Anyone ever sailed Hull Gut in Mass.?

[shreddbob]

Just wondering if it is too dangerous. From shore it looks like a mini gorge when the wind is from the NW and the tide is flowing out against the wind. But I fear the current may be too severe. Anyone ever tried here? Thanks.

--Bob A.

[windwardpartners]

Hull Gut is VERY sailable, but only in decent wind. Current -- actually tidal flow -- is strong, which makes for good bump/jump when wind and tide oppose. Same strong current will (if wind dies) take you places you dont want to go. Primary risk is heavy boat traffic at times ... Sail smart.

PS Ask iWindsurf site for info on Hull Gut already provided to them, but not posted.

[dcrobinsonold]

Grew up there and have been through and around the Gut many times. The current cranks and with the right wind it could be fun. A howling NorEaster or a smoking SouWester at 25+ would be the call. Have a breakdown or if the wind shuts off and youre gone. There is a large wind shadow behind Peadocks Island -- the land on the far side.

However, there is a *lot* of boat traffic through there and half of the people in those boats are usually really buzzed. The guys in power boats blast through at full tilt and the sailors struggle with the current. In addition you have the commerical traffic -- the fishermen have very low regard for anyone on the water not breaking their back trying to make a living and usually pass very close. In addition people like to fish from the shore -- you dont want to get tangled in their lines. Once we were racing through the gut and came very close to the shore (to get out of the foul tide) and a guy on the beach started throwing large rocks at us the size of a small melon!

It would probably be safer to go windskating on the South East Expressway and take your chances playing in the traffic. All you need is one butt-head in a stink-pot to mow you down -- and the supply is almost endless.

[vesterlh]

Yup,

Many years back. It actually quite fun. You just need to catch it when the tide is going out. Unfortunately I live in CT now, so my trips to Boston have diminished quite a bit. I would rank Hull Gut pretty highly on my list of sailing spots.

Lars