SAILING AGAIN!

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!

ANGELIQUE SPRING OUTFITTING

Snow finally gave in and let our early spring temperatures melt the banks and piles left in the woods and on the north sides of any structure.
The floats are in, the crew with duffel bags in hand have climbed aboard eager to get Angelique ready for the season. Hours of sanding, painting and varnishing will occupy their time for the next few weeks. Those that step aboard Angelique when they finish will be rewarded with a shiny new coat of paint and varnish.
Soon, the crew will be in the rig, hanging blocks, running halyards, stepping topmasts and bending sails, all in preparation of heading “out there” where vessels belong. Our first trip will be to the shipyard in a couple of weeks to haul out, clean and paint the bottom and have our yearly Coast Guard inspection.
Last year, Rick and Scott who enjoy sailing with us during the season came up and gave us a hand in laying the new deck for a couple of days. We were quite delighted when they wanted to come up again this year and lend a hand with spring outfitting. We let them loose on the windless which was showing signs of ware, what better project for two engineers? A few sketches later they came up with a solution to fix our wandering hydraulic motor that drives the 130 year old windless put to task to haul the anchor and chain. We are happy to report that their work was done in jig time and with outstanding results. I have said all along, one of the best things about the windjamming business is the people we get to meet. Thanks Scott and Rick for your efforts and enthusiasm!



Crew members, Andrew, Shelly, Chad, Chris, Rick and Scott getting Angelique ready for the 2008 season.

SEASON'S END

Hello to all, it's hard to believe that the sailing season is coming to an end and we will soon be placing the winter cover on Angelique and tucking her in for winter. Please excuse my negliance for not keeping up with our blog....... I will try again to post once a week.
This fall has been just beautiful for sailing, mother nature has given us a real mix of weather. We have seen beautiful warm days with gentle breezes to gusty winds for some very exciting sailing.
Sunsets, sea fog, harvest moon and rainbows have added to the majestic beauty of the Maine Coast.

Our 2008 schedule is now on our web site, please call if you have any questions.