Ahoy Sailors
RBC is announcing the addition of a cruising club for those of us who would like to participate in more local day or overnight sails, or even kayak or row around the harbor. The club has received two kayaks donated by Phil Lewis for our member use. We are fortunate to have (3) boats to sail; Natasha a Cape Dory Typhoon 19’, a J24, and a newly acquired 25’ Cape Dory.
I look forward to reaching the community of sailers who would like to gather for shorter “cruises” and get on the water and enjoy the social company of other members.
There will still be the wonderful longer cruises with one being planned by Mark and Louisa Van Baalen. They will lead a joint RBC/CYC cruise to Campobello, the Roosevelt mansion, and Cobscook Bay, from August 5 to the 17th. Attached is the cruise plan. Interested sailors should contact Mark at mvb@harvard.edu <mailto:mvb@harvard.edu> to be added to the email list for upcoming cruise bulletins.
The Adult Sail program, chaired by Corey and Merritt, is instrumental in so many ways: getting boats ready at the beginning of the season and preparing them for overwintering at the end, certifying members to be skippers, creating a schedule for ‘Captain of the Week’ and overseeing the maintenance and repair of the sailing fleet and the two dinghies.
It is my hope that we can be active Adult Sailors and assist in the ‘Captain of the Week’ and other tasks, learn some new skills, get out on the water and enjoy the boats followed with some fun social gatherings.
Some of my thoughts are:
- Join when you can and determine the activities based on interest.
- Host workshops: small engine use, rigging, sail technique, local navigation etc.
- Set (2) days a week to get on the water followed by a social gathering (wine possibly?!?)
- Plan a couple overnights
- Connect with Adult Sailors to address ongoing maintenance
I would love to hear from those of you who may be interested- let’s have a first meeting to generate ideas and a plan.
Thank you,
Lynn Rutter
17 Spear St. Rockport
603-479-1731
The cruising program encourages RBC members to group together in boating activities, in the harbor, just past Indian Island, on Penobscot Bay and beyond. To facilitate community boating we offer an open schedule of member-led cruises for overnights in favorite harbors of the host’s choice and multi-day cruises for those who want to explore the Maine coast further from home port. Both sail and powerboats are welcome.
The two-day weekend cruise has been a favorite among RBC members for several years. Typically, the host boat will choose a destination anchorage where participant boats will gather at 5 pm. Snacks and beverages are jointly provided and shared on the host boat. Boats remain in the harbor overnight and choose their own itinerary the following day. Variations on this model include gathering at the destination harbor and joining together at a local restaurant or choosing a destination with onshore attractions such as a walk or hike, a town to explore, or a picnic on the rare Maine beach. Often the host will continue cruising to other destinations with those interested.
If you would like to host a cruise, overnight or longer, please let us know and we can let other members know of the cruise.
Date TBD: Day cruise and picnic to Warren Island. This cruise is a popular cruise for those with smaller boats since it does not involve an overnight stay. Plan to leave Rockport Harbor around 9 am, to arrive at Warren Island in time for noon picnic and walk around the island. This is a good cruise for inviting club members who do not have boats. Warren Island State Park has moorings, a dock for dinghies and offloading, picnic tables and trails. This is a day trip, but of course anyone who wants to can extend it.
RBC recognizes, not everyone has a boat, nor can they leave work, family and obligations back on the mainland for extended trips, so we are planning a weekly gathering at the club for those who would like to sail our adult fleet and for those who would like to gather socially.
For additional information contact Lynn Rutter @ lynn.rootsnshoots@gmail.com