For those of you who joined us last season, you know we sailed Fregata from Florida to our home port in Camden, Maine, where we put her “on the hard” (on land) for the winter in Camden.
A few off-season sailing highlights… Dan continued to sail on Lake Geneva. He also had the opportunity to crew for friends sailing from Palermo, Sicily to Olbia, Sardinia, about 250 nautical miles taking 2.5 days. We met with various sailing friends over the year, all with that look in their eyes saying, “I can’t wait to be back on the water.”
Anyway, back to Fregata. You may recall that there were numerous technical issues needing attention when we first bought the boat. Many were fixed underway, and we had the Lyman-Morse boatyard in Camden handle those we didn’t have the time (or the skills) to address ourselves.
Lyman-Morse is a very impressive boatyard, with excellent mechnical, electrical, carpentry, rigging, sailmaking, fiberglass, and metal working capabilities to name a few. The yard also features lodging, restaurants, laundry facility, and lounges.
We’re pleased to report that everything is working (for now), nothing is leaking (for now), and she’s in top shape for the season.
Camden itself is an idyllic if somewhat touristy town, nestled below Camden Hills State Park, and looking out onto the Penobscot Bay with its archipelago of deserted and inhabited islands, including a number quaint lobster fishing port towns like Vinalhaven and Stonington. Camdon is also home to one of the largest fleets of classic-rigged windjammers.
Dan’s son, Alex, is on his way to Maine as we write to join him for the shake-out sail. This is a short cruise to test everything and make sure all systems are “go” before straying too far from land.
Sandy arrives the following week and we head off.
After two seasons covering nearly 4,000 nautical miles (New York to Maine, then Florida ot Maine), requiring long days and keeping more-or-less to a tight schedule, we decided to take it easy this season and stay in New England, enjoying its beautiful cruising grounds, quaint coastal towns, and secluded anchorages. There’s plenty here to discover.
We’re also looking forward to having friends join us, both from Europe and N. America.
We hope you’ll continue to follow our adventures on this blog, and look forward to your comments, questions, and even free advice! If you’re already subscribed, you’ll get our weekly recap email. If not, feel free to hit the subscribe button above.
41 Responses
Sandy and Dan,
So glad to see you sending updates again. Hope, Powell, and I were up at the crack this am watching a beautiful sunrise off Wrightsville (Janet is 29 weeks pregnant). A big hello to fisherman Alex! The Nash family crossed the Gulf Stream and cruising in the Abacos for a few weeks. Smooth sailing!
Dan
So great to hear that Fregata made it through the winter and the issues are all resolved. Sounds like you’re in for a great summer. Glad to have the updates so that we might keep up with your activities. Have a wonderful summer.
Larry and Elizabeth
Larry, Elizabeth, Yes, Fregata’s back and she’s better! It’s nice when everything’s working. Fair winds to you both.
Hi Tom, We’ll miss North Carolina this year. It was one of our favorite states on the way up the coast. Still proudly flying our CYC burgee.
Hi guys:
So happy to hear that there is another adventure coming. I always love to read your blog posts and catch up with your doings. As I think you saw on Facebook, we recently completed our sailing season on a much larger ship with a 2 week adventure through the Norwegian Fjords….wanna compare the size of the heads?
Thanks, Shep. Followed your latest trips on FB. Looks amazing.
Sounds like a great summer without having to make miles. “Sailing takes me away to where I’m going.”
Welcome aboard, Jim. See you soon.
Hi Sandy and Dan,
Great to hear that all is well with you and Fregata. A nice relaxing summer sounds like a great plan. Nancy and I are now half way across Lake Ontario on the way to Cobourg / Toronto – a path you know well.
Take care
Enjoy your sail, glad to have you on board.
Thanks so much for continuing to post Fregata’s summer journey.
Again the best weather, ports, and friends that visit on board.
Pete and Carol
Thanks Pete and Carol. Hope you have a good summer.
Sandy and Dan,
Looking forward to getting your photo updates. Certainly a different adventure than last season.
My daughter and family including toddler are going to Sardinia early fall. You have to tell me you thoughts.
Stay well and have fun
Tony
Thanks, Tony.
Hi Sandy & Dan –
A no rush summer sounds great! Your description of the boatyard and the community sounds ideal for sure. We will have to check it out ourselves sometime. Enjoy and we will continue to read up on your experiences. Be well.
Thanks, Kim. Take good care of RYC. We miss it.
Gotta love Maine in the summer. I will enjoy any pictures you can post.
Enjoy the summer!
Thanks, Len.
Dan, Sandy & friends, enjoy your new summer and thanks to share your adventures with us. Hugs & kisses!
Grazie, Milena, benvenuta a bordo!
Hi neighbors! Have a wonderful time and we’ll keep an eye on your house!
Nice to hear from you Karen… hope you’re feeling better.
Ahoy Sandy and Dan,
Once again, looking forward to the updates on your black fabulous pics and numerous adventures. Fogata is looking to ship shape and with her maintenance updates you should have a “flawless” sailing season off the beautiful New England state. I look forward to your weekly flights for your pictures and joining you the end of August for a few days unforgotten with accomplish captain and first mate🥰
Hi Donna, Yes, knock on fake teak! See you soon.
Off you go! Love to hear all about your adventures. Jim may be up in the New England area late August. Can’t wait to see where Fregata goes!
Welcome aboard, Alicia. Hope to hear from Jim when he’s in New England.
Hey Dan,
YES!!! I always read and enjoy the Fregata Adventures and pictures.
Looking forward to the 2025 Fregata Summer series.
Jess..
Thanks for folloowing, Jess.
Thanks for the update, Dan! Great photos! I’m looking forward to this season’s posts! Bisous à tous!
Welcome aboard, Rania!
Glad you’re back, Rania!
Thanks for the update. We got a late start to the season due to weather but Sapphire is now ready for Lake Ontario cruises. Caroline and I will be in Nantucket from August 25 to September 7 so if you are sailing around the Cape Cod area, please stop and see us. September is the best time of year in Nantucket.
Hi Moby, We do plan to visit Cape Cod, although possibly earlier in the season. Let’s check in close to there.
Hi Sandy and Dan,
I’m really glad to see you again preparing new adventures! I’m sure you’ll have as many stories to tell us as you had last season.
Nicole and I will be off for eleven days starting 29th June, visiting Cornwall, London with Audrey and Glyndebourne again. So I’ll probably be silent during that period.
I’m already in the starting blocks 🙂
Fun to catch up with your blog! Have a great season, we’re looking forward to the next post!
Welcome aboard, Jeff & Jean. Hope you have a great summer, although I suppose it’s always summer where you live!
Bienvenu à bord, Bernard !
Wishing you fair winds and smooth sailing (or is it smooth winds and fair sailing?). Hope you have fun sailing into and experiencing all nooks and crannies of New England.
Larry & Joanie
Hi Sandy and Dan, glad to read about your new adventures in New England. We just returned from a 3 week trekking vacation in Norway where we navigated on a few fjords but only on motor boats. Looking forward to be reading about your summer adventures.
À bientôt,
Amicalement
Jiaxin et Max
Thanks, Max, looking forward to hearing about your trip to Norway.
Been down in south america for the last almost three weeks. Now catching up on mail and looking forward to reading about your adventures. Off to crans mid-july comme d’hab. xx