The siren song of boatbuilding has lured another

You can't stop what you can't stop.  (I'm pretty sure that's Rumi.)  Count Gregoire de Frontenac has realized that boatless man is truly bound like the t-shirt says, and he must escape his shackles with a project that will dominate his garage, pick his pocket, and estrange him from family and friends.  Yay boats!

I ripped this picture of my Goat off his first and only post.

BILTrek2012 was spent mostly doing this.  Note bank of fog.

Good luck to Count Gregoire de Frontenac!

BILTrek2012!

Ahoy Mateys!  

In the grand tradition of VisionQuest/ManQuest2010 (here and here), and BroVenture2011 (Days 1+2 and 3+4), I bring to you BIL(brother-in-law)Trek2012!

IAZ,P, myself, and my brother-in-law Count Gregoire de Frontenac boldly drove forth to the wonderful world of Blue Hill Bay, Maine.

Count Gregoire de Frontenac

We went to Brooklin, to be exact, to enjoy a leisurely circumnavigation of Swan Island with some potential exploring in the Deer Isle Thoroughfare.  I promised Gregoire bald eagles and starry nights, fast heart-pounding broad reaches, and leathery tanned skin!  I promised adventure and riches and a story to last a lifetime.  I promised a Goat Island Skiff experience, an IAZ,P adventure!

What I neglected to promise Count Gregoire de Frontenac, however, was the glories of a gigantic low pressure system that was going to park itself over Maine for two days.  Oops.  So much for my budding meteorological skills.

"Hi, my name is Mr. Twirly and I'm going to rain on your parade, you buffoon."

A few disclaimers.  We spent our time on privately-owned islands along the Maine Island Trail that are available to MITA members and described in the guidebook.  It is requested to not publicly blather about such islands with respect to the islandowner.  I will honor this request.  As I have a done before and will do now, I highly encourage the intrepid reader who is interested in these waters to become a member at MITA.  It is not expensive and it pays for itself immediately.  It is a worthy organization for a worthy cause.

I present, with humbleness, BILTrek2012:

Peace.  Notice lack of houses anywhere.  Quiet.

Fickle winds started us off the public launch at Brooklin.  I carefully ghosted out of the harbor, and once out in the bay we started to scoot along-- just barely.  The boat was heavily laden with the two of us, gear, food, and water for five days and winds ere light.  We made good time, all things considered to our first island.  That was the last of the sun.  In came the fog.

15 minutes later after "peace."  No joke.

After dinner, we went to bed.  Around midnight, it started to rain.

And rain.

And rain.

Out came the WX radio.  Thunderstorms on their way.  Flashes through the tent.  2-3" of rain per hour.   Rumbles in the distance.  I struck IAZ,Ps mast/lightning rod.  Flash flood watches throughout Maine.  The wind came up and started folding over Count Gregoire de Frontenac's tent.  My tent was in the lee, so I thought it was quite peaceful.  We skippers need to stay well rested and dry to make good decisions.

Gregoire's tent blowing in from the wind.  Wet.  Rain seeping through the seams.

IAZ,P with mast down

Stoic Captain...?  Feelings of foolishness lurking underneath stone cold face.

By the next morning Count Gregoire de Frontenac started to complain that his sleeping bag was sponging rain water that had finally started to work itself through the saturated seams of his tent.  The weather forecast was calling for continued heavy rain the entire second day.  There was going to be no hope of drying out for at least another 24 hours, and who knew what would come next.  We were exposed.  There were multiple factors to take into account, but most signs were pointing to an easy escape or a hard and cold and wet day.  With the fog lifted for a few minutes, I took a compass bearing towards Brooklin and we rapidly broke down the tent, and sailed back to the boat ramp.

We had a good wind pushing us along, and we passed some lobstermen who gave us energetic waves and smiles as we blew through some chop in the pouring rain.  To them we probably looked like we were off on an adventure as opposed to turning back around...  I waved back.  Lobstermen in Maine have always waved at IAZ,P.  Better keep up the impression that we are a salty bunch too.

