September Moon

Captain Baker

Hinckley Holiday

Disguised as delivery crew, I've been enjoying life on a Hinckley 51 for the past three days. I joined the yacht in Portland, Maine where I was given the beautiful forward cabin with a private head and shower. Poor weather delayed the delivery passage to Camden, thus extending my holiday and smiling face. Plus the Captain is a great cook. Camden is only a few short nautical miles away...

Hinckley Sailing

Passage on Passing Fancy

Sinking Boat, Boston Harbor

While in Boston (to renew my captain's license and apply for TWIC) I enjoyed the harbor walk. On a recent stroll in the Charlestown Navy Yard I came upon this sinking boat that eventually attracted numerous firetrucks, police boats and officials.

Cape Cod Canal

Light winds delayed our arrival to the Cape Cod Canal so we ended up watching the sunset while battling a strong current that doubled our time under motor to transit the canal. Above photo shows the railway bridge at the end of our canal passage, which was lowered for a train minutes after we passed under it.

Departing Boston Harbor

A view of busy beautiful Boston Harbor as we sailed out.

Boston's Constitution Marina

At the last minute we called around and were surprised to find transient space available at several Boston marinas. We opted for Constitution Marina in Charlestown because it was the least expensive marina within walking distance to downtown Boston. Plus it's my old stomping grounds and home to close friends. But at hotel prices - nearly $200 a night for us, we only stayed two short nights before setting sail for Rhode Island.

Above photo shows Eve at the dock with the TD Banknorth Garden and Leonard Zakim Bridge in the background. The image below was our view of downtown Boston.

Gloucester, Massachusetts

We made an early morning departure from Portsmouth, New Hampshire along with this tall ship on its first charter of the day. With less than 5 knots of wind, we were forced to motor the 35nm to Gloucester, Massachusetts where my captain is meeting some old friends. Clear, sunny skies and calm water made for a rare easy day on deck and perfect conditions for reading my book. I’m appropriately reading The Last Fish Tale, “The Fate of the Atlantic and Survival in Gloucester, America’s Oldest Fishing Port and Most Original Town” by Mark Kurlansky. Kurlansky is one of my favorite authors because he artfully weaves history, culture and anecdotes that always result in delightfully interesting non-fiction reads.

Upon arrival to Gloucester we were informed that the inner harbor moorings were taken (we neglected to contact the Gloucester Harbor Master in advance to reserve a mooring, which is recommended) but we were able to get one of several available orange ball visitor moorings off Ten Pound Island in the outer harbor. Rental moorings are $25/night.

Next stop, downtown Boston…

Tall Ships Portsmouth, NH 2008

"Class A" tall ship in the harbor parade kicking off the August 15-17 weekend of tall ships in Portsmouth, NH.

Portsmouth Yacht Club

After 115nm we arrived at the Portsmouth Yacht Club where we picked up a secure mooring for $30/night. Downtown Portsmouth is about a 1-mile dingy ride from the yacht club.

Departing Rockport, Maine

Rockport Lighthouse

With the last of the newly varnished floorboards laid, my captain and I refueled at Rockport Marine and then set sail with a suitable breeze for heading south. It was a rare day of sunshine, no fog and favorable wind so we decided to sail through the night towards our New Hampshire destination.

The Inn at Ocean’s Edge

Whether by boat or car, consider a visit to The Inn at Ocean’s Edge in Lincolnville, Maine, off route 1 about 5 miles north of Camden. This recently revamped inn on the western shores of Penobscot Bay is receiving worthy accolades but was a surprise find for me.
I didn’t have the privilege of staying at the inn or swimming in the infinity pool, but I did enjoy multiple visits to this beautiful property. I discovered their 4-6 daily happy hour and although often restricted to seltzer water (designated driver), I was smitten with the lounge.

Rain or shine I enjoyed taking the scenic footpath through the woods to the restaurant and lounge building where Adirondack chairs and patio dining await at the water’s edge or a wood burning fireplace beckons you inside. The happy hour specials alone are worth going out of your way and the view is mesmerizing. This is a place where special memories are made!

Inside scoop: The Inn at Ocean’s Edge recently received approval to build a 200ft dock for transient yachts.

Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Show

Newly refinished Buzzard Bay 30s. A sampling of the interesting exhibits at this pure Maine event in Rockland, August 8-10.

Maine Office

For nearly two weeks the Budget mini moving truck has served as storage and my office. I’ve spent many hours in the cab with my laptop working on a web site project or reading while forced to vacate my floating home during the day. The unseasonably cool weather and frequent rain showers have made hanging out on deck nearly impossible so the truck has been handy. Plus my office on wheels has allowed us to travel to restaurants while the galley is off limits.

Tip: Moving vans and trucks are typically more expensive to rent at the end or the beginning of a month because this is when most people move. Supply and demand.

The interior varnishing project continues…

Eggemoggin Reach Regatta 2008

August 2nd was the annual Eggemoggin Reach Regatta, a wooden boat race held off Brooklin, Maine. My captain and I had the thrill of watching these beautiful wooden boats and classic yachts while serving as race crew aboard Schooner Heron. The race was delayed twice due to fog and the course shortened three times due to light winds. Check out more of my regatta photos at Flickr.com.

Away From It All

Did I mention I finally got the new iPhone? I ended up making the purchase at an Apple store. Within minutes of walking into the store, I walked out with a new working cell phone already downloading my email and capable of surfing the internet. It was an amazing customer service experience. Now that I finally have this trick new gadget, I’m living afloat in a harbor without AT&T cell coverage or internet access…If you ever feel the need to get away from “it all”, then Rockport, ME is your place.

Sanding & Varnishing

Our escape to Maine was partly motivated by a recommendation of having Northeast Boat work on Eve’s teak wood interior. Our timing was good because we caught this crew of professionals between projects and willing to give Eve some attention.

But first my captain and I had to empty Eve. We rented a Budget mini moving truck and spent a day carrying most of her contents and our belongings off the boat and into the back of the truck. We left only enough bedding in a locker to pullout each night. Otherwise we’re living on deck or out of “the truck”, which also serves as our land transport.

Once the boat was empty, including mattresses and many of her fixtures, we taped up all the cabinet holes and vents from the inside to minimize dust collecting.

For four days now an experienced team has been sanding and varnishing Eve's teak interior, gradually transforming her sun-bleached and saltwater abused hatches back to their natural beauty and preserving other areas down below. You wouldn’t believe the dust! Thankfully, the guys use a high-powered vacuum that does a great job. The varnishing work will continue into next week.

Maine Morning

Another foggy morning in mid coast Maine.