Maine Sailing Adventures Blog

Our little boater . . .

2012-01-27T09:52:00.000-08:00

We're not doing any boating this time of year . . . except in our living room!

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-25T14:46:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-18T07:34:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-11T08:20:00.000-08:00

December 2011

2012-01-04T14:21:00.001-08:00

Where did that whole last month go? We had a busy time preparing for our first Christmas with Kai. We were still spending time putting the finishing touches on the workshop too and Brian was even able to sand a few of the small pieces of the Evans.

I decorated two wreaths for the Big Brothers Big Sisters Bids for Kids wreath auction.

The wreaths "before". . .

and the wreaths "after".

The red one included a trip on Rendezvous and the blue one included a trip on the Evans. I was proud of my hand-made bows and pleased that the wreaths were so popular at the auction!

The next project was my second gingerbread house. I wasn't as happy with my effort this year as I was with last year's but I snagged first place in Rockland Main Street's Festival of Lights Gingerbread House contest!

The early stages (recognize anything?).

The finished product.

It's the Evans sailing past Owls Head and heading for Rockland Harbor! Santa has a great crew and a tasty cargo! You can see from the earlier picture that the land and the inside of the boat were made out of cereal treats, the house was made out of gingerbread graham crackers, the light base was made out of an ice cream cone with a frosted marshmallow on top, and the Evans was made from homemade gingerbread. The sails are sugar sheets I discovered at a craft store. Everything you see is edible! Now that I've done the Rockland Breakwater Light with Rendezvous and Owls Head Light with the Evans, what will I do next year?

Next we turned our thoughts to our holiday calendar mailing and headed to a local greenhouse where they set up a veritable winter wonderland. I took my cue from a friend that has taken her two kids there for years to have their picture taken for their Christmas card.

Kai among the poinsettias.

Kai as a snowman and Mama as an elf.

Next we went to the North Pole! Maine Eastern Railroad does a Jingle Bell Express train each December and we went for the first time. The conductor read "The Polar Express" en route. We must have traveled way faster than it felt because in just a short time we arrived at Santa's workshop where we watched the elves singing, dancing, and making toys! Santa's elves came on the train and gave each child a special present; a jingle bell. And then Santa and Mrs. Claus joined us on the train, too!

Part of the fun was that Brian and Kai didn't know where we were going. When I told Brian to save the date, he asked what we were doing. When I told him it was a surprise, he asked how he would know what to wear. I told him not to worry and, that day, left three boxes stacked on the bed. I went off to run an errand and told him to get dressed and be ready by a certain time. The boxes held new pajamas and slippers. When I got home he was all dressed (Kai was in his outfit, too!) and he asked if we were going to a pajama party. I said, "Kind of." and off we went! We made it just in time to get underway and, though not many other adults had played along and worn their pajamas, we had a great time!

Santa's elves delivering bells.

Kai meets Santa!

Then it was off to get our Christmas tree. Brian and I have always gone to the same place to get our tree. At first it was just the two of us and we always talked about hoping there would be a little boy or girl to help us pick our tree someday. Then there were a couple years when it was the three of us (me, Brian, and our dog Izze). And this was the year we had really been waiting for when all four of us went to get the tree together. The place we go lets you cut your own and they sent you out with a red and green cart with jingle bells and a saw. So cute!

No snow yet.

I'm behind the camera for this one.

I decorated our tree with a red and white theme this year. I used a hot glue gun to glue ornament hangers on starlight mints and used red and silver bows and jingle bells (including the one Kai got on the train!) We also had a few special ornaments - "Baby's 1st Christmas" and some blue baby-themed ornaments. Can't forget the pickle (which was very well-hidden this year if I do say so myself!)

Even Izze got into the Christmas spirit!

Kai was a good boy and Santa brought lots of toys including this "workbench".

Grampa helped Kai unwrap drumsticks into which Nana had wood-burned his name!

Then it was off to New York to visit with Brian's family. Kai had met Grandma before but it was the first time to meet all of his cousins.

We welcomed the new year by bundling up and going for a walk at Merryspring Park in Camden. They even have an area for dogs to play off-leash so Izze was thrilled. Notice there is still no snow. Actually temps were almost in the 40s and the sun was doing a great job of making things a little muddy. We're in the single digits now though and it's truly feeling like a Maine winter. Snow? Surely it is on its way . . .

So that's what we've been up to. We're excited about the possibilities for the coming year and wish all of you fair winds and smooth sailing in 2012!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-30T11:15:00.000-08:00

I made TWELVE turkeys this Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T08:53:00.000-08:00

Okay . . . I didn't cook twelve turkeys, I assembled them. Here's the process:

Compile ingredients.

I used:

Double Stuff Oreo Cookies
Candy Corn
Whoppers
Peanut butter Cups
Chocolate frosting
Yellow Frosting
Red frosting
Black frosting

Stick candy corn between the cookies of a double-stuff Oreo.

"Glue" two Oreos together using chocolate frosting.

Cut a sliver off the peanut butter cups. "Glue" them to the candy corn Oreo along with a Whopper for the head.

Use the white ends of the candy corn for beaks. "Glue" them on the whopper with yellow frosting. Yellow frosting with a dot of black frosting makes the eyes. Red frosting makes the wattle.

And, last but not least, yellow frosting for legs!

They're fun to make and they're awesome for place markers for Thanksgiving dinner!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Captain's Quarters

2011-10-31T07:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

I loved the humor behind the addition of the coins to the corners of my "Captain's Quarters" sign. (Sorry for the poor quality of the picture.)

This pumpkin is now on our front porch with a silly face on it.

Ready for trick-or-treaters . . .

What do I do in the winter?

2011-10-16T04:30:00.000-07:00

Now that the sailing season is over, we move into an off-season routine. For me it's either "sailing season" or "not sailing season" and it's nice to be able to be ashore now for a while after a few intense months.

For the last several years I have participated in the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts "Open Door" session. It is the last session of their season, Columbus Day Weekend, and open to Maine residents only. Hopeful students apply and attendance is done by lottery. I have been applying since 2000 and have been fortunate enough to be selected several times and to participate in several different studios; Fiber, Clay, Writing, Blacksmithing, and Metals.

This year I was in the Metals Studio learning how to make little bronze boxes. The weather was the best I have ever experienced while there (in the 80s and I didn't even need my sleeping bag at night!) and the food, campus, people, and creativity were all as usual - outstanding!

We started by making simple rings so we could get the concept of rolling metal, making impressions on that metal, bending it into a circle and soldering it. My first ring was steel stamped with our son's name and two starfish. I decided to fill the letters of his name with solder so it would stand out against the bronze. I have worn it ever since I made it.

At the end of the weekend, each studio cleans up and presents what was created. Everyone does a walk-through to admire all the work. Here is a picture of what I displayed:

Starting in the lower right corner and going clockwise; a piece of copper with a snowflake imprint, a piece of bronze that was trimmed off a project, an oxidized bronze ring with a stamped wave design and the word "ocean" inside, the "Kai Zander Thomas" ring (not oxidized), an oxidized bronze ring imprinted with a bump pattern with the word "balance" inside, another curled trim piece, and finally the piece I really went there to make - a bronze box.

The box is roll printed with a story design starting at the solder seam. There is a sun followed by a bird followed by a two-masted schooner under full sail, followed by stars and a crescent moon, followed by the sun, a bird, a schooner, stars, and moon, followed by the sun, a bird, a schooner . . .

Inside I steel stamped the words love, dream, life, schooner, ocean, hope, and sky. Along the inside ring of the lid I stamped "Haystack Open Door 2011 BGT". And I topped the whole thing off with a bezel set beach rock that I found this summer during a lobster bake. I've always admired the bezel set and am thrilled to have finally done one!

The bottom rim of the box is steel stamped with a wave pattern that shows both on the top of the rim and on the bottom of the box. If I had it to do all over again, I would have steel stamped the edge of the lid as well but I attached the inside ring before I thought of it.

A slightly closer look at the box.

Our instructor Alan Perry wearing the apron we all signed as a "thank you".

Our teacher's assistant, Kathy Binns, excited about the tote bag we gave her as a "thank you".

The inside of my cabin. My bed was the one way in the back.

The outside of my cabin.

The nature trail started a wall's thickness away from where I laid my head each night!

The trail led to this beautiful beach where I went for a swim before heading home.
Can you imagine going for a swim in the ocean in October in Maine! It was heavenly!

