David Roper

Dave Roper is a regular columnist for Points East. Next to sailing, telling and writing stories is Dave’s favorite pastime.  His most recent book, Watching for Mermaids was a three-time Boston Globe bestseller www.watchingformermaids.net. His writing has been published in eighteen languages.  Dave has been a yacht delivery skipper, captain of a 135’ Mississippi River stern wheel cruise ship, and life-long cruiser along the coast of Maine aboard his 31’ Independence sloop, Elsa Marie.  Dave is the founder of A-Script, a career advisory and resume writing firm in Marblehead, MA.  davidroper00@gmail.com
Photo by  David RoperEven in this digital age, there is plenty of information to fascinate in the printed “Eldridge Tide and Pilot Book,” which should be found on every well-appointed nav station.

The boaters’ bible

April 18, 2022 at 12:00 am

Back when I was 17, I took my first bible to sea. Oh, not that Bible. But a yellow paperback one. I figured it was maybe my best resource as I set off solo on my greatly modified ‘round the world adventure aboard my $2500, 23’ A.R. True Rocket sloop.Read More

A journey into the past

A journey into the past

January 31, 2022 at 12:00 am

January/February 2022 By David Roper These are the first published opening pages of Dave Roper’s new book, “Odin’s Island,” inspired by a true story. Odin’s Island – 1985 It had gotten cool, and the wind had started to increase and turn northeast, and this gave Cleo concern. She locked theRead More

Photo courtesy David RoperDavid and Elsa. Older, but still seaworthy and together.

A couple of aging vessels

November 22, 2021 at 12:00 am

Boat and owner share some characteristics. They’re both getting older, but not ready to part yet.

Photo courtesy David RoperDavid Roper’s Elsa, on her mooring.

Thoughts of separation – a confession

September 27, 2021 at 12:00 am

“I can’t keep it from you any longer,” I told my wife. It was a tough message to deliver, but I had to do it, for her sake.

Photo courtesy David RoperDave at the helm of Rosie, his very capable nine-foot dinghy. But are they ready for a transatlantic crossing?

Outgrowing oversized ambition

August 23, 2021 at 12:00 am

Atlantic crossing? Let’s think about that a little more.

Graphic by Duane Cline

Sailor’s Jeopardy: It’s knot what you think

July 26, 2021 at 12:00 am

Where does “Slush Fund” actually come from? Pick up some valuable trivia to impress your boating friends.

My six rules for non-boaters

My six rules for non-boaters

June 21, 2021 at 12:00 am

July 2012 By David Roper When visitors from landlocked places come sailing with us, it’s really sweet. They’re so excited, and try their best to assimilate to the sailing world, buying the proper boat shoes and sailing shorts, researching and trying out a few terms such as “ahoy” and “avast.”Read More

The wave pilot vs. the flickering screen

The wave pilot vs. the flickering screen

May 17, 2021 at 12:00 am

June 2021 By David Roper Let’s face it: We humans are fascinated with screens. They’re everywhere. At every boat show there are throngs around the latest electronic breakthroughs. The marine store catalogs are filled with page after page of electronics. On boats, these electronics have elevated the neophyte boater toRead More

An Easter story, 1959

April 19, 2021 at 12:00 am

A man does what he must – in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures – and that is the basis of all human morality. – John F. Kennedy May, 2021 By David Roper So, what should he do? There he was, a middle-aged manRead More

Having “the (dock) talk” with my doctor

Having “the (dock) talk” with my doctor

March 15, 2021 at 12:00 am

Spring and the boating season was fast arriving. It was time for “The Talk.” Yeah, THAT talk.