AGE 16 • SUMMER 2006 THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SAILING ASSOCIATION
LIVING THE DREAM
continued from page 8
In choosing Zimmerman Marine to build their boat, the
Trogdons looked for the same passion and commitment
to quality that’s the tradition at Weems and Plath. And
they found it ...
The Bee Weems’ Adventure
We just completed our first major adventure aboard Bee
Weems. Peter and I traveled over 1,100 miles
southbound on the Intercoastal Waterway from Norfolk,
Va., to West Palm Beach, Fla. It was a great shakedown
cruise in many ways. The waterway is so diverse. It was
the perfect place to jump in and learn everything
Chessie stands watch on the Bee Weems.
quickly.
First, it was an incredible way to learn all the systems on
also enjoyed discussing product ideas on the docks with
the boat. We had to learn all about the engine,
fellow boaters. We are both looking forward to more time
electronics, generator, mechanical systems, etc. We knew
on Bee Weems when we get to the Bahamas next week.”
that if anything broke down, we weren’t far from
civilization so we could get parts if necessary.
Plans for the yacht include travel to many different areas
Fortunately, we didn’t have to worry about that.
including: the Chesapeake Bay, Florida Keys, Bahamas,
Long Island Sound, New England, the Hudson River, the
Second, we learned how the boat functioned in all kinds
Great Lakes, Puget Sound, British Columbia and Alaska’s
of conditions. We were in shallow, narrow waterways and
Inside Passage.
large open areas. We had currents and four-foot chop to
deal with, as well as calm smooth runs on canals. We
had to learn how to dock in all kinds of conditions and
how to set the anchor, too. (We only went aground once
where the ocean inlet shifted a sand bar.)
Third, we learned how to operate on the ICW. We learned
to read markers and charts and cruising guides and
learned about locks and bridge openings. We learned the
proper etiquette of what to do when you want to pass
another boat and how to hail marinas to make
reservations for overnights. (We went the wrong way only
once. We’re quick learners.)
Fourth, Peter and I learned how to work with each other.
We figured out what our strengths and weaknesses were,
who had what responsibilities, and how best to
communicate with each other in tense situations.
Overall, it was a very successful voyage, although not
what I had originally imagined. I imagined that while
Pete was steering the boat I’d be in a comfortable lounge
chair reading a book. NOT! I had to pull my own weight,
and I was willing to do so. It would not have been
successful if I had not been willing to help and try new
things.
From Peter’s perspective “Our first voyage was more
learning than we expected. We also made time to meet
Weems & Plath dealers along the ICW, which was
invaluable. Getting feedback and having the chance to
communicate one on one meant a lot to everyone. We
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