Overall, I really enjoyed myself and am thrilled to have learned so much. Being taken care of so well by the staff at Haystack (the food is amazing and there was always a HUGE bowl of popcorn each night) after taking care of our guests all summer was rejuvenating. The weather couldn't have been better and I headed home ready for the off-season.

An on-board raffle in honor of September 11th first responders

2011-10-05T03:15:00.000-07:00

A guest came aboard our September 11th, 6-night cruise this year with a mission and a plan. Marc didn't have time to get a hair cut before his cruise and, with hair longer than normal, decided that he had the perfect idea for a way to raise money for a foundation that means a lot to him. He offered raffle tickets to everyone on board. The tickets were $10 a piece and the winner won the opportunity to cut his hair. On board. However they would like! He went further and set an amount that, if met, would require him to go to lunch on Saturday in town after returning from the trip . . . without a hat on! He also matched each dollar raised from the sale of the raffle tickets.

The money raised was donated to the FealGood Foundation. Their web site states: "The primary mission of the FealGood Foundation, a non-profit organization, is to spread awareness and educate the public about the catastrophic health effects on 9/11 first responders, as well as to provide assistance to relieve these great heroes of the financial burdens placed on them over the last eight years.

A secondary goal of the Foundation is to create a network of advocacy on 9/11 healthcare issues. We not only advocate for Ground Zero workers, but show others how they can advocate for themselves and help others through grassroots activism."

I, unfortunately, didn't win the chance to cut Marc's hair but lots of people ended up getting a chance to weigh in on how it should look. Jay's name was drawn and, acting on a pact he made with another guest, Joe, he set to designing the final coif; Jay directed and Joe cut.

Marc before the cutting began.

Joe grabbing a clump of hair for the first snip.

It's too late Marc, you can't have it back!

By the end there were several people involved in the styling.

The finished product.

This photo really just doesn't do justice to how bad this haircut looked. There was one tiny pony-tail sticking out of the top of his head as well as two little braids, one on either side of his forehead, neatly tied with dental floss (one colored with red Sharpie)! And, despite the 1/4" minimum length stipulation, there were several nearly bald spots in the back!

Overall, this was great entertainment for a foggy morning . . . and all for a good cause. I can attest to the fact that Marc actually did donate the $400 raised because he sent the check to me first as a matter of confirmation. Thank you, Marc . . . good work! And Marc thanks everyone that supported the hair cut raffle!

Our sailing season is over . . .

2011-09-29T17:36:00.000-07:00

We started the morning at anchor with guests aboard:

We arrived at the dock just slightly later than our 10:00 am expected arrival. And this is what we looked like at 5:20:

The cabins are empty -everything has been taken off the boat right down to the soap dishes, sink stoppers, mattresses, curtains, and pot belly stove.

The deck is empty - no more deck boxes, sails, booms, gaffs, life raft, or side boats.

The galley is empty - remaining food, wood, dishes, settee covers, shelves, and even sole pieces are off the boat. (The stove stays aboard.)

The heads are empty.

Everything was labeled before being taken off so we'll know what things are next spring when it all goes back together again. Two very important labels:

Tomorrow's projects include removing the anchors and chains as well as the topmast, trail boards, quarter boards, and billet head.

Then we'll move the schooner around the corner, tie her up for the winter, and build our winter cover. She is ready for a much-deserved rest.

Have we forgotten anything?

It's my birthday!

2011-09-24T13:59:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning on a 125-year-old schooner. Then I ate bacon (and eggs and muffins and fruit) for breakfast. We also had chocolate birthday cake that mess mate Brenda (I know, confusing, right?) decorated with a chocolate bar schooner with Laffy Taffy sails and writing (photo coming later when I receive one from someone that captured it).

Jay decorated my bunk with a "Happy Birthday" sign and balloons as well as putting balloons on the mastheads. I've never had balloons up there before!

I received cards from lots of people (and one dog!) and can't thank you all enough for your sweet birthday wishes!

Chocolate Lovers Cruise

2011-08-22T05:21:00.001-07:00

We've just returned from our second annual Chocolate Lovers Cruise. This year instead of having chocolatiers on board that made a new treat every day, we had several different Maine-made chocolates to sample.

The first day was needhams from Occasional Cakes and Candies of Holden, Maine. Needhams are a traditional Maine treat that my mom (and Aiden's mom!) makes at Christmastime. The challenge for our guests was to guess the two main ingredients (aside from chocolate). Everyone guessed the obvious one - coconut. But no one guessed the not-so-obvious one - potatoes!

The next day we had seen Isle au Haut, home of Black Dinah Chocolatiers, as we sailed across East Penobscot Bay and anchored in Merchant Row. In honor of our proximity to the island, we enjoyed a sampling of their treats. These chocolates are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate! One is a white chocolate heart with gold leaf on top. Another is one of my favorites - a caramel with Maine sea salt on top!

Their packaging is creative with ribbons and a little paper scroll and inside the box is the description of each chocolate so you can identify what you're eating.

The next day we enjoyed six different flavors of chocolate bar from Coastline Confections as well as the most beautiful chocolates of all - individually hand air-brushed creations from Chocolatier Blue. These chocolates looked like jewelry!

Both Coastline Confections and Chocolatier Blue incorporated chili pepper in some of their chocolate. Some people really, really love that. I'm still unconvinced and tend toward the sweet and salty combos.

Wally whipped up a bunch of chocolate desserts including chocolate chip cookies and chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.

I made white chocolate schooners to decorate the cake. They were a big hit especially when people realized they were not plastic but that they were edible!

We also had milk chocolate lobsters from Safe Harbor Chocolates in every cabin like we always do!

There are many more chocolatiers in Maine and we plan to have even more samples next year!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-17T05:18:00.000-07:00

In our spare time . . .

2011-08-16T03:15:00.000-07:00

Because of our sailing schedule, we found ourselves ashore on Saturday for the Maine Lobster Festival Parade. Initially, I was planning to just be a spectator but at the last minute decided that being IN the parade might be good exposure for both of our boats. With the help of several people (Tracy, Bob, Aiden, Jay, Mark, Kira, Sue, and Megan) we were able to get a float together and pass out candy and special $1 bills (for $1 off a tour aboard M/V Rendezvous). It was a lot of work but it was also a lot of fun!

Lined up and putting the finishing touches on our float.

Brian and I pose with our finished float.

And then Mark, Jay, me, Aiden, and Kira do the same!

Thanks to a last-minute suggestion by Evans guest (and PR specialist!) Lori Booker, we had our very own QR code. We had it on the back of our "Got Lobstah" t-shirts and on the sides of the truck. Scan it and go directly to our web site!

Even though the day started out gray and cool, the sun came out and heated things up nicely. There were thousands of people watching the parade and we hope to see some of them aboard Rendezvous and Isaac H. Evans someday!

Special thanks to Tracy for the photos!

Happy Birthday, Isaac H. Evans!

2011-08-12T04:40:00.000-07:00

The Evans turned 125 this year and we have been celebrating all summer. Abby W. from Maine attended our big party in June and gave us this drawing:

That's me, Kai, and Brian . . . I love Kai's hair!

I was worried . . .

2011-07-02T06:35:00.000-07:00

I came up on deck on a recent trip to Phil saying, "Captain, Captain! We've got a big leak!" I was worried for a moment until I saw him:

Yes, Phil. That is a big leek. And we will miss you!

A Wonderful Welcome!

2011-07-01T02:38:00.000-07:00

We have just returned from our first Knitters Cruise of the season. We had two fantastic days of sun followed by one day of come-and-go fog . . . mostly come. The last morning of the trip cleared nicely and we headed back to the dock. Passing the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, we were greeted by . . .

. . . a person dancing wildly and holding a sign. Who is it? What does the sign say?

Finally, we were close enough to see "Hi Meg" and recognize that it was Megan's husband.

This met with lots of "oohs" and "aahs" and then he turned the sign around. "Welcome Home Knitters and Evans".

Now that's an awesome welcome home! Thanks, Rob!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-22T06:24:00.000-07:00

Sailing on a sea of whipped cream . . .

2011-06-18T16:18:00.000-07:00

In my previous post, I showed pictures of my first attempt at making milk chocolate schooners. Here are pictures of the completed dessert . . .strawberry shortbread with hand-whipped cream and fresh strawberries.

Lots of people took pictures before we ate every last bite!

