Time: 6/12, 2100
Position: Anchored on the north side of McGlathery Island, between Merchant Row and Jericho Bay
Weather: Clear skies, SW winds 8-10kts

Evening Captains report

Good evening from the Bowdoin.

It’s been another action-packed day aboard, filled with new experiences and continued training. The crew rose to the deck to the welcome sight of clear skies and sunshine, a refreshing change from yesterday’s fog and gray. A gentle southwest breeze stirred as the smell of coffee and bacon drifted from the galley.

After a breakfast of veggie scramble, bacon, and our first cups of coffee, we launched into our morning routine with an all-hands briefing. We reviewed the day’s plan, which as always, was a mix of maintenance, seamanship lessons, and daily vessel routines. The morning was spent tending to rigging details, pre-departure checks, and cleaning.

As we wrapped up our projects, we enjoyed a taco lunch on deck while watching several schooners from the Maine Windjammer Fleet sail past, a fitting example of the sailing to come.

For most of the crew, this was their first time setting sail aboard Bowdoin, so every maneuver was performed with careful attention to training and safety. With everyone briefed, we set the mainsail and began to haul back the anchor. Just before the anchor broke free, the foresail was set, and promptly after the anchors were free from the bottom, the headsails were got on and allowed Bowdoin to steer free of the island ahead. Just like that, and without the use of the engine, the crew successfully sailed Bowdoin off the anchor. Finest kind!

We made our way into the Eggemoggin Reach, and Bowdoin began to show her magic starting at 6 knots and building to over 9 knots. The afternoon was filled with further training exercises and safety drills as we continued down the Reach and under the Deer Isle Bridge.

A gentle ocean swell worked its way up Jericho Bay, giving the crew their first taste of testing their sea legs. But the true test is yet to be seen, we soon found ourselves in the lee of Isle au Haut. The crew prepared to sail onto the anchor: headsails were doused, the foresail was scandalized (de-powered), the helm was eased, and we glided to a slow stop just before the anchor was let go.

Hats off to this crew today, they sailed Bowdoin off and onto anchor for the first time. A moment to be proud of.

As the evening came to a close, the second mate set anchor watches, and we enjoyed a chop suey dinner with Caesar salad and garlic bread. Lastly, for dessert – Thank you Kristin Kellas! – Cookies for the crew from the incredible bakery Sweat Treats!

All remains well aboard.

Sincerely,
Capt. Peacock

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