of Watch Hill and Stonington harbors played scenic backdrop to the
ladies’ conversation and catching-up. Nice day!
August 11, 2011: A semi-custom ferry trip to Fishers Island for Bill Sloneker, who
kicked some serious butt (putt?) on the the Fishers Island Club links, followed later
in the afternoon by the Sloan family of six, whooping it up in the spray out in front of
Watch Hill light. Busy day!
August 10, 2011: Hollywood apparently is headed for Stonington at the end of
September; see the Stonington-Mystic Patch report! We'd welcome aboard all
celeb-hounds and would-be paparazzi, or for that matter, anyone simply trying to
catch a glimpse of the "Action!"
August 10, 2011: Something different for Hard Tail Charters later today: A memorial
laying of the wreath and scattering of the ashes on the seas, to mark the passing of
Eugene Berkley, 88, a true waterman who knew, loved and appreciated our local waters. From what his family shared, Eugene would have greatly appreciated being on the reefs
in front of Watch Hill light once again on a fine summer afternoon. We were honored to
be part of the ceremonies.
August 8, 2011: Welcomed Anna Claros and her husband at the docks this morning.
They were hoping to celebrate their third anniversary on the water, but the weather wasn't looking promising: dense fog and uncomfortably high temps. But wouldn't you know, within twenty minutes, the fog dissipated, the skies lifted, and the happy couple was treated to
a fine summer morning—perfect for that champagne toast to their happiness!
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July 31, 2011: The Debra Daniel party of three finally made it aboard today, on what
has to be considered one of those post card, picture-perfect summer days: A light breeze out of the sou'west, air temperatures in the mid-80s, and gentle seas parting way without protest as we motored along. As one of her party exclaimed at the end of the outing,
“An hour and a half has never passed so quickly or enjoyably!” Our sentiments exactly…
July 24, 2011: We hosted our first repeat customers today! The multi-generational,
far-flung Al Gates family, ensconced for the weekend at the Shelter Harbor Inn, boarded
in two groups of six, each enjoying an hour-long afternoon cruise covering the local waters. The sun wasn't too cooperative, but after the blistering week of heat we just endured, its absence was something of a welcome relief. Thanks again for choosing Hard Tail Charters, Mr. Gates, and we do hope to see y’all ambling down the docks again next season!
July 12, 2011: Had to make a judgment call today, postponing the Debra Daniel party because of a very unpromising forecast of strong thunderstorms this afternoon. We
always hope to avoid canceling, but as the old saying goes, you can't go boating by the calendar. And it’s always better to err on the side of caution—it can whip up pretty nasty
out there in short order when a summer squall moves in. Debra, we do invite you back
at your earliest convenience, and thanks for understanding!
July 10, 2011: Back up and running this weekend! Hosted the Casey Carle party of four, two terrific couples each celebrating their anniversaries. Cobbled up a semi-custom trip that allowed the group to enjoy an hour on the water before stepping off in Stonington Borough to enjoy a leisurely and tasty lunch at the Dog Watch, a lively bistro situated at Dodson’s Boat Yard. A few hours later we collected the group and motored back to the docks.
Happy Anniversary, folks, and we hope to see you all again soon!
July 6, 2011: At present, we‘re conducting a little maintenance on the old girl; hope
to be making turns again by the weekend! Please call to inquire.
July 2, 2011: Today saw the Carol and Arthur Lathrop party of 6 enjoy a spectacular summer afternoon cruise up the Pawcatuck River, then back down through Watch Hill harbor before disembarking in Stonington for dinner at Skipper‘s Dock and transportation home. A fun and appreciative crew--exactly the kind of guests we welcome having aboard!
July 1, 2011: The ongoing Whofish promotion (www.whofish.com) is really taking off!
Many inquiring calls and decent sales so far, with three charters and possibly a fourth for, well, the weekend of the 4th, of course! We‘re very much looking forward to hosting the Lathrop, Daniel and Ruth parties. C'mon, Weather, baby needs no shoes!
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June 29th, 2011: Another opportunity to take advantage of a terrific summer special with Hard Tail Charters, courtesy of Whofish! Grab three friends and two six-packs and then
head on down. Makes for a great summer afternoon! Just go to www.whofish.com and
scroll the sidebar. See you at the docks!
June 26th, 2011: Enjoyed a nice afternoon on the water with Suzanne Reed, founder
of Spa Mosaic in South Kingston, RI, and her good friend Jeff, marine electronics expert extraordinaire. The sun did its level best for a few hours to convince us that summer
was here to stay, but eventually proved too weak to defend itself against a roiling thick
fog that obscured both it and the remainder of an otherwise fine late afternoon (though
of course, once we tied off at the docks the fog then lifted almost as quickly as it had appeared!). But despite the intrusion, both Suzanne and Jeff assured us that it had
been a great afternoon. Thanks for coming down, you guys!
June 8th, 2011: Today is World Ocean Day! To celebrate, we’re offering 10% off any
trip booked in the next week. (We’ve always thought that every holiday should last longer
than one measly day…) Come on down and see why they gave the sea it’s very own
day of honor!
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May 31st, 2011: Many terrific area events are coming up–check them out via our Links page, then make plans to head on down. It would be great if you could set aside a little
time to get out on the water with Hard Tail Charters!
May 28th, Memorial Day Weekend, 2011: Our first charter of the season! The Scot
Bane party of five, from Stonington, CT, enjoyed a leisurely passage from the Stonington Yacht Club over to Watch Hill, where they treated themselves to a late-afternoon lunch
at the grand yellow lady on the hill, The Ocean House. The weather, near-socked-in foggy at the start of the excursion, had cleared out enough by 5p to afford the group a fine, warm, late afternoon cruise back to their home port. Thanks again, Scot, for choosing Hard Tail Charters, and hope to see you all again soon!
May 23rd, 2011: We're officially afloat! Spent the past few days hauling all the odds n’
ends that come off the boat in November–tools, housewares, books and charts, lines, fenders, spare parts, and very etc.–down to the yard and back on board, to be squirreled
and stuffed into their assigned nooks and cubbies. We also solved a minor and mildly aggravating mechanical puzzle while the HT fidgeted impatiently in her slip. Next up is
the first real shake down cruise, just as soon as the weather brightens a bit (speaking
of the weather, c‘mon, cooperate, willya??). Story short: We're t-h-i-s close to ready!
May 20th, 2011: Today's the day--we’re getting splashed! See y’all on the water!
May 17th, 2011: Will it ever warm up enough to redeem what’s left of Spring? Doing
what we can to hasten thoughts and anticipation of hazy, lazy sunny afternoons on the water, please check out: https://tippr.com/offer/hard-tail-charters,
our new promotion
via Tippr! Any trip purchased is redeemable at any
time, right through to the end of the season–or until your tolerance for
cooler weather maxes out, which ever comes first!
(This offer is valid
only until midnight, May 19th. Such a deal! Only one day left to
take
advantage of it!)
May 10th, 2011: Let's face it, the economy is still quite rocky for most of us, which these days makes indulging in leisure pursuits a guilty pleasure–with most of the emphasis on guilt and too little left over for pleasure. On the other hand, we feel that spending time on
the water is not only fun and relaxing, but it’s also good–perhaps even necessary–for the soul. That’s why we're pleased to offer our new, more affordable rates this season (see our Rates & Policies page for further details). We hope this will make it a little easier for
you and your family and friends to come enjoy a charter with us this season, while also
helping to return the emphasis back where it belongs, on pleasure! Be sure to visit this page throughout the season for
special events, announcements and offers!
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