We’re back! Today marks the first day of our 2026 cruise, and we’re delighted to have you along — virtually, at least.
A lot has happened since we left Fregata in Camden last September. I continued sailing on Lake Geneva through October. We hosted our families for Thanksgiving in Rochester and again for Christmas in Geneva. In February, we headed to Milan for the Winter Olympics, where we took in figure skating, speed skating, and ice hockey — and squeezed in some time with old friends in the city. Sandy was a competitive figureskater as a child, and it’s always been her dream to see it at the Olympics.
The biggest news came in March. After years of planning, we finally made the move from Upstate New York to Maine, where we settled in Falmouth, just north of Portland, and so far we love it. We’ve started to meet our neighbors, joined the Portland Yacht Club just down the street, found a new gym, and I’ve gotten involved with the local grassroots activism groups and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. It’s beginning to feel like home.
Yesterday evening, we moved aboard Fregata, moored offshore from our new house, to prepare for this morning’s departure. We were welcomed with a spectacular sunset — a reminder that you don’t have to travel far from home to find spectacular views.
Our plan for the first half of the season takes us south: Portsmouth, NH, then around Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard. We’ll rendezvous with the Salty Dawg Sailing Association in Newport and join their rally cruise back up to Rockland, Maine. The second half of the season, we plan to explore Down East — Maine’s rugged northeastern coast and islands, stretching toward the Canadian border.
You might wonder why that region is referred to as “Down East”. The term originated among 1700s sailors making the northeasterly trip from Boston. 
But why not “Up East”, since the route is as northerly as it is easterly? It has to do with the prevailing southerly winds (winds blowing from south to north). This meant that the vessels were sailing downwind, thus “down east”.
OK, enough etymology. Those of you who’ve followed the blog know that Fregata has kept us on our toes mechanically over the years. Happy to report that this season, everything is — almost — shipshape. The one wrinkle: the boatyard that winterized her last fall made an error that cracked the fan coils in the air conditioning system, and we’re waiting for parts from Italy. Not ideal, but in these waters, truly hot days are rare enough that we’re not losing sleep over it… literally.
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Wishing everyone a wonderful summer!
33 Responses
Great to read you are underway. You inspire us to move our boat off the dock! Have a wonderful time this summer.
And you don’t have the excuse of waiting for warm weather! Hope, you’re all well. Miss you and Joe. If you ever bring Baby Grand back to civilization (ie. up north :-), let us know.
Bon voyage!! Sounds like a great adventure and I look forward to following it. Smooth sailing
And you too, Elizabeth. Following your blog as well, whether Marakkesh, Madrid, Madeira, or Lake Michigan.
Envious!
Bill, If you ge to New England, let us know (probably won’t make it to Texas in the foreseeable future). We often think about all the assistance you provided back in ‘24.
Bon voyage et merci d’avance pour les belles photos.
Bienvenu à bord pour la saison, Yvon. À bientôt pour la chasse d’automne !
Great news all around. As always, I can’t wait to follow your adventures this summer!
Welcome back, Shep!
Beautiful pictures. Have an amazing sail! Look forward to reading the upcoming posts about your great adventure.
Thanks, Maria. Hope you amd Tom have a good summer.
Happy to be welcomed aboard virtually and looking forward to seeing the usual beautiful pictures and accompanying commentary of your voyage.
Thanks, Meera. Time we crossed paths back on the old continent. Have a good summer but stay cool. Hear it’s brutally hot in Europe (again).
Sounds like a wonderful season. Have great fun. BTW, I joined the Salty Dawgs too. Happy sailing!!!
Hi Larry, Looks like you guys just fired up your blog too. Enjoy the season. Will you be cruising with SDSA?
So glad you are restarting.
I always enjoy following your travels
Hi Joe, Glad you’re back. Hope all well at RYC and with you.
Looking forward to following your sailing travels!
Thanks, Alicia. Hope you and Jim have a great summer. We‘ll think of you at every whale siting.
This is amazing and so happy for you both. Though we will miss you at the Y, I look forward to reading and exploring your journey. Come back and visit soon! Wishing you all the best.
-Lisa Barbato xo
Thanks, Lisa. We miss you and the Y. We‘ll stop in when we visit ROC! Have a great summer.
Bon voyage Dan,
Have fun and sail Safe !
Merci, Philippe. Bonne été à vous aussi et bienvenis dans le Maine ! D
Dan and Sandy,
on July 10th we will sail with Frally to Corsica and Sardinia, then Argentario, Elba, Capraia and back in Genoa on August 9th.
If you have any appetite to sail in Mediterranean sea, let us know: there is always room for you both.
Fair winds and following seas.
Marco
Ciao Marco, Thank you. I crewed on a delivery from Palermo to Olbia last year. It was fantastic. We’ll let you know next time in Italy. And of course, welcome to Maine! Buona crockery! D
Safe travels, looking forward to following along!
And hopefully joining us onboard!
Effectivement, quel coucher de soleil !
Une excellente saison à tous les deux, et merci pour le partage !
Buona estate Dan e Sally! Love.
Benventuta a bordo, Milena!
Very happy to follow your new adventures starting Up West! And I wonder if you don’t feel squeezy on the plate of your new home 😉
Cheers and happy sailing!
Bienvenu à bord, Bernard !