Chocolate Schooner

2011-06-17T03:32:00.000-07:00

We're heading out on a short trip this morning and I wanted to make a special dessert. I baked some almond shortbread and then melted some milk chocolate and made these little schooners. I envision our popular strawberry shortbread with a big dollop of whipped cream and a chocolate schooner sailing on top!

This is good practice for our upcoming Chocolate Lovers Cruise in August when I will definitely have to make these again!

You can check out the shortbread recipe on our recipes page.

And see our schedule here.

Call to join us for the Chocolate Lovers Cruise . . . (877) 238-1325.

We are featured in Outside Magazine for our kid-friendly sailing trips!

2011-06-10T04:40:00.000-07:00

The Isaac H. Evans was featured in an insert in the May issue of Outside Magazine! The insert is title Born to be Wild; The Guide to Getting Kids Outdoors. We know how to get kids outdoors and what to do with them while they are there! Here's what Outside Magazine had to say . . .

"And now for something completely different; If camping, paddling, and hiking are old hat with your crew, mix it up with some off-the-chart adventure that'll get the attention of even the most jaded kid.

Sail Away. The Isaac H. Evans windjammer, out of Rockland, ME specializes in family sailing vacations (kids age six and up). The historic 20-passenger schooner navigates Penobscot Bay, with frequent trips ashore to investigate tidepools and enjoy a lobster bake. Kids are put to work furling sails and coiling lines, and learn nautical terms and about the porpoises, eagles, osprey, and whales that call the bay home. http://www.midcoast.com/~evans/ "

We have a new web address that we'd love to have you visit where you'll see the same content as the address they included in this piece: http://www.MaineSailingAdventures.com

Come sail with us . . . and bring the kids!

Day Sail to Benefit Camden Rockport Animal Rescue League a Huge Success!

2011-06-10T01:30:00.000-07:00

Each year we start the sailing season with a benefit day sail that also doubles as a shake down cruise. This is an opportunity for new crew to familiarize themselves with the boat and for returning crew to remember how everything works. It's also an opportunity to welcome new and returning guests alike for a fun afternoon on the bay. On Sunday, May 29^th we welcomed 42 guests, raising over $1,300 for the Camden Rockport Animal Rescue League (where we fell in love and adopted our dog Izze.)

The day started out foggy and gray but had cleared by the time we left shortly after 10:00 am. There was a light breeze and we headed out by the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse. The wind dropped out and we drifted for a while; a perfect time for everyone to enjoy lunch! Delicious lunch items were generously donated by the following local businesses:

Hole in the Wall Bagels provided bagels and cream cheese.

Atlantic Baking Company provided a variety of bread.

Home Kitchen Cafe provided fish chowder.

Rockland Cafe provided shrimp pasta salad.

The Brown Bag provided cookies and dessert bars.

Rock City Roasters provided coffee and cups.

Lindsey Street Flower Shop provided a hanging plant.

After lunch, the wind picked up again and we practiced tacking in Rockland Harbor before returning to the dock. All systems are go for another sailing season!

Capts. Brenda and Brian Thomas present the proceeds of the benefit day sail to representatives of the Camden Rockport Animal Rescue League as guest Alan Athearn looks on.

A special deal for high school graduates!

2011-06-04T03:09:00.000-07:00

Are you (or someone you know) graduating from high school this month? Are you ready to take a break before starting that summer job, internship, or college planning? Are you a parent of a graduate looking for the perfect graduation gift?

Join us (or buy a gift certificate to give to your graduate so they can join us) aboard the schooner Isaac H. Evans for a unique and memorable sailing adventure any time in June and be rewarded for your hard work and accomplishment.

Valedictorian - 50% discount

Salutatorian - 40% discount

Honors - 30% discount

Graduate - 20% discount

There's no better way to experience the coast of Maine. And the best part is that you unpack only once and visit a different destination each day...Isle au Haut, Vinalhaven, Islesboro, Deer Isle, a fishing village, or one of the thousands of uninhabited islands along Maine's coast.

The Schooner Isaac H. Evans is a National Historic Landmark offering multi-night sailing adventures. Although steeped in history, the Evans is equipped with modern navigation equipment and amenities including electric lights, toilets, and shower facilities. Originally an oyster-fisherman, she is a very shallow draft vessel, allowing us to haunt the coast getting close to all there is to see. Help raise the sails or relax and enjoy islands, lighthouses, wildlife, new friends, and great food. You'll indulge in three hearty meals a day, one of which will be a traditional Downeast lobster bake on the beach of one of Maine's pristine islands. Each evening we will anchor in a quiet cove where you can stargaze from the deck or go exploring in one of our rowboats. From the smell of the wood stove and coffee in the morning to taking a turn at the helm and enjoying a sunset in a peaceful harbor, each day leaves you more relaxed than the one before.

Rates include a full crew and captain, meals, snacks, activities, parking, and taxes. There are several beverage options on board (lemonade, iced tea, water, fruit juices, coffee, tea, hot chocolate) but we do not provide alcoholic beverages or soda. We provide a cooler and ice for any beverages you wish to bring with you.

Sail with your friends, sail with your parents, or join us on your own and make new friends. It's up to you! Regardless, you're sure to relax while enjoying days full of sailing and fun (and no homework!). You can sleep in late and we won't even ask you to make your bed or clean your room!

Call today to reserve your cabin:

594-7956 or (877) 238-1325

For more information:

email evans@midcoast.com

or visit www.MaineSailingAdventures.com

Help us serve you better . . .

2011-06-03T05:12:00.000-07:00

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2011-04-25T09:18:00.001-07:00

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Iceberg Spotted in Penobscot Bay

2011-04-02T18:44:00.001-07:00

I have written a few April Fool's Day articles for the local papers over the years. The one that received the most response was one I wrote while a board member of the Friends of the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse about the lighthouse being moved from the breakwater to the public landing. Lots of people were upset until they realized it was all in good fun for April Fool's Day. This is the article I wrote this year, complete with a photo-shopped image of the iceberg. And just in case it's hard to read in the scan:

Ferry passengers heading to North Haven aboard the Capt. Neal Burgess saw an unusual sight this week. NOAA scientists have revealed that they have been tracking a small iceberg for several weeks after it calved off a much larger iceberg near Greenland.

“We expected prevailing winds and currents to keep this iceberg well offshore. We also expected that as it traveled south, seasonal temperatures would cause it to melt before it even got close to the U.S. Weather patterns and unseasonably cold temperatures have allowed it to track right into Penobscot Bay.” said oceanographer Hardy Frieze in an interview aboard the RV Atlantis. The Atlantis, owned by the U.S. Navy and operated by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, was deployed from Woods Hole specifically to handle this unique event.

A special bulletin has been issued by the United States Coast Guard to alert mariners that the iceberg is in the area, reminding them to steer clear of the obstacle until it either melts or moves out to sea. USCG Commander Sebastian Arnsdorf expressed surprise. “When I took command of Station Rockland I never expected I would be dealing with icebergs. Now that it has made its way into Penobscot Bay, we’re afraid it may be here for a while. Based on its size and composition from samples the scientists have been able to obtain, it wouldn’t surprise me if early season boaters get a chance to sail right by this thing.”

Rockland’s Harbor Master, Ed Glaser, said it will be business as usual this spring along the waterfront unless the iceberg finds its way into the harbor. “We haven’t created a plan yet to deal with the iceberg if that happens. I can hear all the Titanic jokes already though.”

Did you get fooled on April Fool's Day?

More about our anniversary party

2011-04-01T05:13:00.000-07:00

It’s been 125 years since the Isaac H. Evans first slid down the ways and Captains Brenda and Brian Thomas are planning a party to honor everyone who has helped keep her going.

On Saturday, June 11th at North End Shipyard, Captains Brenda and Brian will welcome previous owners, guests, crew, captains, wooden boat enthusiasts, and the general public for an evening of music, food, dockside boat tours, and fun.

Music will be provided by Old Grey Goose, Bob Stuart and possibly Captain Ed Glaser who has a song or two about the Evans. The Captains plan to serve appetizers, beverages, and a feat of dessert engineering – a scrumptious cupcake tree – to be supplied by the Sabrosa Cupcake Co.

Finally, the captains are preparing a museum-style display of Evans memorabilia and ephemera. They are collecting anything and everything related to this magnificent ship and are asking anyone who might have souvenirs, pictures, fond trip memories, poems, songs or fun stories to share to please get in touch with the Captains Brenda and Brian Thomas and plan to come on down!

