Other News

Photo courtesy Jean KerrThe author and her husband, as newlyweds, aboard Opus.

A wooden boat called Opus

May 22, 2023 at 12:00 am

Seeking new owners for the love of their lives

Hey ____, it’s Bob from Points East

Hey ____, it’s Bob from Points East

May 22, 2023 at 12:00 am

Have you ever seen the chocolate factory episode of “I Love Lucy”? In it, Ricky accuses Lucy of overspending and derides her housekeeping abilities, after which Lucy tells Ricky that if he thinks it’s so easy staying at home then they should “swap places.” Ricky takes on the domestic choresRead More

Photo courtesy Mark BarrettA 40-foot model of the Titanic hangs over the dance floor at Captain’s Cove Seaport in Bridgeport, Conn.

We’re not on the Cape anymore

May 22, 2023 at 12:00 am

In Part 2, the intrepid Cape Cod couple worked their way deeper into Long Island Sound, destination Lady Liberty, motoring and sailing in light air from Block Island to Branford, Conn., via The Race and Niantic Bay to check in with an old friend. Their next leg takes Mark and Diana to Black Rock Harbor, 22 miles farther west, for another cruising social call.

I think of these stories from time to time as I make the crossing to the islands, especially in winter. The warmth and security felt in the cabin of a big, strong boat can hide the fact that less than an inch of fiberglass separates us from the deep cold water.

Small boats on cold water

May 22, 2023 at 12:00 am

June 2023 By Jack Farrell The last days of April and the first days of May sent a progression of cold windy rainstorms up the Piscataqua River driven by strong winds from the northeast. Seas built up to 16 feet and rainfall was over three inches. The river ran theRead More

May's Mystery Harbor: Spicer's Marina

May’s Mystery Harbor: Spicer’s Marina

May 22, 2023 at 12:00 am

A perfect launch spot This is a picture of Spicer’s Marina located on West Cove Harbor in Noank, Conn. It’s a perfect spot to launch a trip to Block Island or any of the New York harbors [such as those on nearby Fishers Island, or on Long Island] and isRead More

Photo by Albert PresgravesMotoring in the Chesapeake with first mate Gus Karlsen at the helm.

The saga of Bagheera

May 22, 2023 at 12:00 am

One of many sea tales to be spun about a century-old 72-foot Maine schooner that left wakes across the Atlantic, to the Caribbean, and into the South Pacific. This one concerns a wild, 500-mile delivery.

The ‘older woman’ and shattered dreams

The ‘older woman’ and shattered dreams

May 22, 2023 at 12:00 am

June 2023 By David Roper 1966. She sat before me in all her 21-year-old splendor. She looked relaxed, as if she were enjoying the coolness that came with the late summer afternoon. Her hair was cut short. She combed it with her fingers now, tilting her head back while puttingRead More

The Jock Williams imperative

The Jock Williams imperative

May 22, 2023 at 12:00 am

Sustaining lifelong relationships with mariners, as well as building, selling and maintaining boats, has been the foundation of John “Jock” Williams’ vision for a boatyard for the past half-century.

Photo by Christopher BirchWho needs showers when you have warm crystal-clear water like this just over the rail?

Bathe elsewhere

May 22, 2023 at 12:00 am

June 2023 By Christopher Birch The key to liveaboard life? Follow the “Rule of Elsewhere”: Store your stuff elsewhere, have your mail delivered elsewhere, house your overnight guests elsewhere and bathe elsewhere. A simple, small, clutter-free boat works best for housing a liveaboard sailor, and the Rule of Elsewhere makesRead More

Harry Clemons “Buddy” Melges Jr., 93

Harry Clemons “Buddy” Melges Jr., 93

May 18, 2023 at 1:22 pm

Fontana, Wisc. Harry Clemons “Buddy” Melges Jr. passed away on May 18, 2023. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy as one of the most accomplished and revered sailors in American history. Born on January 26, 1930, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, Buddy dedicated his life to the pursuit of excellence on theRead More