Mystic

Provincetown 2010

2010-09-18T14:55:00.001-04:00

photos from Ptown cruise in August

Launch 2010

2010-05-15T21:22:00.000-04:00

Winds were a brisk 20 knots +, clearance at the Amtrak bridge on the Danvers River was pretty tight. My guests were Meg Dings and Timothy Follmer (age 8). Timothy was excited to take the tiller for a while.

Martha's Vineyard Cruise 2009

2009-07-19T20:05:00.012-04:00

Foulies drying on the very successful J44 "Vamp" at Sandwich Marina

Calm, picturesque moorings at Hadley Harbor

"Boatbarn" at Hadley Harbor

Mystic in Edgartown Harbor (red sailcover).

4th of July, 2009

2009-07-06T19:50:00.006-04:00

fireworks finale, launching from Pickering Wharf.

Tish and Brett in Boston

2009-06-17T22:57:00.002-04:00

Tish and Eleanor

My good friends Tish Borkowski and Brett Houston visited for a few days from Chicago taking some time on their summer vacation. We had two days of great sailing, one mild, one not so mild but nice and brisk. Tish is an avid skier and originally met Lorraine on a famous (in some circles anyway) ski trip to France where the two met by chance in adjacent bunk assignments, and emerged longtime friends. Tish and Brett are native Chicagoans and enjoy life in Chicago and elsewhere with their 4 year old Eleanor.

Cruise to Scituate 2008

2008-07-27T22:21:00.002-04:00

I cruised to Scituate with my friend Meg and John and Mary ("Vivid, J29", see bottom photo) under southerly winds in June of 2008. We had a most enjoyable trip including a tour of the Scituate Harbor Yacht Club (to which my Great Uncle was a founding member), dinner at the Mill Wharf Restaurant (great swordfish), and a great sunset tour of the harbor. Scituate Harbor was pleasant, serene and accomodating --

Postscript: Mary and John are now expecting twin boys!

"Vivid" (J29)

Lorraine Cosgrove Ware

2007-10-11T22:45:00.027-04:00

June 15, 1964 – September 25, 2007

My wife and best friend Lorraine Cosgrove was a champion.

Lorraine excelled at skiing, running, sailing, and other pursuits. But, more importantly, she was a bright and persistently generous light, who constantly gave to others even while facing a personal crisis that impacted her daily, but which she met with monumental courage, strength, and dignity.

Lorraine is loved by so many which makes her premature departure greatly sad and unexplainable. I cherish 10 wonderful vivid years with her - thankfully the memories will never leave me.

Lorraine and I enjoyed our first date (and first adventure together) aboard her father's Hunter 30 Imagine. The seas were definitely "angry" that day, but on-board things couldn't have been more peaceful and ideal. It took only the one day to know that I'd found someone special - our sail lasted 10 more years and included so many adventures and memorable days.

She was the most loving wife, daughter, aunt, sister, and friend anyone could possibly have. She was smart, multi-talented, courteous, sincerely caring, funny, mischievous, and on top of all this, always looked sharp if not stunning even after spending a night aboard Mystic.

Armed with her trademark sharp wit, easy smile, and beautiful infectious laugh, Lorraine quietly raised spirits wherever she went - and most definitely always raised mine. To her parents - Linda and Jim, and stepmother Barbara, Lorraine was an especially dear daughter and even close friend. To her siblings Susan, Jimmy and Will, she was a truly devoted and loving sister. To her many nieces and nephews, she was a fun and beloved aunt.

Lorraine - Our time together and memories are priceless and eternal. Disease, time or distance can't diminish my love for you or the memories we share - I love you now and in eternity.

- YLH

A Sampling of Memorable Quotes:

"Well I'm going to mark my calendar!" (early on, Lorraine's lightening quick reaction to my mocking but still pathetic, tongue-and-cheek attempt to "lure her in" - bragging that I was almost fully vested in the company ESOP)
"Want a bowl of Captain Crunch?" (Lorraine's first question to me on our first date, posed at approx. 10am, an appropriate time for Captain Crunch)
"The ability to 'accessorize' separates us from the animals."
(a playful postscript when offering fashion advice to friends)
"Yes Please!" (always with exaggerated smile, and often with extended arms when offered Kimball's ice cream, her favorite)
"Wanna do some sit-ups?" (her usual 10 pm ritual, too late for me, but she enjoyed checking)
"Are you jumpin' in Mr. Tanman?" (once posed to a snowboarding youngster wearing tan snow suit, about to enter a half-pipe)
"Let's hit it!" (another ski expression, encouraging the group to attack the hill.)
"Get out!" (as Seinfeld's Elaine would say, Lorraine was also expert at the "Elaine bad dance")
"hun, hun, hun!" (if Mystic healed excessively)
"Who wants some happy apple pancakes!" (her favorite breakfast delicacy that was as much fun to talk about as it was to make and enjoy)
"Love bug sweety?" (she sometimes said to wake me, we were never big on pet names but Lorraine's delivery was unforgettable)
"Merci blah blah..."

