THE DOWN EASTER
Cruising points east and beyond.
ON BOARD PATIENCE B
- ANDY OLDMAN — July 20–26
In this course on board the 36' ketch PATIENCE B, Andy Oldman and three students will chart a course for the unsurpassed beauty of Maine’s Down East cruising grounds and islands east of Mount Desert. We will visit and explore the Great Wass Island archipelago and then continue on to Roque Island, famous for its great cirque sand beach. Next, it’s off to Cutler and up Grand Manan Channel to Quoddy Head, the easternmost part of the United States. Time and tide permitting, we may venture further into the Bay of Fundy and North Head Harbor on Grand Manan, or to the town of St. Andrews in Passamaquoddy Bay where students will enjoy Canadian hospitality.
This course has an ambitious schedule, and students can look forward to extended days under sail with some overnight sailing included. Undoubtedly, the weather will be varied with fine summer winds mixed in with some thick Down East fog. Students will commence loading at noon on Sunday, and depart for Frenchboro in plenty of time to arrive before dark. At first light on Monday, PATIENCE B will depart for Moose Peak lighthouse on Great Wass. The return is timed to enjoy the spectacular scenery and sunset off Schoodic Point and Mount Desert as we head west to Frenchboro again for our final night at sea. We will all return in time to regale our fellow classmates with exciting downeast tales at the Friday night lobster bake.
Safety, navigation, and sail handling will occupy much of our time. We will have the opportunity to extensively use radar and the latest state-of-the-art chart plotter. Students will keep a dead-reckoning log on traditional printed charts; and the DR will be updated at each watch change, or more frequently as conditions require. Due to the extensive physical challenges of the trip, excellent physical condition, good balance, and agility are basic requirements for this voyage. Also, the border crossing into Maritime Canada is truly international, and valid passports are required.
Tuition: $1350
Note: The instructor will contact you prior to your accceptance into this course.