Boooooooo. I think my sailing for 2011 will be over in my Goat Island Skiff. I definitely did not do many things I wanted to do this year, such as another camping trip in Casco Bay and a little more sailing. Like last year, I did sail significantly more than I blogged about-- Im not going to write about every outing, but there was less total epicness as last year. Lack of work kept me more homebound. I was just trying to save my $$$ the most possible and had a tough time justifying the gasoline expense.
However, I had a great time up at the Small Reach Regatta and my bro and I had a great trip on his Aquarius 23, as described in the two posts below. It was decidedly a non Goat Island Skiff trip, and hence an aberration to this blog, but hopefully something you enjoyed.
Stay tuned, Im really hoping to actually build a permanent boom for her this winter. Really. Honest.
Well intrepid reader, it is time to close out this season. Its getting cold, the days are getting shorter, and the fresh water is about to become hard. I needed to have a definite end date to this sailing season, mostly because if I didnt, Id keep sailing into the early reaches of winter, and Im sure something would happen that I would regret. Additionally, the Goat Island Skiff needs some attention, she deserves a de-salting and a rest while the temperatures are still above freezing.
Saturday was the last day, in Portland, in conjunction with Clint Chase Boatbuilders annual boat-talk and small messabout at the East End. I am relying on others who took pictures and the video. All the pictures below can be seen or accessed through this thread at the Wooden Boat Forum. There are pictures of other boats too, dories, a Pea Pod, and the like. I took several people for rides, all of whom I think enjoyed it. I am always happy to share my boat, sailing is awesome, sailing with others is even better! Many thanks to Jonathan, Gareth, Milo, Dan, Shane, and Clint for cruising with me this afternoon.
Youll notice that I stand a lot sailing this boat. There is a reason for it. First, the boat is very spacious in the cockpit and its large floor is ideal for standing. Second, my ruptured discs in my back dont like it when I sit for long periods of time. With this configuration, I get back relief and get to go sailing! So awesome, and an unintended bonus of the design. The boat is very comfortable for sitting too, so its kind of a shame. But sitting on the floor with legs propped on the opposite side as well as the gunwale is all very comfortable.
To the pictures, and some video:
Goat Island Skiff with a Beach Pea
With GISAmateur fan, Jon! Yes, I have a fan!
Tight Maneuvering around the dock makes for fun sailing!
Heading out with Dan Noyes of Beachcomber-Alpha fame. I am humbled.
Clint Chase Boatbuilder holds court while I demonstrate the impressive stability of his Deblois Street Dory.
VICTORY For I AM ZINEA, PTERODACTYLUS!
So it was quite the season! Some 30+ days of sailing, 8 of those were spent overnight cruising, several day-cruises to islands in Casco Bay and beyond, and lots of lake sailing in beautiful New Hampshire to boot! My back injury hampered certain adventures that were supposed to happen, but I had other adventures instead. It was a good season, and I am a happier man for it!
The intrepid reader will be advised to keep an eye on this blog, as I will soon be unveiling another Storer design, as well as addressing end-of-season mechanical issues with the Goat Island Skiff. There is a laundry list of repairs, cosmetics, and maybe even wholesale additions to the boat. The season is over, but the passion of boating is not!
When young Dawn with her rose-red fingers shone once more,
they set sail for the main encampment of Achaea.
The Archer sent them a bracing following wind,
they stepped the mast, spread the white sails wide,
the wind hit full and the canvas bellied out
and a dark blue wave, foaming up at the bow,
sang out loud and strong as the ship made way,
skimming the whitecaps, cutting toward her goal. (Illiad I:569-576, Fagles)
Intrepid readers, welcome. This is the Small Reach Regatta 2012
It has been a year since the last Small Reach, and again we met this year at Lamoine State Park in Maine for several days of sailing, rowing, camaraderie, and all out awesome.
Day 1
This Small Reach was a momentous meet-up for Goat Island Skiffs with a total of three (3) boats sailing together simultaneously. This is the first time this has happened, ever! I am proud that I Am Zinea, Pterodactylus was part of this historic moment. It was a damn cool feeling to be sailing with other boats of the same pedigree.
Moments before launch on Day 1 THREE GOATS From left to right: Bleat, IAZP, Kathleen Marie
Happiness is Goat on water (Courtesy of Capn Jon)
The first day of the SRR was a sail out to Thomas Island, as shown below and marked by an "A". Since this was launching day we spent some time milling around Lamoine (northeast of Thomas, marked in green) until most boats were launched. Then we set off Armada style for Thomas. I ended up leisurely cruising behind Capn Jon in his Pheonix III Two Hearted-- official IAZ,P Partner in Adventure.
This was Capn Jons first SRR and he decided to approach the east beach on Thomas by wrapping around the backside of the island. I thought this was a fine idea since I had never been back there and there appeared to be obstacle strewn shallow waters on the south end. Just as expected we had to beat upwind to the beach in shallow seaweed and rock festooned waters! Several other hapless skippers followed us. Im pretty sure they all had a good time, right? It was a great technical sail complete with the usual rowboat spectators waiting for us on the beach.
Me and my Goat. (Courtesy of Capn Jon)
I got there early and was able to take some pictures of others arriving.
Paul driving Kathleen Marie to Thomas
Kathleen Marie and a Penobscot 14
Bleats first sail! WOOT WOOT
Sea Pearl 21 Velella Velella
Loon, a Devlin Egret This guy isnt afraid to run her right up onto whatever rocks are in the way. Bulletproof.
