August 2012 MAINE COASTAL NEWS Page 19. The 2012 Great Schooner Race


The three-masted schooner VICTORY CHIMES under full sail off Rockland.


ROCKLAND/CAMDEN – It has been several years since the schooners invited the press out to take part in the Great Schooner Race and it was something I really enjoyed covering and writing about. There is no place else in the world where you are going to fi nd sailing vessels such as these dating back to the 1870s taking people out on cruises during the summer months. It is truly a unique experience and one that everyone should experience.


The schooners were gathered just inside the breakwater at Rockland, It was another great summer day, bright sun, but there was little wind and the forecast was only for a light breeze.


I was sent out on the 64-foot two-master LEWIS R. FRENCH, which is the oldest schooner in the fl eet having been built at Christmas Cove in 1871. She is a great vessel and well maintained by her Captain Garth Wells and Jenny Tobin and their crew. The course was from the Rockland


Breakwater, across the bay to a buoy off Mark Island, back across the bay to a buoy of Rockport Harbor and then to the fi nish off Curtis Island and Camden Harbor. At the start the wind was light, but enough to keep us moving. We had a good start, but was third in our class, Coasters as we headed across the West Penobscot Bay. As we made our way across the bay we gained on the competition and between Rockport and Camden we were now in second place. The wind had built and there were now white caps one the bay. We would have fi nished very early in the afternoon and it was decided to add another hitch by going back across the bay to a buoy off 700 Acre


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    


Island and then back to the fi nish original fi nish. Everyone agreed it was all about a nice day of sailing. When we rounded the last buoy we were still in second, but within a short period of time we were slipping down the position ladder quickly. In the end we chased all the other entrants in the Coaster Class to Camden, but what a great day. It is not about winning. It is about having a great sail, some good food and enjoyable conversations, and we certainly had that. I really cannot wait until next year! 2012 GREAT SCHOONER RACE RESULTS


Cutty Sark Award: First Overall:


VICTORY CHIMES; Flying Jib Class: First Place, APPLEDORE; Flying Jib Class: Second Place, LAZY JACK II; Flying Jib Class: Third Place, PRUDENCE; Coasters Class: First Place GRACE BAILEY; Coasters Class: Second Place, TIMBERWIND; Coasters Class: Third Place, MERCANTILE; Leeward Class: First Place, STEPHEN TABER; Leeward Class: Second Place, J&E RIGGIN; Leeward Class: Third Place, ANGELIQUE; Windward Class: First Place, AMERICAN EAGLE; Windward Class: Second Place, MARY DAY; Frank Swift Award, Every guest/5 mins. on wheel, HERITAGE; Wayfarer Award, ADVENT.


Special honors to a visiting vessel


Line Honors Award, fi rst over the line; APPLEDORE; Spirit of ’53 Award, LEWIS R. FRENCH; Belle of the Ball, Best Dressed, ISAAC H. EVANS; Rock Coast Rollers Award, OLAD; Clean Sweep Award, MISTRESS; Boyd Guild Award, “Distinct captaining during the race, NATHANIEL BOWDITCH.


The schooner MARY DAY celebrates her 50th year in the schooner business. She was built for Havilah Hawkins at the Gamage yard in South Bristol in 1962.


Join the crew of the


for an epic voyage to the 


 Explore exotic islands while learning traditional seafaring skills.


Pick up Polynesian dance at Palmerston, snorkel on the reef at Moorea, drink from coconuts at Aitutaki, take the small boats on expeditions in the lagoon at Bora Bora.


Take your turn at the helm, heave up the anchor, haul on lines to set and take in sail.


Reap the rewards of sailing your way to these remote corners of the world.


No sailing experience is necessary, just the desire to learn and be part of the crew that sails the ship.


1.902.634.9984 • info@picton-castle.com • picton-castle.com HISTORY FOR YOURWALLS


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