Romantic second night camping location.  IAZ,P loved this. (sarcasm)  Count Gregoire de Frontenac observing.

Drying tents.  Why not?

Camping in a hotel room.  Talk about sand and wetness.  That chart book?  Pissing water.

On day three with improving skies, we drove back to Brooklin, to start again!

This is a historic picture for blatantly obvious reasons.  Take note.

We repeated the loading of IAZ,P for the second time in as many days, and sailed forth!

This is the "all-tides" gravel ramp at Brooklin.
My compact 2W sedan is not going to make it back up this at low tide.
Note fenders for rolling IAZ,P down to the water after pushing her off the trailer.
World-famous Eggomoggin Reach in the background.

Sailing out.  Cute Maine Island.  What dangers lurk around its waters?

Count Gregoire de Frontenac navigating and keeping us safe from said dangers.

I just like this island.

I had a plan, and that was to head to a supposed Island of Paradise and salvage what we could of our trip.  We didn't know what we were going to find.  We didn't know if it was going to work.  We didn't know if people would already be camped in its limited space.

And then, we turned to the corner into the small harbor.

That's right.

Splashing into the crystal clear water on the beach, we decided that there was no further reason for exploration anywhere else.  Day three was henceforth spent relaxing in the sun warmed harbor, circumnavigating the island at low tide, and napping.

Camp.  Gregoire up on the hill, I'm closer to the boat.

Count Gregoire de Frontenac posing with IAZ,P

View

Trees and what-was-once-tree communing

Count Gregoire de Frontenac bathing.  This ain't no damp breezy castle no mores, this be real saltiness!

The beach/bathtub dries out

Further and further the water falls

Officially stuck for the night.  We're not going anywhere for another 6hrs at least.  And then it will be dark.

Legal fire below high-tide mark

The night went smooth.  A few showers passed, but nothing of any consequence.  The bioluminescence was spectacular. The next morning, however, dawned with calm/calm/calm winds and an overcast.  The tide was on the flood, and I wanted to be sure to meet it as soon as possible and make the most of it, because there would be no sailing that day, and it would be a long row back to the car.

Calm and mist.  Woe.

Waiting for the tide

It was a long row back to the car, and a longer ride back home.  BILTrek did not have booming reaches, midnight collisions with rocks, spirited discussions about spear-gun safety, anchors lost overboard, or encounters with sirens.  However, we had a decent relaxing time, saw WoodenBoat, and discovered an absolute gem of an island for future visitation.  Every trip with IAZ,P brings something different, why not some relax for once?

Fair winds, intrepid reader.

Michalak Jonsboat

This is a decidedly non-Goat Island Skiff post.  

My friend Peteloaf, who did a wonderful job building a Mik Storer Eureka (see this post on the Storer forum) is now building a Michalak Jonsboat for himself and his family.  So far, so good.  The boat is built with meranti ply from Goose Bay Lumber, ash, and pine.  Epoxy is being used for the buttstraps and other very critical components, otherwise the PL Premium is being used throughout the boat.  

Here are some pictures.

The boat is actually quite large.  Much larger than I ever thought from looking at pictures.  There is a lot of room.  The main salon in the middle is over 6' long.  It is wide.  It is awesome.  It will easily take dogs, children, and adults, at the same notice.  Notice Storer-inspired inwale.

Looking good!

Small Reach Regatta 2012!

When young Dawn with her rose-red fingers shone once more,

they set sail for the main encampment of Achaea.

The Archer sent them a bracing following wind,

they stepped the mast, spread the white sails wide,

the wind hit full and the canvas bellied out

and a dark blue wave, foaming up at the bow,

sang out loud and strong as the ship made way,

                           skimming the whitecaps, cutting toward her goal.  (Illiad I:569-576, Fagles)

Intrepid readers, welcome.  This is the Small Reach Regatta 2012

It has been a year since the last Small Reach, and again we met this year at Lamoine State Park in Maine for several days of sailing, rowing, camaraderie, and all out awesome.

