Frank Hall Marina Avondale Rhode Island

We arrived in Connecticut late July after a long journey from St. Augustine south to Vero Beach, then back north to New England. After settling S/V Mystic on a mooring ball, we headed back to Florida on an airplane to grab our truck, which we'd left behind. Flying south over the same course we had taken aboard Mystic, we recognized many ports where we'd stopped. With little time to spare, we spent one night with our friends then headed straight back to Connecticut. It felt good to have wheels again. There was so much to do before we left for Minnesota.

Cape May, New Jersey

Block Island

Dinner with our FL friends at the Mansion in Melbourne

The first thing on our list was to find a place to haul Mystic out for the winter. We thought about staying in Connecticut and looked into a well known marina in Noank. The Yard Manager wanted to know about our boat, what her brand and age. He told us he wouldn't agree to have Mystic in his yard unless he inspected her first. I guess he was worried that a good old boat of 50+ years may not live up to the marina's standards. We showed him photos of our beautiful Mystic and the response was that she is, in fact, a beauty; he would love to have her sit in his yard. After the unexpected attitude we received, we decided that the marina was not up to OUR standards and sought winter storage elsewhere. We were a bit worried about leaving Mystic in Connecticut after hearing that there were tax implications. Apparently, out of state vessels can stay in Connecticut waters for up to 60 days. After that, the State can require the boat owner to prove that sales tax was paid at the time of purchase. If not, the owner would be obliged to pay Connecticut tax. In addition, if you paid taxes at a lower percentage than Connecticut charges, you would have to pay the difference, regardless of how long ago you purchased your boat. This was not really a surprise to us since Connecticut is considered a high tax state.

S/V Mystic

With a list of options in hand, we headed over the border to Rhode Island where personal property taxes don't exist. Our first stop was a place on the Pawcatuck River called Frank Hall; a lovely marina sitting on prime, waterfront land that's been owned by the Hall family since 1745 and operated as a marina for three generations. The minute we arrived we felt at home. It reminded us of Knife River Marina in Minnesota where we started our journey. We met Mike and his yard hound, Dublin. He told us that Dublin was popular with boaters who enjoyed providing endless treats. Dublin spent his days roaming the yard and napping under the shade of boat hulls which was making him fat. Mike had to make a rule, NO FEEDING DUBLIN! It was very difficult for me to abide by this rule!

Sweet, friendly yard pup, Dublin

Beth with Dublin

We visited other marinas in Rhode Island but Frank Hall had us hooked from the start. Mike worked with us to make the haul out process easy. We spent a weekend at the dock emptying Mystic of all our cruising gear. She was hauled out mid August and placed near the marina office, right next to another sailboat, ironically, named Mystic. Everyone at Frank Hall was friendly and curious about this couple from Minnesota, on America's Great Loop but way off course; hauling out in Rhode Island before the end of the cruising season. We met a couple who had just completed their Loop and were in the process of selling their trawler before returning to their home in New Hampshire. Technically, New England is considered a detour, yet another Looper family found us here.

Mike hauling Mystic with the Harbor Hoist

Mystic was transferred to a travel flatbed

Moving Mystic to her spot in the yard

Two Mystic neighbors

Neck to Neck

We spent the month of August working on projects then winterized Mystic and wrapped her up in a temporary custom cover. It was a lot of work but we took short respites to enjoy our friends, family and our daughter, Brielle, who flew in from Wisconsin to spend a few days with us.

Brielle, Dave and Beth

It's always difficult to walk away from Mystic but we felt confident choosing Frank Hall Marina and highly recommend them to anyone visiting the area by boat. It is a quaint and friendly place to hang out; located close to Misquamicut Beaches, Watch Hill and historic Mystic, Connecticut. There is a lot to do and see in the area. We look forward to returning in the spring.

Frank Hall Boatyard - Good Old Boat Friendly!