History of the Isaac H. Evans

In 1886 in Mauricetown, New Jersey, a sturdy, well-built fishing vessel, the Isaac H. Evans, was launched off the banks of the Maurice River leading into the Delaware Bay. She was built for oystering, the biggest fishing industry in America at the time. Most oyster dredgers had a life expectancy of 20 years, which the Evans far exceeded, thanks to several rebuilds along the way. During the Depression years, the Evans lay beached in the mud until the oyster industry rebounded and she was put back into service. In 1946, she was refitted as a power oyster dredge. Gone were her masts, bowsprit and all sails. Instead, she motored throughout Delaware Bay, still fishing, but needing lots of repair.

In 1971, the Evans was purchased by Captains Doug and Linda Lee, current owners of the schooner Heritage. They brought her the Bath Maritime Museum in Maine where she underwent a major overhaul and complete transformation for a new industry – windjamming. She was beautifully restored to her original condition and was designated a National Historic Landmark – a rare honor given only to vessels that are recognized for their significant historical significance to the country. Captain Brenda says, “About two weeks after I became her new owner it really hit me. I actually own a National Historic Landmark. It wasn't like renting a storefront on Main Street and opening a business or buying a fleet of kayaks to take guests on tours of Maine's beautiful coast; it really was more of a commitment to the stewardship of a piece of maritime history. I've come to feel that I am just one link in the great chain of her life.”

But simply owning the Evans would mean little to Captain Brenda without sharing the experience with her guests. She says, “We specialize in family trips and having the opportunity to see young kids excited about a real experience rather than amusement park rides or video games really makes it all worthwhile to me. There are several museums in the U.S. where kids can walk the decks of historic boats and turn the wheel and pretend to be a sea captain, but on the decks of the Evans those same kids can take the helm and steer us for our next destination. Rather than just reading about how life used to be for sailors they can experience it first hand aboard a working artifact. There's nothing quite like it when their eyes light up and the huge grin spreads across their face as they realize that they are steering a piece of history.”

Asked how she feels about the schooner’s upcoming anniversary, Captain Brenda says, ”125 years is a big deal . . . especially when you’re talking about a wooden boat with the history that the Evans has. She has survived a few near tragedies and gets to visit small harbors other windjammers can't. She has gone from carrying oysters to carrying people on vacation. She has gone from pure sail to having an engine to pure sail once again. If she were a human, her memoirs would be a fun read!”

The sailing schedule for the Isaac H. Evans is available online.

http://www.imakenews.com/mwa/e_article002062085.cfm?x=bjhbfLS,b52nsrW8

Our newest crew member!

2011-03-23T15:40:00.000-07:00

We are thrilled to announce the arrival of our newest crew member! Kai Zander Thomas was born on March 9, 2011 at 4:35 a.m. He weighed in at 7 pounds, 7 ounces and was 20 inches long. He is already growing like a weed - at his check-up appointment yesterday (13 days old), he weighed in at 8 pounds, 8.5 ounces! The doctor said just keep doing what we're doing. Now only if we can get him to be awake more during the day instead of at night . . .

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-23T06:30:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-16T06:28:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-09T06:26:00.000-08:00

It's almost time . . . Let's Go Sailing!

2011-03-03T03:21:00.001-08:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-02T06:25:00.000-08:00

Goose Rocks Lighthouse a.k.a "The Sparkplug"

2011-02-24T06:37:00.000-08:00

We sail by this lighthouse all summer long. We've often seen people sitting in Adirondack chairs enjoying the sun or grilling something on the barbeque. You can be one of those people!

The following information about the lighthouse and how it is being preserved today is provided by Beacon Preservation.

Goose Rocks Lighthouse History
Goose Rocks Light was established in 1890 at the eastern entrance to the Fox Islands Thoroughfare, a busy waterway between Vinalhaven and North Haven islands. The Fox Islands, over 50 in all, were named by explorer Martin Pring after the silver foxes that were common there. Goose Rocks Light is a typical "sparkplug" style cast-iron lighthouse of the era, built on a round cast-iron caisson filled with concrete. The tower, which has three stories inside, originally had a fourth-order Fresnel lens. The tower was painted red until 1903; today the caisson is painted black and the tower is white.

The light was automated in 1963. After automation, for a time there were local people, called "lamplighters," employed to control the fog signal at the lighthouse.

According to Samuel Beverage of the North Haven Historical Society, "Alton Calderwood and his wife, Annie, also Elmer Carver and daughter Marion (Carver) Hopkins served as lamplighters. They lived at Little Thoroughfare not far from the light and were aware of the fog conditions."

The Fresnel lens was removed; there is currently a modern 250 mm optic. The light is now solar powered.

The lighthouse was expected to be turned over to the town of North Haven or a local organization under the Maine Lights Program in the 1990s, but there were no applicants. In June 2004, it was announced that the lighthouse would be transferred to a suitable new owner under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000. In 2006, the high bidder was Beacon Preservation, Inc. of Ansonia, Connecticut.

Goose Rocks can accommodate up to 6 guests for an all-day or overnight visit as a token of appreciation to those who support our mission of lighthouse preservation. Donations to Beacon Preservation fund 100% of its expensive restoration and upkeep, encouraging us to make Goose Rocks available to those whose financial support provide the foundation for lighthouse survival. Such dedication to lighthouse preservation is often accompanied by a strong desire to experience a real “slice of lighthouse life” with a prolonged visit, offering visitors a chance to absorb the beauty of the Fox Islands as the Goose Rocks lighthouse keepers did for nearly 80 years.

In the past, minimum donations were established and pro-rated according to demand in the most popular months, in an effort to offer a full range of services and amenities to our supporter-guests and maximize our ability to maintain Goose Rocks for future generations. However, after three years of allowing donation-based keeper's experiences, we have realized that ongoing restoration of Goose Rocks cannot occur according to schedule (i.e., in the summer months) if the lighthouse is constantly occupied.

It has also become apparent that a few hundred dollars, while tremendously appreciated, barely covers the cost of the experience; sadly, with rising costs of staffing, boat maintenance and fuel, offshore housekeeping and laundry, Beacon only realizes 20% of each donation towards its preservation funds. Our contractors and volunteers are frustrated because they can't have a long enough stretch of time to complete a project with keepers coming and going every few days. Although keepers' experiences have traditionally been our way of saying “thank you” for your contribution and support, a cost-benefit analysis indicates that Beacon needs to temporarily cut back the number of stays for 2011, emphasize our serious need for restoration funds, and get the Goose Rocks solar power system, kitchen, and bathroom finished. We hope to return to our "sliding scale" donation scheme in 2012.

For summer 2011, we are launching a campaign dubbed "Thirty Points of Light." Our goal is to find thirty angels willing to donate a minimum of $1000 for a keeper's experience. By limiting the number of stays to only 30, and establishing a $1000 donation as the benchmark for our committed keepers, we can finally purchase the much-needed equipment and contractor-labor needed to complete the Goose Rocks preservation project. Remember, your donation is tax-deductible, and it is important that keepers truly understand that each donation is exactly that: you are not buying accommodation, you are preserving a lighthouse. A generous and charitable ethos is the key to enjoying a wonderful experience at Goose Rocks.

For more information or to arrange your unique lighthouse stay:

Beacon Preservation
179 Main Street
North Haven, ME 04853
Phone: 207.867.4747
Email:info@beaconpreservation.org

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-23T04:23:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-16T14:29:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday - photo credit Rick Ashworth and Dawn Roy

2011-02-09T07:52:00.000-08:00

More winter cooking

2011-02-08T08:37:00.000-08:00

The previous owner and captain of the Schooner Isaac H. Evans collects rubber ducks and recently had an ending-in-zero birthday. Here's the cake I made for him:

I used a pattern to cut the duck shape out of a single sheet cake.

Then topped the first layer with frosting and raspberries.

Then I covered that with the second layer and dirty iced
(as they say on Cake Boss!) before starting to decorate.

Ta da!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-02T04:31:00.000-08:00

Think Spring!

2011-02-02T03:54:00.000-08:00

Spring

Boston Cream Pie - just another winter project!