Well the sun is surely sinking down
But the moon is slowly rising
So this old world must still be spinning round
And I still love you

So close your eyes
You can close your eyes, its all right
I don't know no love songs
And I can't sing the blues anymore
But I can sing this song
And you can sing this song
When I'm gone

It wont be long before another day
We gonna have a good time
And no one's gonna take that time away
You can stay as long as you like

- James Taylor ("You Can Close Your Eyes")

I love you Lorraine Cosgrove

Florida Pete, Julie, and Nathan

2007-09-03T17:14:00.000-04:00

Florida Pete and Nathan "Pancho" Ware

Julie and Pancho - maybe thinking about putting a ship inside the bottle?

We were visited today by Florida Pete and family. Florida Pete is the owner and purveyor at the HydroMountain, a hydroponic hot sauce farm at an undisclosed location in Florida that produces the famous Pete's Hydrohot hot sauce.

After touring Mystic's cabin and fitting young Nathan with a life vest, Florida Pete cast off the bowlines, and we headed out the channel under genoa. Winds were steady at 15-20+ knots, the genoa was all we needed to keep our speed at 5 knots and everyone comfortable for lunch. Nathan enjoyed the breeze, his juice bottle, and a long nap. Nathan also learned how to say "okeedokee" - not really a nautical term but lingo that I'm sure will come in handy on the clay courts someday. Fun was had by all on a beautiful late summer day in New England.

Perfect Timing

2007-07-28T17:24:00.001-04:00

Basic black with lightning accents

The disarmingly handsome sailing instructor Ken Green, and first mate Lorraine

Thea takes a well deserved nap after storm watch duty

Guided once again by the disarmingly handsome sailing instructor, Ken Green (see maiden voyage entry), we performed a graceful mooring departure under jib, weaving through the mooring field to the channel under sail. Winds began steady and light but became gusty. Almost immediately after a cautionary reef was put in place, junior Weather Officer Thea heard thunder, saw lightning and alertly warned the crew. Heading past Kettlebottom Ledge towards safety, the Salem horizon transitioned through many shades of grey, finally settling on basic black with lightning accents.

As we finished lunch at the mooring, the thunder and lightning show was finally joined by rain.

Cruise to Scenic Rockport

2007-06-30T16:37:00.001-04:00

Mystic rafted by Motif #1 in Rockport

John sets lines for a big tide swing

Dear J Boats: a shot for your brochure

Day 1

Back in 2001, my 9yr old niece Maeve was astonished by my small gas grill at our home in Sudbury. "That's your grill?" she said with sarcasm that seemed excessive in grill commentary (Bobby Flay - possible exception). Maeve was reacting from experience, accustomed to larger multi-burners in her neighborhood and less familiar with the portable type.

Our new Magma "Newport" marine grill came with us on our two day cruise to Rockport. The Magma is pure stainless, has just one burner but when attached to a 30 foot sailboat, anchored at the scenic location of your choice, it grills big. MAGMA Big!

Lorraine and I traveled to Misery Island off Manchester By the Sea to rendezvous with Vivid, the J29 owned by John and Mary Wardley. John and Mary are experienced sailors and racers, have been very generous in offering sail coaching and general advise throughout our two years of ownership. More importantly, they are fun sail companions (and have a dinghy).

Off Misery Island, we tied up at public moorings, assembled our new grill, made the attachment to the stern rail (securely attached, it looks like it will fall over at any moment), and barbecued beef and salmon burgers for dinner.

Bruce, Lisa, Sarah, and Sam

2007-06-22T17:18:00.001-04:00

why car keys must always be left at the dock house!

Today we had a lovely sail with Bruce, Lisa, Sarah, and Sam around Salem harbor. Our niece and nephew both enjoyed the cabin and its cool hide-a-way spaces. Sarah napped in the V-birth for a bit and then joined Bruce on the deck. Lisa relaxed in the cockpit. Sam explored below, then napped in the cockpit.

Ship Shape

2007-05-27T12:44:00.000-04:00

The day started off sunny and warm but then cooled off around 10:00. Did a lot of cleaning and organizing, waxing and buffing. Decided to visit the House of Seven Gables. I just reread the Hawthorne novel and thought it was a good idea to visit the landmark since many of our guests ask about it.

Looking forward to our next sail.

We're in the Water Now

2007-05-26T12:17:00.000-04:00

We came up to Hawthorne Cove around noon and went for a sail around Salem harbor with the mainsail only. Wind was out of the Northwest and a bit gusty later in the day (20 knots). Saw John the launch driver. Always pleasant and a pleasure to talk to. After dinner at the Salem Beer Works we spent a very calm night aboard Mystic. Seas were flat all night and there was very little boat traffic.

Max wind speed: 18
Max SOG: 6.5
Winds out of the Northwest

Launch Day 2007

2007-05-12T18:10:00.001-04:00

Launched from Danversport Marina at 8:30 am followed by Vivid and Friends. Everything went smoothly. We motored down the Danversport River and under two bridges, without much waiting. As we approached Hawthorne's Cove, we radioed ahead. They were expecting us and put us on the same mooring as last season. Bob, the Captain of Friends, was also given the same spot as last year but Vivid is closer to Rockwell or Rockwood? Not sure exactly. I'm sure we'll find them by July!

We finally took the old name, