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
The other side of the island

The other side of the island

August 22, 2022 at 12:00 am

September 2022 By David Roper This is a continuation from the August issue of an excerpt from Dave’s upcoming book “The Ghosts of Gadus Island” August 1985 Artifacts – Gadus Island, Maine “What about cucumber guy?” Sophie asked, after Cleo joined her at the top of the wharf. “Should weRead More

A wrecked boat on the shore next to an old abandoned wharf on a very foggy day. The boat is in very poor shape and is falling apart. Side view at low tide.

‘In the wild, you get one mistake’

July 25, 2022 at 12:00 am

August 2022 By David Roper This is a continuation from the July issue of an excerpt from Dave’s upcoming book “The Ghosts of Gadus Island” August 1985 Fog, Gadus Island After a breakfast of corned beef hash and eggs, Sophie climbed a couple steps on the ladder and poked herRead More

Photo by Joyce Bartlett

Anchored off Gadus Island, we meet Carey

June 20, 2022 at 12:00 am

This is a continuation from the June issue of an excerpt from Dave’s upcoming book, The Ghosts of Gadus Island. July 2022 By David Roper August 1985 Fog, Gadus Island Cleo awoke to find their world embraced by a blurry soft white and edgeless cocoon of fog. Without sitting up,Read More

The Ghosts of Gadus Island

The Ghosts of Gadus Island

May 23, 2022 at 12:00 am

This is a continuation of Dave’s piece in the January/February 2022 issue, an excerpt from his novel (retitled), “The Ghosts of Gadus Island.” June 2022 By David Roper …She turned to her teenaged daughter Sophie, who was now leaning forward over the cabin trunk, anxiously scanning the horizon for theRead More

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.