The local residents of Fishers Island, New York have an online reputation for keeping to themselves and treating tourists like flesh-eating vultures. So it came as a surprise when, just moments after tying our dinghy up to Pirates Cove Marina, a woman walking by turned to Karen and I and asked, “Do you two needContinue reading “The Truth About Fishers Island”
Tag Archives: boat restoration
Let There Be Light
I watched through envy-filled eyes as boaters who had done hardly an hour’s work were lowered from the travelift to the resting river below. “How!? I mean, gahhhh, another one,” I’d stammer, pointing wildly at the carefree looking family sailing off into summer. Karen rolled her eyes and went back to varnishing. We had accomplishedContinue reading “Let There Be Light”
Finding Solitude in an Empty Metal Shed
The gravel road rumbles beneath my tires as my headlights illuminate the deserted boatyard. I shift into park, pull one last long swig from my coffee cup and walk into the empty metal shed. Rain begins to dance atop the large roof; the light pinging is a soothing soundtrack.
A Terrible, Perfect Night
Tired, frustrated, and drenched in sweat, I spun the Karen Marie in a tight circle to retrieve my lost boat hook that was lodged in the chain of a mooring ball and now protruded straight up from the water like a big middle finger. No, my evening was not going according to plan. My originalContinue reading “A Terrible, Perfect Night”
New York State of Mind
With summer weekends getting snatched up faster than you can say “we’re going boating,” Karen and I were determined to spend the 3-day 4th of July weekend doing some overdue cruising. So at 0700 on Friday we meandered down the Connecticut River to the Sound. We sailed against an incoming tide in very light airContinue reading “New York State of Mind”
Brighter Days Ahead
Spring commissioning is in full swing aboard the Karen Marie these days. The boom cover is getting stitched up, spare parts are on order and cluttered cabinets are starting to see some semblance of organization. On the list of chores to tackle this year is to refinish the topside brightwork, a project that has beenContinue reading “Brighter Days Ahead”
Back to Boating
An orbital sander whirled, a pile of shrink wrap sat neatly beside the dumpster, and extension cords crisscrossed the yard. After a painfully long winter, these are welcome signs of spring, and the telltale signs that another boating season is bearing down upon us. Unlike the previous two winters, because of my move to Connecticut,Continue reading “Back to Boating”
An (Almost) Perfect Day on the Water
September is a special time here in New England. Fleets of tourists return to their homeports but there is still boating left to do. Last Sunday was a particularly picturesque day; a cool breeze lingered over the bay, sunshine reflected off the water as if it were a mirror. It had been too long sinceContinue reading “An (Almost) Perfect Day on the Water”
Photo of the Week
Lessons Learned: Stand Up Paddling Edition
I have to admit, after a week-long vacation aboard the Karen Marie, I was feeling pretty good about myself. Sporting a fresh tan, my shoulders were relaxed and my arms swung easily at my side; there was a strut in my step as I walked the docks. I was proud of my boat and theContinue reading “Lessons Learned: Stand Up Paddling Edition”
Boy and a Boat 