July 2021 By Thomas Dudley This posthumously published essay is the second in a series of lively, often wry, reminiscences to be published in Points East over the coming months. Thomas Minot Dudley, of Durham, N.H., died at the age of 83 the day after Christmas 2013. Tom’s wife DudleyRead More

July 2021 By Ali Wisch A few years ago, my friends’ boat sank. It was New England, in the middle of winter, and late at night – of course- (in my experience, not all, but most, boating catastrophes happen sometime after dark). Not only did my friends lose everything exceptRead More

Larry Cannon, a prince of a man and the captain of Boston Harbor, is sorely missed.

In a surreal moment, before either of us hit the water, I heard Eric yell, “That was a bad mistake. I’m not taking this boat south.” Then I was in a washing machine, struggling to reach the surface.

It’s Matinicus! Ten years ago my wife Margaret and I bought a 24’ cabin launch for family day cruises, island picnics and cruises Downeast. It’s a small boat, but has everything we need: bunks, stove, sink, icebox, head, chart table, GPS/radar and a reliable diesel. Friends of ours had aRead More

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

July 2021 By Jack Farrell One day last week I was called up to the front porch of the Oceanic Hotel to greet some visitors. Everett Hall and his son-in-law from nearby Cedar Island were there to talk about their float docks. Since Star Island has the help and heavyRead More

There is nothing worth doing more than “messing about in boats,” extolled Mr. Water Rat in “The Wind in the Willows.” But you don’t want to mess with mischievous farm stock on a Connecticut island.

So, I was snapping a few photos of the Coast Guard servicing the Nun #10 channel marker in the Fox island Thorofare. While watching the new nun being launched, the existing nun’s bottom being scrubbed, figuring the new nun would take its place…when I heard the Marine Patrol (Clam Cops)Read More

Concord, Massachusetts  William Asa Lawrence II, passed away peacefully on June 16th at Emerson Hospital after two years of failing health. He leaves his devoted wife of almost 64 years, Joany, his daughter, Betsy, his son, Bill and his wife, Bouchra, his son, Ned and four grandchildren, Hadley Brooke, Evelyn,Read More