2011-01-27T13:42:00.000-08:00

I finally got around to celebrating National Pie Day! I asked Brian what his favorite pie was and he said Boston Cream Pie. In my opinion, this is not really a pie at all . . . it's a cake, but I forged ahead nonetheless. After all the word "pie" is in the name!

I have never made Boston Cream Pie before so I started with an online recipe search (my poor neglected cook book collection!) I found a recipe that received good reviews and a warning to not cut corners and use a cake mix and pudding mix. I baked the cake, boiled the custard, and melted chocolate for the ganache.

I used plain white fondant and my new lobster and sloop molds (Christmas presents from a schooner guest - thank you Drea!) to make decorations.

The first lobster I tried to make didn't want to come out of the mold very easily so I sprinkled some powdered sugar in first and that did the trick.

I got out some food coloring and some paint brushes . . .

and was pretty happy with the results.

Then came the fun of assembling the pie.

I made the mistake of whisking the ganache instead of just using a wooden spoon. All those little dots are not lumps, they are air bubbles.

And then decorating the pie. I put the four top lobsters on first and realized too late that there was not going to be enough room for my sloop nor the other four lobsters. I adjusted my original plan and had the remaining lobsters bend over the edge and now I kind of I wish I had done that with all eight.

And then, of course, the best part of the whole process; eating it! Brian got the first piece.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-19T05:05:00.000-08:00

Where are we going?

2011-01-19T02:52:00.000-08:00

A common question during a trip is, "Where are we going?" and I admit that I didn't always handle that question well in the past. So, I've come up with new strategies to answer a question I simply don't know the answer to. You see, when we set out on a trip there are a lot of factors that determine where we go, not the least of which is the fact that the Evans is not exactly the fastest boat around. Some of the things we have to take into consideration include the weather, the lobster bake, the wind direction and speed, the tide, and the length of the trip so we make it back to the dock on time. In the photo below we have some high-tech helpers to show us the way:

This was the last full day of a trip. The arrow shows that we were anchored in Stonington, a small village on the southern tip of Deer Isle. The candy fish show two possible routes to take to head west and our eventual destination the next morning; Rockland. One route would take us over the top of North Haven and the other would take us through the Fox Island Thorofare between North Haven and Vinalhaven. I honestly don't remember which route we took that day but I do know that when we reached the spot where the routes split, I had to make a decision and once we committed to a route the other one was eaten. Then, as we proceeded along the remaining route we ate those fish, too! (Hint: It's a fun way to get kids to show an interest in the chart when they have to figure out if it's time to eat another fish or not!) We've used all sorts of candy to represent the route including mini chocolate bars, mini Reeses peanut butter cups, M&Ms (which we call Vitamin M!), circus peanuts, and Twizzlers. It's best, of course, if there is a hard candy shell or a wrapper as we found that the Twizzlers really weren't a good choice; not only are they long (therefore taking a long time to be a candidate for consumption), they stick to the chart!

This time we used carrots and pea pods that were delivered to us by a friend when we visited Castine (see the arrow). The carrots came from a hydroponic farm and were simply fantastic! This also must have been the last full day of a trip (with a northerly wind forecast for the next day) because our destination for the evening indicated by both the peas and the carrots is Cradle Cove by Islesboro and Seven Hundred Acre Island. I think we took the carrot route that day which you can see meant we had to sail off this chart (#13309) for a little while and then back up to Cradle Cove.

Ahhh, the course is set (with peas and carrots) and
the "Sailing for Dummies" book consulted (yes, that book is
in our library and, yes, it's there as a prop for the photo!)

Let's go sailing!

Photo credits to Gary Fuller and Allison Roberts. Thank you!

Wordless Wednesday - Deckhand Emma 2010

2011-01-12T06:27:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-05T06:25:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday - photo credit Rick Ashworth & Dawn Roy

2010-12-29T06:55:00.000-08:00

Our Honeymoon (from 2008!)

2010-12-28T04:37:00.001-08:00

We had not done anything with the pictures from our honeymoon so I created this book on Shutterfly for Brian for Christmas:

Click here to view this photo book larger

Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-22T04:08:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday - photo credit Len and Linda Reed

2010-12-15T06:56:00.000-08:00

Top Floor Studio - John and Annette Roberts

2010-12-15T03:06:00.000-08:00

Rockland resident and boat lover George Whisstock was kind enough to share a link with me to a painting done by his friend John Roberts. John's wife Annette is a professional photographer and the couple, from England, stay with George in his home overlooking the harbor quite often. This year Annette happened to photograph the Isaac H. Evans rounding the breakwater. George reports that it was a super day; he and Annette had walked to the end of the breakwater and saw the Isaac H Evans coming out of the harbor. It was one of those perfect days, good wind just in the right direction, sails setting perfectly, sun shining. Later, back in England, inspired by the photographs, John painted this:

To see John's other paintings and the couple's photograph or to purchase this original painting, visit their web site:

http://johnrobertsonline.com

Wordless Wednesday - photo credit Len and Linda Reed

2010-12-08T07:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas is almost here!

2010-12-03T03:32:00.000-08:00

Christmas Countdowns

Wordless Wednesday - photo credit Len and Linda Reed

2010-12-01T07:47:00.000-08:00

My first gingerbread house!

2010-11-27T03:30:00.000-08:00

Another winter project has been my first gingerbread house - inspired by Rockland Main Street, Inc.'s "Gingerbread Houses on Main Street" competition for the Festival of Lights this weekend.

The whole process started with a cardboard version:

Then I took the cardboard pattern pieces and cut the gingerbread, baked it, and used royal icing to "glue" it all together.

This was the first house. It's the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse:

I say "first house" because Izze ate most of this one so I had to start over. I made a new batch of gingerbread, cut everything out again (thankfully I saved the cardboard patterns!), baked it, and stored the pieces in the microwave (an Izze-safe zone). Not much later, I heard some banging in the kitchen and Brian saying something that didn't sound good. He needed to use the microwave and had dropped the pieces while trying to move them.

So I made a new batch of gingerbread, cut everything out again, baked it, and stored the pieces in the oven (another Izze-safe and hopefully Brian-safe zone) after it cooled. I decided to work in the dining room to put this one together and when I left the room for any length of time I would put two chairs in the doorway (there is no door) to keep Izze out.

On Tuesday, I went into the dining room for something and discovered that Izze had somehow managed to get beyond my barricade and eat the house - AGAIN. This time it was 90% decorated so he ingested a lot of gingerbread and a lot of candy too. He must have been full because the roof was left mostly intact. This is what the remaining portion of that house looked like:

So I set about making another batch of gingerbread, cutting everything out again, baking it, and putting it together. I continued working in the dining room to put this one together and when I left the room for any length of time I put two chairs with heavy filing boxes in them plus my hockey gear bag, Brian's duffel bag, and a bag of books in the doorway to keep Izze out.

I'm happy to report that my tenacity paid off ("I'm going to make this gingerbread house!") and, with huge thanks to Brian for washing lots of dishes throughout the process, here are the results:

Some detail shots:

the front of the lighthouse

The roof is decorated with Spree candies. The front of the house has a layer of white fondant with little sugar candy trees, edible gel shutters, and a colored frosting wreath on the door.

the lighthouse tower

Okay, I know it's far from perfect but that light house lens is made out of pulled sugar. It is hollow and it took several attempts to make it. I kept cracking them. Again, I know it's not perfect but it's the best one I made. I added red food coloring to the gingerbread and scored it to make the "bricks". The wreath is colored frosting on a Ritz cracker.

a Christmas tree at the end of the breakwater

I made the tree out of Spree candies and decorated it with red frosting for ornaments and white frosting for garland. The snowflakes on either side of the yellow top are edible too! The Christmas presents under the tree are sugar cubes decorated with colored frosting. The "breakwater" is red and green rice krispy treats.

These happy guys are on the other side of the lighthouse.
Snowman Peeps! Candy canes. More sugar cube presents. Again...all edible.

This is the top view of Rendezvous.

The pilot house and aft canopy are gingerbread with a layer of white fondant. The canopy is decorated with M&Ms and each M&M has an edible candy snowflake. The pilot house has just one M&M on either side...running lights! And the last thing I did to the whole project was to add the "Happy Holidays" in light blue icing. The pilot house looked pretty bare before I did that. And look at the cargo...the boat is loaded with M&Ms!

Rendezvous has a Ritz cracker wreath on her bow. And I made little lobster buoys out of mini-marshallows with Twizzler tails and colored icing. The water is a blend of three different colors of frosting; white first, then the light blue, then a darker blue.

