Dark gray clouds scudded low overhead, pewter waves slapped Windbird’s hull as it heeled in a gust, and a fine, cold mist obscured the low black line on the horizon that defined our island destination, now 7 miles away. Given the sullen weather, you wouldn’t know it was July 5 if not for the steady stream of post-holiday vessel traffic headed in the opposite direction.
Airport at the End of the World
Key Takeaways:
- The author recounts two distinct visits to Nantucket: one in 2012 by plane, narrowly escaping Superstorm Sandy, and another in July 2020 by sailboat during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The 2012 trip involved navigating rapidly deteriorating pre-hurricane weather, experiencing a local "fare-thee-well" party, and making a hasty departure as the storm approached.
- Eight years later, Nantucket had transformed into a significantly more upscale and crowded tourist destination, which the author explored by sea, contrasting it with the earlier, more traditional visit.
- Both journeys highlighted the intense variability of New England weather, leading the author to humorously adopt a strict "no hurricanes" policy for small aircraft and vessels.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