Day 1

This Small Reach was a momentous meet-up for Goat Island Skiffs with a total of three (3) boats sailing together simultaneously.  This is the first time this has happened, ever!  I am proud that I Am Zinea, Pterodactylus was part of this historic moment.  It was a damn cool feeling to be sailing with other boats of the same pedigree.

Moments before launch on Day 1  THREE GOATS
From left to right: Bleat, IAZP, Kathleen Marie

Happiness is Goat on water (Courtesy of Capn Jon)

The first day of the SRR was a sail out to Thomas Island, as shown below and marked by an "A".  Since this was launching day we spent some time milling around Lamoine (northeast of Thomas, marked in green) until most boats were launched.  Then we set off Armada style for Thomas.  I ended up leisurely cruising behind Capn Jon in his Pheonix III Two Hearted-- official IAZ,P Partner in Adventure.

This was Capn Jon's first SRR and he decided to approach the east beach on Thomas by wrapping around the backside of the island.  I thought this was a fine idea since I had never been back there and there appeared to be obstacle strewn shallow waters on the south end.  Just as expected we had to beat upwind to the beach in shallow seaweed and rock festooned waters!  Several other hapless skippers followed us.  I'm pretty sure they all had a good time, right?  It was a great technical sail complete with the usual rowboat spectators waiting for us on the beach. 

Me and my Goat. (Courtesy of Capn Jon)

 I got there early and was able to take some pictures of others arriving.

Paul driving Kathleen Marie to Thomas

Kathleen Marie and a Penobscot 14

Bleat's first sail!  WOOT WOOT 

Sea Pearl 21 Velella Velella 

Loon, a Devlin Egret 
This guy isn't afraid to run her right up onto whatever rocks are in the way.  Bulletproof.

First boats are pulling up with most of the fleet downwind of the island.  Note Bleat

Andrew's Ian Oughtred J2

 Bleat


Clint Chase gets to put his cool logo on his sail

Kathleen Marie nestled in for lunch

Brand new Core Sound 17 after first sail EVAR

After lunch the wind had picked up considerably and it was time to sail back to Lamoine.  At this point I picked up a crewmember (moveable ballast!) and so I decided to forego reefing and see how fast we could get IAZ,P.  We made it back to Lamoine and had no one to greet us as everyone was still behind us.  So we turned around and beat back to the fleet.  Landing on the shore at Lamoine turned exciting since it was a lee shore at that point.

 Clint coming in under mizzen alone and Capn Jon in Two Hearted

Scooting along

Clint posing, Ellie shipshaping, and Capn Jon struggling.  It's more fun to watch from a distance.

I ended up going back out again with another crewmember.  This time we were reefed to the second point.  This was a great idea, and the boat performed awesome.  Sailing is fun, the wind was up, I couldn't justify not sailing again.  

Me storming back to the beach under 2 reefs.  Full speed ahead. (Courtesy Capn Jon)

Hand carry parking area.  Lots of coolness.

YAY friends!

It was windy enough that Jasmine, a Caledonia Yawl (of which we will see much more of later) ended up blowing out it's mast step.  At the SRR this is not a problem, because we can wander over to Allen's mobile woodshop and fabricate a new one.

Making that new mast step.  It doesn't have to be nice, just functional.

Hand carry at dusk

Day 2

On Friday it was off to gorgeous Stave Island, far on the eastern side of Frenchman's Bay.  I was able to scoot out relatively quickly in some light air.  It was beautiful sailing, though interrupted by some calm.  I had some moments of absolute golden sailing in flat glass scooting right along.  All in all, a little bit of everything.  I was the first sailboat to reach Stave, with the rowboats waiting for me (again... those rowboats).

 Three Goats and the Pheonix III

 One Goat. Two Goat. Three Goat.