The original plan was to have both of our boats represented. My grand plan was the Evans made out of gingerbread with pulled sugar sails. My pulled sugar technique needs some work so that part of the plan didn't work out. Maybe next year?!

Ta-da!

Winter Fun

2010-11-24T10:42:00.001-08:00

People always ask what I do in the winter and I like sharing some of my projects here on the blog. Tuesday's project was a wreath for Big Brothers Big Sisters' Bids for Kids Wreath Auction. Basically, local businesses agree to decorate wreaths and they are displayed in town so people can bid on them. Wreaths with smaller gift certificate values are bid on through a silent auction and larger values are auctioned at a live auction. Last year I did a blue and silver themed wreath with starfish and mussel shells. This year I did a red and gold lobster-themed wreath with gift certificates for trips for two including a lobster dinner on each boat. What do you think?

Wordless Wednesday - photo credit Len and Linda Reed

2010-11-24T06:34:00.000-08:00

Capt. Brenda as a kid

2010-11-22T06:02:00.000-08:00

I'm working on a photo book project and so far I've come across some interesting stuff. There are so many images and it is very time consuming. When I came across these, I thought you might like to see them:

This is me and my brother in Rockport, Maine next to the marble statue of Andre the Seal. The statue was erected in 1978 and I'd guess that's the year this photo was taken. Andre was found by Rockport harbormaster Harry Goodridge in 1961, when Andre was a pup without a mother. Goodridge kept Andre in a floating pen during the summers and entertained visitors with Andre's tricks and antics. In the winter, Andre was let free, and later, sent to an aquarium. Andre died in 1986.

This is me next to an Allagash Wilderness Waterway sign. Our family vacations when I was a kid always involved some sort of outdoor experience. It was camping, fishing, swimming, hiking, panning for gold, mining for tourmaline, and such, not flying off to far-flung destinations, visiting the mall, or rushing about at amusement parks. I was 15 or 16 when this picture was taken. I think it was the first family vacation that my brother did not go on (he would have been 18 or 19). My mom, dad, and I canoed the Allagash for almost two weeks. I remember not being happy with all the mosquitoes and being so far away from civilization (and my friends) but I also remember lots of moose, beautiful scenery, sunsets, the cool ice cave we visited. We, of course had to carry all of our belongings including food and water. I've always loved my mom's cooking but by the end of the trip I was sure she was a campfire genius... more Spam and biscuits, please! Even so, we ended up heading straight for a restaurant when we made it back to civilization and I think we ordered one of everything on the menu!

Great fun and great memories for which I am very thankful!

Wordless Wednesday - photo credit Len and Linda Reed

2010-11-17T06:30:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday - photo credit Len and Linda Reed

2010-11-10T06:24:00.000-08:00

Wildlife!

2010-11-05T05:01:00.000-07:00

It's pretty common to see harbor porpoise during a cruise on the Isaac H. Evans.

This sure looks like a shark fin, doesn't it?

But it's not...

When we sailed closer, we saw that it was an ocean sun fish!

There's no frame of reference in this image but the ocean sun fish (mola mola) is the heaviest known bony fish in the world with an average adult weight of 2,200 pounds!
For lots of information about ocean sun fish visit Wikipedia.

Thanks to Len and Linda Reed for the porpoise picture and to Nancy Hackney for the sun fish pictures.

Wordless Wednesday - photo credit Nancy Hackney

2010-11-03T15:41:00.000-07:00

A tooth fairy aboard?

2010-11-03T07:23:00.000-07:00

Why would a windjammer need a Tooth Fairy? Well, when the windjammer sails with kids like we do, it's a definite necessity! The Isaac H. Evans Tooth Fairy shared this note with me this summer as well as the poem that she received from Madeline's Tooth Fairy. She asked that the poem be put under Madeline's pillow with some very special nautical treats! I'm sorry to report that Tooth Fairies are very secretive (understandably so) and that she was unwilling to share her name with me...sorry Madeline, I tried!

The poem from Madeline's Tooth Fairy:

It's a good thing
You wrote me that note.
How else would I know
You're on a boat?

The Evans' tooth fairy
Called me at home
She told me the news
Over the shell phone.

You lost another tooth
And she's sending it to me
Will my gifts get to you?
We'll have to see.

It's a good thing
You wrote me that note
It's also good that I fly...
Not float!

How else could I deliver
These nautical treats?
Now be sure to take care
Of the rest of your teeth!

2010-11-02T15:06:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of me with a piece of kelp that was floating near the boat one day this summer. I couldn't believe how big it was so we hooked it and got it aboard. The blade of the kelp is like leather and the stalk is like rubber. I tugged and pulled but couldn't tear it or pull it apart. The interesting things is that this huge plant is attached to the ocean floor (usually a rock) with a relatively small holdfast (looks like a root system). The large frond spreads along the surface of the water, gathering light energy for photosynthesis. The holdfast seems flimsy compared to the structure of the rest of the plant and a strong storm can rather easily uproot the kelp. Shorelines are often lined with stranded plants after winds like we had this September!

And, as a reference, I am 5' 8" tall!

Wounded Lobster

2010-10-29T08:49:00.000-07:00

We carry a lobster trap with us on every trip and when there is interest we drop it overnight where ever we anchor. We often catch crabs and star fish and occasionally even catch a lobster. This little guy was too small to keep but I captured a few pictures before we threw him back because he was missing his right claw and some of his little legs but they were growing back.

If you look closely you can see the beginnings of a new claw and little legs.
Pretty amazing!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-27T06:33:00.000-07:00

Fruit Salad

2010-10-26T03:07:00.000-07:00

Ask a young man to make a fruit salad and you never know what you're going to get! This is what came out of the galley one morning this summer thanks to Jay's slightly demented but creative mind.

fall flower?

2010-10-25T09:06:00.001-07:00

I just took this picture today...a very confused lupine I'd say! We usually see lupine at the beginning of our sailing season, not the end. There is one anchorage in particular where there is a beautiful field of lupine and it's one of my favorites before it gets too crowded later in the season; Pulpit Harbor, North Haven.

Hanging Out on the Jib Boom

2010-10-23T05:10:00.000-07:00

We had such fantastic weather this summer! This trip in particular was sunny and hot...we were in the water almost constantly - even when the boat was underway. It was the last week of August and as you can see there was not a lot of wind. I think we had underway swim calls every day where we would toss the life ring in the water, put the swim ladder over, and drift along while cooling off a little. Here 1st Mate Gregory and long-time repeat guest Roy are enjoying just hanging out on the jib boom.

Does anyone from this trip have photos to share of people in the water?

Island Shadow

2010-10-22T11:18:00.000-07:00

I took this photo late in the day as we approached an anchorage near Russ Island. This is Sprout Island with Potato Island visible in the distance on the left. The two are connected at low tide by a beautiful crushed shell sand bar. This shadow is as close as I can get to taking a picture of the Evans under full sail!

The Blogger Returns!

2010-10-15T06:25:00.000-07:00

Okay, folks, look out! This is your warning...

The schooner is wrapped up for the winter and I am settling in to my winter routine which means...

BLOGGING!

I'm anxious to share photos and fun from the season and what we are doing to prepare for next season. Who's ready for some blog posts?!?!??!

Watch for content starting next week...

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-08T06:29:00.000-07:00

2010-09-01T07:27:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-25T08:23:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-18T07:20:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-04T05:11:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-16T08:40:00.001-07:00

Benefit Day Sail Aboard the Schooner Isaac H. Evans

2010-05-31T07:28:00.001-07:00

Our season has officially started! We went sailing yesterday with a full boat of happy guests. We raised sails and over $1,500 for the St. George Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Association. They provide volunteer firefighting services to the Town of St. George and assist other nearby towns by providing mutual aid when necessary. They are also the last truly volunteer ambulance service in the area; personnel are not compensated, patients are not charged, and the Ambulance Service is not supported by the town or other taxes. Donations from the community are their sole source of funding for medical supplies, training, and more.

