The Blog of d10

Not a cloud in the sky as we are preparing for race day.  The paid crew of 5 is looking over the rest of us.  They don't look all that thrilled about the faces gazing back at them.  We will be their team of twelve, eight of which are "newbies" and four "old salts" of which I am one.  An older couple from NH that are knitting sweaters from wool from their sheep, a Fordham professor and her Dad, two older women from VA (I was informed on the ride days later to the airport that they are nuns, unfortunately I had told every filty joke I ever heard - oh well, heaven can wait for me to redeem myself), a judge and his wife from MA, a Rutgers professor and his wife, myself and my lazy ass brother.  This trip was a gift for my brother and he was just miserable from the beginning.  Ocean water not his thing apparently but when I invited him he actually sounded thrilled to join me.

The remains of breakfast are being cleared (native blueberry pancakes, bacon and coffe with maple syrup from Vermont).  I'm not sure if the food really is as good as it seems or does it taste this good because we are on the water and I am in my element.

The breeze is blowing east and thats the way we are headed.  Today is the big day of the summer for all the old schooners on the coast.  We are one of the larger ships at 89 feet, double masted. 

We begin by pulling up the pea pod and securing the lines, dropping the yawl boat to help guide us to open water if necessary.  We loosen the lines and the wind moves the sails giving notice that we are in for some action today.  Brother is at the bow with Ian to pull up anchor.  He has gotten his stripes and instructions earlier when the stern anchor was pulled.  This is hard work,  the crank is manual pulling up the cold wet steel and laying it on deck.  (His lazy ass hasn't worked this hard in years.  He is the family's brainiac and has been spoiled having three older sisters.)

Cap is laying out the plan by the wheel.  The "newbies" are overwhelmed with the activity.  They aren't sure where to look and want to help, but seem so lost.  I instruct as I move along untying lines, place them all in line getting ready to hoist sails.  We all look like worker ants in our life vests pulling and pulling.  Sails are up! They fill instantly, billowing out, we are ready to undergo.  I have done this before and consider this the closest place to heaven.  I am so eager to get going.  We have white caps in the cove so I am aware that we can get a rail in open water. 

Cap puts me at mainsil with Jeff and Professor and Dad are on the jib.  Cap calls from the yawl boat to lift the anchor and the jolt felt is strong as we break.  We are underway, at last.  Cap climbs aboard, no need for the yawl boat the wind is good.  Poor Brother is yanking the yawl out of the water and learning how to tie lines.  I am always amused know what that face is saying.

We get out in deep water and the horn blows for the start.  We take the lead immediately with a rail in and the water poors at our feet.  It is cold sea water but refreshing as the sun beats and our hands are raw from pulling the sheets tacking to maintain the lead.  We are busy and the wind is at our backs and the spray from wake we are creating is flying in our faces.  It is such a incredible high.  I notice that the number of cormorants flying seemed to have increased.  Note to self: ask Cap later about that.

This old wooden boat is never expected to win but year and year she shows what she is made of.  She was an oyster boat long ago in the Delaware and retrieved from a ship graveyard and restored.  The draft is incredible and the ride so smooth.  Cap loves her.

The finish ahead, the prize is Acadia National Park - what a scene this is with Cadillac Mountain shining.  I can't imagine what the natives thought of this beautiful place.  We are gliding in for a victory.  Again, Cap pulled it out for the honor of the season. 

We drop anchor and it was like parking on a dime.  The yawl boat was never used today - miles powered by wind.  What a magnificent feat.  This race was for the books. This type of sailing is a group effort and this group has shined. While all the activity on deck was ongoing the old couple and the nuns were below creating the feast for lunch.  They appear with platters of food and bowls of fresh chowder as we are ready to break bread again.

Cap calls for "Fluffernutters and PBRs all around" for his victorious crew.

Brother has never seen me like this.  I am excited when my team wins but this was different, I was part of this and this was a majestic win.  I smile and wink at him.  This old gal gave him a show and he loved every minute of it.  Finally he gets it/me and makes my invitation well worth it.

We flew home quietly arriving in NJ dead summer air.  No words necessary.  We had a new bond between siblings.