Docking at Payne's on Block Island

Of all the places we go on our boat, Payne's Dock on Block Island is our favorite.

Payne's is a little different from your run-of-the-mill marina because they don't take reservations and they have a very limited number of floating docks. In fact, most of the time you will be rafted up to other boats against a pier and frankly, that's the best part for us.

Yes, you often have to climb over other people's boats to get on and off but in all the years we've been going to Payne's, we have never met anything but great people even as we have walked across their cockpits or made our way across their decks..

There always seem to be a welcome and a helping hand whether we're tied up to grand dad's big boat with all of the grandchildren or an avid fisherman with 20 fishing rods mounted and ready to go.

We also really enjoy watching the Payne's team (the majority of whom have been there for many years) disassemble what could be a raft of six or seven boats to let one boat get out. This is a no-drama activity; everyone works together and there is never a scratch left on anyone's boat. All the captain of the exiting boat has to do is pay attention and listen for instructions.

On our visit to Payne's this year, we recorded some of what Frances calls, "The boat Ballet." We hope you enjoy watching real pros at work.

Thanks to Cliff, Sands and the Payne's crew for getting us in and out over the years. You know we'll be back next year.