We are grateful for everyone that joined us as well as for the local businesses that donated items to make our lunch simply fantastic! They include:

The Brown Bag - cookies
Home Kitchen Cafe - fish chowder
Dean's Flower Shop and Liberty Farms Greenhouse - hanging basket
Rock City Coffee Roasters - coffee and cups
Atlantic Baking Company - bread
Rockland Cafe - shrimp pasta salad and pumpkin cheesecake
Hole in the Wall Bagels, Inc. - bagels and cream cheese

The forecast was for west to northwest winds 15 to 20 knots with gusts to 25. We tucked a reef in the main before departure and we had a comfortable sail out into the bay before heading back into the harbor and tacking a bit to train the crew. Lunch was great, the sun was shining, and we were sailing along at a respectable 7.3 knots. We also unveiled our new crew shirts. It was a perfect start to what is going to be a great season!

Spring Outfitting - Day 50

2010-05-24T21:33:00.000-07:00

We started the day by cleaning the dock building and laying down a piece of plastic to keep all the items clean that we were bringing out of storage. The mattresses came down out of the sail bin as well as all of the galley equipment.

Margi started the day by taking her drug test and then, with her sister Vicki's help, cleaned the galley and started sorting through all of the galley supplies. They sorted through our pantry and boxed up dry goods to move to the shipyard.

Bob fixed our faulty bilge alarm as well as a tentative connection on the port running light.

My Brian, Brian C., and Gregory loaded our anchor chains.

We moved the yawl boat out of the garage and near a water source and near the crane where it will be launched. She started right up but I noticed a tiny leak in the water pump. Brian went off to pick up a new one. I installed it and everything looks great now. I wove some new rope into our puddening and it looks great now for the front of the yawl boat.

Brian and I installed our new fire pump and we'll test it in the morning.

Emma sanded and primed the rocking chair and helped clean the galley.

Brian C. and Gregory sanded cabin doors and then spent the afternoon painting.

Spring Outfitting - Day 49

2010-05-23T09:31:00.000-07:00

A day off for the crew and a day of office work, paperwork, cleaning, and organizing for us. We went shopping for a variety of supplies and bought 30 new pillows for the cabins and new sheets too!

Spring Outfitting - Day 48

2010-05-22T20:25:00.000-07:00

Today was our Wednesday because we took the day off due to the weather. We made up for it today. We finished scraping the deck and gave everything a good rinse. While the deck dried, Brian C. went off to his other job and Gregory and Emma painted below in the cabins. Brian changed the zincs on the yawl boat and I painted the water line. I removed all the silicone seals around our deadlights and resealed them just to make sure there are no leaks. Brian and I oiled the deck in the afternoon.

Spring Outfitting - Day 47

2010-05-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

We spent the morning going over how the training we received yesterday applied to the Evans and what each crew member is responsible for in the case of an emergency. We brought all of our life jackets down to the boat. We had our Coast Guard deck inspection where the inspectors verify all of our paperwork, check all of our safety equipment, and basically look at everything on the boat. The pull cord on our fire pump broke when we tried to demonstrate its use so they will come back when we have that repaired.

After lunch the crew scraped the decks and almost finished by the end of the day. My Brian put a new starter in the yawl boat and delivered the spares to be rebuilt. I painted the topsides on the yawl boat.

We launched Rebecca and Daniel today. Brian rowed them to the schooner and we raised them in the davits.

Spring Outfitting - Day 45

2010-05-20T22:46:00.000-07:00

I had been looking forward to today for a while and I'm glad our schedule allowed us to attend the Coast Guard Small Passenger Vessel Emergency Preparedness Workshop. During this day-long training in Belfast, all of our crew members were able to handle life-saving equipment and learn about how to handle different emergency situations that may arise on board. The Coast Guard organized a valuable event for us and we even made the news!

http://www.wabi.tv/news/11903/coast-guard-provides-lifesaving-training-in-belfast

There were over 50 people that received the training. We separated into groups and rotated through several different stations.

First, we got to see a life raft be deployed and inflate. This is a 4-person raft and it inflated in seconds....then four of us climbed in. It was snug to say the least! Not someplace I'd want to spend too much time.

Then we learned about life jackets; donning, proper storage, marking, and what the Coast Guard looks for during inspections.

Next was the life ring station where we saw a couple different types of life rings and strobe lights. We all had a chance to toss the life ring. We were aiming at our "victim"; an orange traffic cone. Although we all would have been close enough to save our victim, my Brian came the closest to getting the ring over the top of the cone...it would have been a point in horse shoes!

Our next station was flares! We learned about the differences and how to use them before we all were able to choose a flare and light it. In this picture all the way to the right, Capt. Bill (Rendezvous) holds a night-time red flare. Brian C. has a day-time orange smoke flare. Then you can see my Brian with a red flare testing what they said about trying to put it out in the dirt. The flare would extinguish but then start right up again. Margi, Gregory, and Emma are in the background with their flares.

Then we went to the bilge manifold station. We don't have a bilge manifold on the Evans or on Rendezvous but we learned about pumps and how much water can come in through even a small hole.

In the next station we got hands-on training in using random items to stop leaks in what I call the "leak tank".
Here Brian and Emma use wooden wedges and a hatchet to try to stop water from flowing out of a split pipe.

And they did it!

While Gregory slows the flow from a split rubber hose.

At the next station we learned about reporting and drug and alcohol testing in the event of a serious marine incident.

Then we moved on to see and use the big pump the Coast Guard delivers in the case of a boat taking on water.

Our last station was learning about fires and fire extinguishers. There was a Rockland fire fighter on hand to tell us all we needed to know. We each took turns putting out a fire.

It was a very informative day and we'll all be more prepared for any emergency that arises on board.

Spring Outfitting - Day 45

2010-05-19T19:44:00.000-07:00

It was raining and miserable so we took the day "off". Well, all of us except for Brian C. who stayed and scraped the foredeck. It was too wet to sand and paint anything. Office work, paperwork, and cleaning were the order of the day for me and my Brian.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-19T04:42:00.000-07:00

Spring Outfitting - Day 44

2010-05-18T21:44:00.000-07:00

We bent sails today! All five of them! The topsail and the mainsail both still need some work but they are on the boat and mostly done.

Brian C. did the jib. Emma did the staysail. Gregory did the foresail. I did the topsail (until it became too windy to continue). My Brian tended all of us while we moved from one grommet to the next. My Brian and I did the mainsail late in the afternoon.

But that's not all...Brian C. and Emma gave Tug a second coat of varnish. They also varnished Rebecca's sheer strake. Gregory, my Brian, and I all varnished pieces in the varnish room. Gregory painted Daniel. Bob fixed a life-line stanchion and put the finishing touches on our new radar!

Emma working on the staysail.

Spring Outfitting - Day 43

2010-05-17T21:36:00.000-07:00

Emma, our mess mate/deckhand, started today! That meant a drug test first thing followed by painting deck boxes and varnishing Tug with Brian C.

Gregory sanded Daniel.

Bob worked on the new radar.

I fixed a rot spot in the corner of one of our deck boxes. I simply chiseled away the rotten wood and epoxied in a new piece. We'll sand that and get it painted.

My Brian and I varnished and tested our fire pump again. We discovered a tiny leak that I need to investigate further.

Spring Outftitting - Day 42

2010-05-16T20:58:00.000-07:00

Sunday; a day off for the crew but no rest for the owners! We painted Rendezvous today. The boats seem to be getting bigger and bigger and bigger and need more and more paint!

Brian put a third coat on the galley sole as well as another coat on the ice box lid.

Spring Outfitting - Day 41

2010-05-15T20:42:00.000-07:00

Saturday; a day off for the crew but not for us. We prepped the topsides on Rendezvous, or should I say, we attempted to prep the topsides. We were puttying the seams for a while when it started to sprinkle. We kept going until that sprinkle turned into a downpour. The sky looked like it was going to clear but it kept going even though we sat in the truck to wait it out. We decided to go to the shipyard and do the varnishing that needed to be done and head back if the rain stopped. I got a second coat on Rebecca while Brian varnished the ice box. We headed back to Rendezvous and the sun was out...until we started puttying again! The clouds moved back in and it started to rain again so I threw in the towel. I went home and planted the seedlings in the garden while Brian put another coat of poly on the galley sole. Not bad progress for a Saturday and for fighting the weather a bit.

Spring Outfitting - Day 40

2010-05-14T21:09:00.000-07:00

Sand and paint.
Sand and paint.
Sand and paint.
Sand and paint.
Sand and paint.
Sand and paint.

Spring Outfitting - Day 39

2010-05-13T21:08:00.000-07:00

Sand and paint.
Sand and paint.
Sand and paint.
Sand and paint.
Sand and paint.
Sand and paint.

