CRUISING THROUGH THE WATCHES

Voyaging safely and confidently under sail.

ABIGAIL is a John Alden designed ketch

ABIGAIL is a lovely 39′ ketch designed by John Alden in his later years and built by Seth Persson in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. Rugged yet handsome, this double-planked boat was originally launched in 1956. Having undergone both a structural and cosmetic restoration at Brooklin Boat Yard, ABIGAIL was relaunched in the summer of 1994. She is no stranger to the Maine cruising community and has also cruised the Caribbean during a brief period of ownership by an Italian count.Varied sail inventory gives ABIGAIL the versatility one needs for the changeable winds found on Maine’s coast, and a 4108 Perkins diesel is always available for those flat-calm days. Her spacious cockpit, wide decks, high bulwarks, standing headroom, and current electronics all contribute to a comfortable learning experience.

If you’ve ever wondered what it is like and how to make an overnight or extended trip along the coast, or an ocean voyage, this week with Hans will shed plenty of light on the subject. We offer this opportunity to the experienced, large-boat sailor wishing to advance his or her skills in the areas of coastal piloting, navigation, sail-handling, watch-keeping, safety at sea, and much more. In addition to the topics covered in our COASTAL CRUISING SEAMANSHIP courses, the centerpiece of this liveaboard course will be journeying overnight to a destination. Students will be able to immerse themselves in the daily routines of a traditional sailing vessel, while learning how to choose and plan a long-range destination appropriate for weather and tide conditions, safety considerations, standing a watch, and nighttime piloting. The moon will be moving toward its fullest stage during this week, and we hope to take full advantage of it and experience the thrill of moonlit sailing.

The week will start with Hans explaining the various systems, instrumentation, and sail configurations aboard his beautiful 39′ ketch, ABIGAIL. After spending the first night in a secluded anchorage, Hans and his students will determine the best option for an extended cruise after listening to the weather, developing a backup plan should conditions change, and laying out a watch schedule. Tuesday you’ll set off on your adventure.

Designed to build the confidence of sailors who are seeking new challenges and wish to go beyond the boundaries of day sails from the WoodenBoat waterfront, CRUISING THROUGH THE WATCHES may help one prepare for eventual boat ownership and/or realize the dream of an extended cruise. Whatever your reasons for signing on for this course, you will find your captain a knowledgeable and patient instructor, and eager to share his 20 years of experience sailing in the coastal and offshore waters of Maine.

Tuition: $1150

Note: Students should be in good physical condition, have good balance and agility and the ability to enter and exit small boats from larger craft, beach or rocky shore.