Sailing the Reach

Good morning everyone. Another day of easterly winds yesterday. We spent some time ashore at Wooden Boat before getting under way. We have seen at least 17 bald eagles this week and tons of seals, including seal pups.

We sailed off the hook to the delight of the crew. They are getting good at sail handling which is the only reason we can pull this off. We sail off the hook yesterday as well but set the sails in “reverse” order giving the crew the idea that there are many ways to skin this cat, which is what makes schooners so cool. We sailed dead down wind out of Pretty Marsh just on jib alone. I did not have to worry about jibing the main in a 20-knot puff and the lee of Dogfish Point on Bartlett I gave us a few minutes of flat calm to get sail set easily. These rigs are quite versatile.

Yesterday we sailed up Eggemoggin Reach. Many think this passage between Jericho and Penobscot Bays is one of the loveliest on the planet. In a southwest wind one can sail in both directions on a beam reach with relative ease. We had the northeast wind today which meant the same thing on the opposite tack. This was the crew’s first time passing under the 85’ fixed bridge requiring us to lower the topmasts. It was close but we made it and enjoyed a wonderful sail for the rest of the afternoon. Late in the day the wind eased up and came onshore. We drifted in to anchor on the last of the breeze with the wind from the east on the fore and the west on the main. The flags were literally pointing in opposite directions. We all went ashore for a lobster picnic before a bedtime reading of Ruth Moore’s poetry from the Maine coast.

Have a great day. Be well. Do good.

Hail Mary

My heart is heavy with sadness as I write this particular blog. Since the beginning of August our dear friend and cook for the last 12 years, Mary Barney, had been struggling with cancer. I have intentionally respected Mary’s privacy and I apologize to you for not sharing any news about Mary’s health sooner. On Monday afternoon Mary passed away very peacefully at home, surrounded by friends and “family”. Her departure was as graceful as the rest of her life. Many people, including Jen, have been doing heroic work to support Mary these last few weeks. Oddly enough Mary was never very excited about transitions though this was about the fastest transition she ever made. And as I struggle to let go of Mary I realize I am terrible with transitions as well. We used to joke about how we liked things just the way they are, thank you very much, so why change what is working already even if it might be less labor intensive. Hard works is its own reward. I used to joke about getting Mary a Cui...

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