Life Aboard

A typical day...
Anchored in a quite cove, you hold a full mug of coffee, the smell of home-made muffins fills the air. You watch the still water break as a porpoise breeches the surface. Off the stern seabirds are scouting for breakfast.

The whole trip was awesome. Capt. and crew are without a doubt the right combination of everything we expected and needed. Food was out of this world! Loved the sailing the most, a true experience beyond belief! Thank you so much!
  —Jen and Tom Brookfield VT

The quiet is suddenly broken by the ship's bell toll indicating breakfast. As your shipmates gather, you speak in soft tones so as not to interrupt the magical quiet of morning at anchor.

The galley crew assembles a fresh downeast breakfast of blueberry pancakes, pure Maine maple syrup, bacon, and fresh fruit.

Wonderful sailing, excellent crew, great sense of humor! Kudos to the cook! Thank you for a very enjoyable time.
  —Sue I. North Hampton, NH

After breakfast it's time to muckle onto the halyards to heave out the hook and hoist the sails. The captain yells, "All hands on deck!" Those so inclined gather midship to help raise the main sail.

The essential operation of the boat is still done by hand, as it was when she first came down the ways in 1922. The mate gives the ready orders, "Ready on the peak. Ready on the throat" and then "Haul away!" The canvas is carried up the mast, ready to fill with wind.

The morning fog lifts as we work our way out onto the bay with the wind and tide as our guide. As we sail along you might want to take a turn at the helm and learn about navigation.

A trip that was lifetime in planning and much too short in the execution. We were made to feel like friends not-too-often seen, and welcomed all the more. We were well-fed, worked hard, and entertained continuously. Our very best to you. We hope to make this a tradition.
  —Mark F. Maine

Perhaps this morning you would like to pull a book out and find a spot on deck. But, have a camera ready. The crew is keeping a sharp eye out for wildlife. In this pristine area there is bound to be something, an osprey, a family of seals, maybe even a whale.

At eight bells (noon time) the cook spreads out a hearty lunch of chowder, buttermilk biscuits, fresh garden salad and the cookie of the day.

I will do this again. It is very hard for a single person to vacation alone, but this was fabulous!
  —Kathleen R. Brattleboro,Vermont

As we pass by the islands there is history to tell...of war, quarrying, fishing and yes, even murder! The captain and crew share their knowledge of the bay and its rich history.

Our third trip on the Bowditch has been wonderful, as before. The experience that all of the hard work that the Capt., Cathie, and the crew put into allowing us this unique and most memorable experience goes well beyond what we may be paying for.
  —Tom B. Niles IL

Now it's into another bay. A fresh wind kicks up and the captain spies another schooner. He orders "More sail!" The skilled crew unfurls the main top sl'e and sets the fisherman (the only vessel in the fleet that carries one). The chase is on! As we come up alongside our gallant fellow windjammer, we salute them with our signal cannon and leave them in our wake. Learn about handling lines as we tack back and forth. Perhaps the smell of the sea and the excitement of the day has been too much and a nap is in order.

What a great journey. The sailing was a joy and the scenery was spectacular. Swan's Island was an enlightening snapshot of a different way to live. Pulpit Harbor's serenity and the Osprey nest will be cherished memories.
  —Rick and Becky H. Newark, OH

After a few tacks, we find a quiet anchorage. Here we can take the skiff ashore to stretch our legs.

We may find ourselves near a small fishing village where we can stroll among the white clapboard houses.

Maybe we have found a deserted island where we can have a good old New England lobster bake.

After dinner it's time to relax on the after deck to hear the captain spin a yarn or sing a shanty as the sun sets on the hills.

Enjoy the cook's homemade peach pie and hand cranked ice cream and the day's last cup of fresh coffee. The night sky takes the stage.

Had an absolutely fantastic time. This was the best trip yet! Thanks for everything.
  —Cynthia B. Chicago, IL

It's not long before you are snug in your bunk dreaming about the day you just had.

Crew:
Capt. Owen holds a 100 ton masters license through the United States coast Guard. We hire a professional crew of five. Capt. and crew undergo a rigorous safety inspection annually which includes emergency drills and a check of all emergency equipment. We welcome participation by our guests as "honorary crew," in the operation of the vessel. We feel that this really enhances the experience.