 Caledonia Yawl Jasmine on the way to Stave Island with Cadillac Mountain

 Beautiful sailing...

 ...The fleet behind me...

...A nice sail shape...

 ...BAM!  Into a WALL OF CALM.  Out came the oars.  Row, row, row your boat, fool.

 Breeze back up and some nice Maine islands.

 The fleet starts to show up.  Note Far and Away, a completely unique Noman's Land boat to port of IAZ,P

 Nap in the grass

 Capn Jon decides to finally show up along with a Bolger Sweet Pea, Better Than Chocolate.
This Pea never gave up and always made it.

 On the way out of Stave Island, wind is coming back up and Clint and I start to get into it.

Video from Steve B of Clint and I battling it out

Clint and I fighting to windward.  This is happiness.

A very cool Washington County Peapod with a Block Island (RI) rig.
Out of Chapelle's American Small Sailing Craft
Nicknamed "stiletto"-- good looking but a pain to use

After a spirited sail out of Stave Island, we ran smack right back into the WALL OF CALM and sat floating in the middle of Frenchman Bay.  What to do but rehydrate and while away the hours? And then....

Jasmine gives IAZ,P a tow.  This is a GISAmateur first!

Three little ducks all in a row.  Look at that sky!

Sam and his CLC Northeaster Dory power-sailing like a champ.

Day 3 and the EPICNESS OF THREE (3) GOATS

The itinerary on the third day was Lamoine to Bean Island, but we did a circumnavigation of Dram Island first off of Sorento since the wind was so so sweet and we were making such great time.

Bean Island lunchtime:

Goats getting cozy

Intrepid reader, I am not going to write much here.  I just want you to enjoy what it is like when three Goats get together to terrorize the neighborhood for a bit.  All of the below pictures of three Goats are courtesy of Capn Jon.  Thank you Capn Jon for turning around and taking notice of this momentous event!

I present to you Goat Island Skiff history:

 Clint and myself working west.

 Catching up to Paul who slowed up a bit so we could sail together

 Terrorizing the Maine coast with smelly Goats! Fast as stink!

 Braying loud-mouthed Goats!

 Pillaging Goats!

Full on Goat fury! 

Capn Jon wisely stayed behind and out of the way of angry Goats!  

Well that was fun.  I don't think I was able to wipe the smile off my face that day.

Into Lamoine the wind slacked off and I doubled back to do some sailing with Two Hearted.

Shortly after this the wind died off and Capn Jon and I decided to go for a swim.  Then Capn Jon got the brilliant idea to pull the boats by ourselves, so we self towed.  Jasmine came swinging by like the predator she is and figured she might be able to get salvage rights and gave us yet another tow.  Skipper Chris has no fear, and this is why I like him.  He sail towed us right into the mooring field.  Go Chris, Go!

 Swimming.  Notice Capn Jon in distance also swimming.  We are heroes to the people.

On board and ready to rock!  Chris rocked us back and Mary fed us.

Then, it was time to pull the boats.  Sadness.

Herreshoff Carpenter

again

 Tom Jackon's Noman's Land boat, Far and Away

 Interior detail of Far and Away

 Kathleen Marie at rest with Acadia National Park 

Before we knew it, Small Reach Regatta 2012 was over.  A giant lobster dinner followed (and I do mean giant-- clams, mussels, sausages, corn, lobsters and more lobsters, etc) along with appropriate after-SRR campfires, story telling, and reminiscing.  

And then I woke up the next day.

 Three days of sailing, rowing, wind, sun, sunburned lips, and dehydration.  Coffee will fix this.  Or so I am told.

Trailer issues and Hamilton Marine in Searsport is CLOSED ON SUNDAYS!  

What are they thinking?  I needed my HM fix.

Nine (9) people pulled in while we there making repairs looking for Hamilton Marine goodness.  

Maine ice cream stands definitely fixed this.

Until next year, Small Reach Regatta!  Here's to 2013!

(Courtesy Capn Jon)