The crew climbed aboard with duffels and sleeping bags in hand April 1st. Angelique was covered from stem to stern in shrink wrap. We coaxed a head to work and breathed some life into the batteries with the chargers. A two burner camp stove, an extention cord, a $10 Mr. Coffee maker, a hand-me-down microwave and a couple of jugs of water rounded out the makeshift “galley”.
Angelique was a cold and lonely place in early April. The crew spent many weeks sanding and painting, followed by shedding the cover, more painting and varnishing. Topmasts were raised from the deck, booms and gaffs hung, running rigging followed by the bending of the 7 heavy sails, a little more painting, laying out braided rugs in the deckhouse and hanging pictures on the bulkheads. The moment the crew has been waiting for, the day we head “out there”, where vessels belong, has arrived! The crew was happy to trade in their paint brushes for brass polish and windex.
The crews excitement was contagious, this season marks my 22nd year as owner (along with Lynne my lovely wife) and captain of Angelique, the excitement of their anticipation has even rubbed off on me. Twenty two years and I feel like a little kid getting ready for an adventure for the first time.
Our guests arrived settled in for the evening, suddenly Angelique became warm and cozy, a far cry from the frosty April days. Laughter and conversation filled the air. Chad our cook treated us to blueberry pancakes, sausage and juice for breakfast. Soon we closed the boarding gate, took in lines and headed out of Camden Harbor.
We were greeted by a 18-20kt breeze at the Camden R2 bell. The 4 lower sails were set, the mizzen followed by the mainsail, staysail and jib. Angelique fell off on to a port tack, slowly heeling dipping her shoulder into Penobscot Bay like she had never left.
I couldn’t help notice the grins from guests and crew alike as we gathered speed in the Northeast breeze. Our wake was framed by Curtis Island Lighthouse as we set our course east, North Haven Island in the distance. Angelique was once again doing what she was meant to do. It’s good to be back!
