Hoisting the Blue Peter

Seeing Kirk off on his last voyage.

There’s a signal flag that ships hoist in harbor when it’s time for crew to return to the ship. A blue field with a white square in the center, like a cloud in a clear blue sky. For generations it’s been known as the “Blue Peter”, and those who know it by name know it means it’s time to say your goodbyes, time to depart.

We waved farewell to one of our brothers recently. Captain Kirk tacked suddenly away downwind and crossed the bar. He was a generous friend, funny, and thoughtful. We’ll miss him much. He loved our merry band of misfit sailors, and wanted us to remember him with another sail together – at his favorite spot among fast friends on lovely boats. We were happy to oblige.

Around two dozen of us gathered on a beach where the Chickahominy meets the James. We sent some of Kirk’s ashes off on the sea in a little boat of his own, viking style, and went for a sail ourselves

Rigging Kirk’s boat “Rose of Sharon”

One of my Melonseeds, Aeon, got splashed for the first time this year.

Me and T in “Aeon” – photo by Matt J.
Harris and Barbara’s new catboat “Mariah”
Jim’s Sakonnet 23. photo by T.
Jim’s Sakonnet 23 – photo by T.

After a big cookout on the beach, many of us returned to campfires and tents to sleep under the trees along the shore of the Chickahominy. Perfect weather, with cool breezes and calls of owls and whippoorwills for lullabies.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *