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Quintessence of Serendipity

The schooner “Quintessence” in the foreground during
the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race in 2007

 

Winds are fluky. No wind. Some wind. Takes you one direction, then another. Never know where you’ll end up. Sometimes it can be a very pleasant surprise.

A few weeks ago an email landed in my inbox from a Traditional Small Craft group I belong to. Someone needed a few more hands to help crew a schooner down from New Jersey and back. Sounded interesting, and it appears I have some free time on my hands at the moment. Hmmm.

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Chickahominy Sunset Sail

 

Beautiful early autumn days here now, four in a row. We’ve spent them preparing for Winter. One day it was masks and hazmat suits, adding another 8 inch blanket of insulation in the attic. Nasty, dirty, miserable work. The next day, also beautiful, was loading, hauling, unloading, then stacking just over 3 tons of firewood under the porch roof next to the house. We’ll get at least one more ton before we’re done, and the dry wood will be all gone. Sore this morning.

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MASCF ~ Raucous Morning Sail

Kevin Brennan sailing his Navigator “Slip Jig”

 

Kevin Brennan built his Navigator Slip Jig in 2007, and I’ve been trying to get a sail on her for years. Kevin has built five boats now, including a beautiful traditional Chesapeake Crabbing Skiff I’ve always admired. He sold that boat to build the Navigator, and the new owner always brings her to the festival. I’ve photographed this boat many times over the years, but only recently learned that Kevin built her, too. Continue reading “MASCF ~ Raucous Morning Sail”

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MASCF ~ Quiet Evening Sail

Ghosting on the Miles River

 For many who bring boats to the festival, Friday is the best day. All the boats are there, and friends, but the crowds haven’t arrived yet. It’s the most relaxing day if you get there early enough. A few people even manage to get there on Thursday, stretching that bliss out a little longer.

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Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival 2011

 

 

Weather was challenging this year. Friday was beautiful, but Small Craft Warnings were up all day Saturday and Sunday – cold, blowing hard, and raining.

We took both boats, but only got one launched. Caesura had her first dip in the water, and we took several great sails in her. Then things got a bit out of our league for untested gear.

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