We are presently en route from Portland, Maine to Vineyard Haven, Martha's Vineyard. To recap from when I was last in touch: Portland was a friendly and welcoming town, though the first berth we went to at the State Pier was not. The small slip on the State Pier was one that would have eventually put the ship at risk of damage with all our comings and goings, so we took advantage of our friend's offer at Portland Yacht Services for accommodations and took up residence there early on in our visit. This move also had a social benefit as well, as it put us in close proximity to, first, the Schooner Virginia, the State Tall Ship of Virginia, and, then, the Full Rigged Ship Friendship of Salem—both of whom were paying seasonal calls on Portland.

Portland was a seminal event, with a great deal of promise for future visits, which we all look forward to.

We left Portland on 29 August and found ourselves in a nice NW breeze, in the company of Friendship of Salem. We had determined early on that we would go down to Salem Sound, Mass and so it was quite usual that we would fall in with a vessel bound in the same general direction. Having said that, it was a pleasure to sail in close company with such a period ship and take photos, etc. A great time was had by both crews.

But, where as Friendship was bound for Salem, we were bound again for Bakers Island, and some crew R&R. Two of my brothers were in residence with their families and we joined forces for a potluck grill dinner after some quality beach and crumping time to recharge batteries.

From Bakers it was on to Salem, a quintessential historic sailing town, for the purpose of visiting the Peabody-Essex Museum and other facets of Maritime and cultural history. The National Parks Service has helped to document the history of free African Americans in Salem, from the expulsion of 100 free African American families in the Fall of 1790 when provisions ran low in the town, to the establishment of its first elementary school for “Freeman” families in 1807—and much more information as well. Again I find my historical learning curve is steep…

We departed from Salem a day later than anticipated, because the outboard on our inflatable boat has given up the ghost—temporarily we hope. We had hoped that a feeling mechanic might come to our aid over the weekend but, no joy. We have services standing by in Martha's Vineyard to assist us with the engine, and so, on we go.

Let me also mention that we are having crew turn-over as of Salem and extending through the Vineyard. Katelinn Shaw, Engineer; John Papenhausen, Chief Mate; and Jeremy Dann, Able Seaman are all departing—on to school and other projects. They have all served with distinction, all working at jobs above what they were initially hired for and doing a really great job. Hats off to them and hope to see them in the future.

Until next time, Cheers and watch below.

John Beebe-Center