I guess you can say Nick and I are new to the sailing way of life, ok ok, we launched our first sailboat late this June. With a yearning for the sea and a change of pace we found ourselves buying and moving aboard a Cape Dory 30 Ketch in South Portland, Maine. The sea gods must have been looking over us (or had a strange sense of humor) when our path crossed with Roger Long's.
Leaving Portland Harbor aboard Strider
We originally met Roger while he was working on Strider on the hard over the summer. We chatted over our mutual plans of heading south for the winter. As our friendship grew, Roger ended up showing us things such as the ways of reefing and taking us out on a rougher day.
As the "To do" list kept growing for our boat, Neto Nomad, and September kept creeping nearer, going south was no longer in the cards for us. Roger, however, threw another option our way: Come cruising on Strider for the first 48 hours leg of his trip south.
We were all in.
With 1-2 ft waves and a southerly wind ranging from 8-10 knots during the day, we left Portland harbor and directed Strider south.
Nick battling the spray
In order to show Nick and I what it would be like if we were to do a 24 hour sail alone, Roger set us up with a 4hr on 4hr off schedule. If we had any questions he was right there to direct us. The first thing he explained was on your down time..Sleep! We took heed and the first day went pretty much as such. We sailed out to where we could not see land (very cool) and tacked back in to set our course.
Foul weather gear and harness garb...ready for my night shift!
By night fall the seas picked up to 3-4 feet with the winds increasing up to a steady 10 knots with gusts of 15. As night fell I was on watch so I climbed into my foul weather gear and clipped a safety line to my harness. With the auto helm set we motored through the night. My night shifts turned into dodging spray and lobster pots, the latter was much more successful. By 2am when I took over the watch again from Nick, the seas calmed down and with clear skies the stars lit the way.
Watching the sunrise over Cape Cod
The sky began to lighten and a sliver of moon showed itself as morning approached. I was never happier then when Roger handed me a hot cup of joe at 5:30 AM which warmed my hands first then my bones. He asked how I was holding up. Truth be told I was a little cold and the night was long, but we were traveling and I felt vibrantly alive. We watched the sunrise over the Cape Cod monument and shortly after Roger took the helm and I fell quickly asleep down below. The morning sun dried our faces and exposed a layer of dried salt eye masks where our foul weather gear didn't cover the night before and by 9 AM, a full 24 hours later, we reached the Cape Cod Canal.
The tides were near slack and we had a pleasant cruise on through. By Buzzards Bay I was just waking up from a nap and Nick was at the helm. Roger put on the self steering gear and we enjoyed a beautiful sail as the sun warmed our bodies. He introduced us to the Elizabeth Islands and Nick and I marveled at the untouched land from a distance.
Sunset and a beer or two at Hadley Harbor
We decided to anchor the second night at the outer part of Hadley Harbor, nestled in for the thunderstorm that would never be. We enjoyed the sunset and a great dinner as we sat on board, laughing and talking the night away.
Buzzards Bay in the early morning
Early the next morning we pried our eyes open as Roger started the engine, rolled off the settees and joined him in the cockpit.
day 2 and a much needed nap!
We motored much of the way as the winds were against us and storm clouds passed over head. We crossed into Rhode Island and headed up the river, crossing back into MA to Fall River. After a exciting docking adventure to end our trip (strong winds and abandoned docks lead to that), Nick and I were packing our things to depart Strider, sadly ending our 48 hour adventure. We said goodbye and headed up to the bus as Roger sailed away.
Our friend, Roger Long aboard s/v Strider
So, wait! The title is "Teaching Roger" right? So what did these newbies teach this naval architect with 40 years of sailing experience under his belt, you may be asking yourself? See for yourself:
keep your line high and dry with a few twists!
Thanks again for everything Roger and good luck on your adventure south! We'll be following you online!
~ Carolyn and Nick
S/v Neto Nomad
http://themoderndaynomads.blogspot.com/