Spring Outfitting - Day 38

2010-05-12T21:39:00.000-07:00

Shiny!

You've probably guessed it by now...we painted today! Touch ups included:

-second coat on the top of the head house
-second coat on some margin planks
-several doors
-log rail
-davits

My Brian painted the covering board.

Brian C. went aloft with some non-skid paint to apply to the top of the cross trees. That will give Gregory some traction when he is working aloft. I used the non-skid to create the stripe by the break at the foredeck.

Gregory cleaned lots of tar off the jib boom and several other surfaces.

Brian C. and Gregory sanded more of Tug's varnish.

Brian and I worked in the varnish room late in the day and applied the final coat of varnish on two ladders, the rudder, and the tiller.

Brian primed some small pieces while I started the varnish on three of our deck boxes.

Brian also put a coat of poly on a piece for cabin #5.

I installed the navigation box, radio, depth sounder, and compass.

Our new fore sheet. So white!

And Margi and Vicki came by with galley goodies. They've been putting a lot of thought into ways to make the Evans experience even better and here's some fun stuff they've picked up:

Spring Outfitting - Day 37

2010-05-10T21:27:00.000-07:00

Today's spring outfitting success story is brought to you by The Renovator's Supply, Inc. I was working on the water system and discovered that our brass shower fixture was cracked. I ordered a replacement and selected the free shipping (brass is heavy!) I was told the shipping would be 7 to 14 days. Well, I ordered the replacement yesterday around 10:30 and it arrived TODAY before lunch! Amazing! I installed it this afternoon and the water system is now up and running! Thank you Renovator's Supply!

We also completed some more painting projects:

-scuppers
-second coat of varnish on main cabin house
-main boom jaws
-break-in-the-deck
-more painting in the cabins
-catheads
-a touch up spot on the fore boom
-the nav. box door
-a bulkhead for cabin #5
-port quarter bit

The radar pole was installed in anticipation of our new radar being hooked up!

Lots more touch-ups to go plus side boats and deck boxes.

Spring Outfitting - Day 36

2010-05-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

Brrrrrr...it's winter again? It was 39 degrees this morning! Thankfully I didn't plant my seedlings over the weekend like I had planned. They are sitting comfortably and warm in the kitchen. The upside-down planters are hanging from the shower curtain rod in the bathroom!

Gregory and Brian C. painted the blue strip around the boat today as well as all the bristol beige on the foredeck (after sanding it again). Brian C. finished painting the strong back so we'll be able to rig the yawl boat falls tomorrow.

The port quarter bit was sanded and primed.

Bob and I removed the two batteries in the below-deck bank to clean them and the box they sit in. Bob continued working on cleaning connections and replacing wires. Bob also changed some connectors on our running lights and cleaned contacts and now all of our lights are working. Our starboard light box is up and I put the finish coat on the port light box before I went home so we may be able to hang that one tomorrow.

My Brian and I worked on replacing the fore sheet and the jib halyard with new (bright white and lovely!) 3/4" spun dacron. I did the splicing and whipping after we cut the appropriate lengths. Both are now rigged. We also rigged the centerboard. Now all we have left for rigging is fairlead blocks and the yawl boat falls. Well...and sails, of course!

I varnished the shower fixture mount (final coat I think!) I also replaced the sprayer next to the galley sink so the water system is getting closer to being done. I've ordered a replacement shower fixture and am waiting for that to arrive before I pressurize the system again. Hopefully that will be the last step.

We all took our Coast Guard-required drug tests today.

My Brian and I reviewed our progress at the end of the day and made a list of what still needs to be done on deck. We came up with a page-and-a-half list that may take two or three days to complete. Then we need to see what else needs to be done below and with the side boats...another two or three days (or more)? Oh, and somewhere we need to fit in another two or three days on our other boat too. We're watching the calendar pretty closely right now. May 30th is approaching quickly!

Spring Outfitting - Day 35

2010-05-09T21:16:00.000-07:00

Sunday! Mother's Day. I called and/or emailed some special moms that I know. And, of course, talked to my mom (the Best Mom Ever!). Izze gave me a card with his paw print on it as his signature....very cute!

Brian and I spent the day working on our other boat; M/V Rendezvous. It's crazy enough getting one boat ready for the season but finding time to get a second boat ready too is super crazy. Especially when all we really want to do is get caught up on laundry and house cleaning and maybe take a nap!

Despite the cold, windy conditions we were able to sand the entire topsides and get primer on the bare wood spots. We also have a deck plank to replace and I was able to get the old plank out and clean up the spot in preparation for the new one.

It doesn't sound like much but it was a long day.

Spring Outfitting - Day 34

2010-05-08T22:11:00.000-07:00

It's Saturday and it rained. Brian C. and Gregory had the day off and my Brian and I decided to go visit my mom for Mother's Day. I know...it's a day early but the weather is in charge of this decision. The cool thing is we surprised my mom....my brother knew we were going to visit and I asked him not to spill the beans. When we arrived we let Izze go in first to let everyone know we were there. We had a good visit but headed back so I could spend an hour at the shipyard getting some more varnish on the rudder, tiller, and the deck box cover. I also finished the starboard running light box.

Spring Outfitting - Day 33

2010-05-07T22:20:00.000-07:00

The sun shone bright today and, despite gusty winds, we painted, painted, painted! I finished the blue on top of the log rail while my Brian painted the red on the inside of the log rail and covering board. Brian C. and Gregory painted the white on the topsides and, after lunch, painted the strong back (board that goes across the top of the yawl boat davits) and cut in the gray on the topsides for a nice line between the gray and the white that they had just painted. I painted more blue up forward between the two cat heads and prepped the margin planks on the main cabin. Brian C. and I painted those late in the afternoon.

I was thankful to move inside out of the wind to get some varnish on a deck box cover, the rudder and tiller for Tug, and the wooden mount for the shower fixture as well as painting the light boxes.

We're hoping for more good painting weather next week!

Spring Outfitting - Day 32

2010-05-06T21:09:00.000-07:00

Rain kept us inside most of the morning but progress was not slowed as a result. Gregory and Brian C. worked on the varnish on Tug 'n' Grunt.

She's going to look great this year!

While my Brian sanded deck boxes and the rudder and tiller from Tug.

I filled water tanks and pressurized the water system. We're in pretty good shape with some minor fixes still on the to-do list. I need to replace a couple leaky gaskets and the sprayer next to the sink in the galley. Then I'll hook up the shower and the water system will be complete.

My Brian put the third coat of varnish on these ladders.

And I put the final coat on this box and one deck box lid as well as the first coat on the rudder, tiller, and another deck box lid.

I also managed to paint the hawse pipes and chain brake and put the final coat on the gold stripes on the dolphin striker.

My Brian painted an important piece for the lobster bake (a metal cross piece that holds the lobster tub on top of our fire pan - he used a special high-temp spray paint) and I painted the chart weights (gold spray paint so they look like gold bars!) and metal rings for the lights in the heads.

Of course, crew lunch is always on a rainy day so we had lunch at the Rockland Cafe today. I had a pulled pork sandwich and french fries with pumpkin cheesecake for dessert!

Spring Outfitting - Day 30 & 31

2010-05-05T21:33:00.000-07:00

Varnishing, sanding, and painting has occupied all of our time over the last two days.

The log rail and the stanchion rail was sanded and primed yesterday and painted today. I forgot to count the stanchions (Trevor, do you remember how many there are?) but my guess is that there are about 40 of them.

The yawl boat davits were sanded and painted and the strong back was sanded and primed.

The main boom was sanded and painted yesterday and then a shower came along making it necessary to do it again today!

The white on the topsides was started. The white on the dolphin striker was painted yesterday and the first coat of gold was painted today.

Bob worked on the electrical system, cleaning connections, reinstalling the generator, etc.

Brian sanded and varnished two more ladders.

Brian sanded the chain brake and the buffalo rail then primed everything. We had such good weather today that the primer dried quickly and he was also able to paint the buffalo rail. I used a metal primer and coated the hawse pipes.

I varnished several small items; the boxes that go in the heads to hold spare toilet paper, hatch grates, and such.

We did a major cleaning at the end of the day today in anticipation of rain. We basically have two weeks to go and a long list of things still to do. If it rains for two weeks, we're in trouble!

Wordless Wednesday - photo credit Fred LeBlanc

2010-05-05T06:09:00.000-07:00