First boats are pulling up with most of the fleet downwind of the island. Note Bleat
Andrews Ian Oughtred J2
Bleat
Clint Chase gets to put his cool logo on his sail
Kathleen Marie nestled in for lunch
Brand new Core Sound 17 after first sail EVAR
After lunch the wind had picked up considerably and it was time to sail back to Lamoine. At this point I picked up a crewmember (moveable ballast!) and so I decided to forego reefing and see how fast we could get IAZ,P. We made it back to Lamoine and had no one to greet us as everyone was still behind us. So we turned around and beat back to the fleet. Landing on the shore at Lamoine turned exciting since it was a lee shore at that point.
Clint coming in under mizzen alone and Capn Jon in Two Hearted
Scooting along
Clint posing, Ellie shipshaping, and Capn Jon struggling. Its more fun to watch from a distance.
I ended up going back out again with another crewmember. This time we were reefed to the second point. This was a great idea, and the boat performed awesome. Sailing is fun, the wind was up, I couldnt justify not sailing again.
Me storming back to the beach under 2 reefs. Full speed ahead. (Courtesy Capn Jon)
Hand carry parking area. Lots of coolness.
YAY friends!
It was windy enough that Jasmine, a Caledonia Yawl (of which we will see much more of later) ended up blowing out its mast step. At the SRR this is not a problem, because we can wander over to Allens mobile woodshop and fabricate a new one.
Making that new mast step. It doesnt have to be nice, just functional.
Hand carry at dusk
Day 2
On Friday it was off to gorgeous Stave Island, far on the eastern side of Frenchmans Bay. I was able to scoot out relatively quickly in some light air. It was beautiful sailing, though interrupted by some calm. I had some moments of absolute golden sailing in flat glass scooting right along. All in all, a little bit of everything. I was the first sailboat to reach Stave, with the rowboats waiting for me (again... those rowboats).
Three Goats and the Pheonix III
One Goat. Two Goat. Three Goat.
Caledonia Yawl Jasmine on the way to Stave Island with Cadillac Mountain
Beautiful sailing...
...The fleet behind me...
...A nice sail shape...
...BAM! Into a WALL OF CALM. Out came the oars. Row, row, row your boat, fool.
Breeze back up and some nice Maine islands.
The fleet starts to show up. Note Far and Away, a completely unique Nomans Land boatto port of IAZ,P
Nap in the grass
Capn Jon decides to finally show up along with a Bolger Sweet Pea, Better Than Chocolate. This Pea never gave up and always made it.
On the way out of Stave Island, wind is coming back up and Clint and I start to get into it.
Video from Steve B of Clint and I battling it out
Clint and I fighting to windward. This is happiness.
A very cool Washington County Peapod with a Block Island (RI) rig. Out of Chapelles American Small Sailing Craft Nicknamed "stiletto"-- good looking but a pain to use
After a spirited sail out of Stave Island, we ran smack right back into the WALL OF CALM and sat floating in the middle of Frenchman Bay. What to do but rehydrate and while away the hours? And then....
Jasmine gives IAZ,P a tow. This is a GISAmateur first!
Three little ducks all in a row. Look at that sky!
Sam and his CLC Northeaster Dory power-sailing like a champ.
Day 3 and the EPICNESS OF THREE (3) GOATS
The itinerary on the third day was Lamoine to Bean Island, but we did a circumnavigation of Dram Island first off of Sorento since the wind was so so sweet and we were making such great time.
Bean Island lunchtime:
Goats getting cozy
Intrepid reader, I am not going to write much here. I just want you to enjoy what it is like when three Goats get together to terrorize the neighborhood for a bit. All of the below pictures of three Goats are courtesy of Capn Jon. Thank you Capn Jon for turning around and taking notice of this momentous event!
I present to you Goat Island Skiff history:
Clint and myself working west.
Catching up to Paul who slowed up a bit so we could sail together
Terrorizing the Maine coast with smelly Goats! Fast as stink!
Braying loud-mouthed Goats!
Pillaging Goats!
Full on Goat fury!
Capn Jon wisely stayed behind and out of the way of angry Goats!
Well that was fun. I dont think I was able to wipe the smile off my face that day.
Into Lamoine the wind slacked off and I doubled back to do some sailing with Two Hearted.
Shortly after this the wind died off and Capn Jon and I decided to go for a swim. Then Capn Jon got the brilliant idea to pull the boats by ourselves, so we self towed. Jasmine came swinging by like the predator she is and figured she might be able to get salvage rights and gave us yet another tow. Skipper Chris has no fear, and this is why I like him. He sail towed us right into the mooring field. Go Chris, Go!
Swimming. Notice Capn Jon in distance also swimming. We are heroes to the people.
On board and ready to rock! Chris rocked us back and Mary fed us.
Then, it was time to pull the boats. Sadness.
Herreshoff Carpenter
again
Tom Jackons Nomans Land boat, Far and Away
Interior detail of Far and Away
Kathleen Marie at rest with Acadia National Park
Before we knew it, Small Reach Regatta 2012 was over. A giant lobster dinner followed (and I do mean giant-- clams, mussels, sausages, corn, lobsters and more lobsters, etc) along with appropriate after-SRR campfires, story telling, and reminiscing.
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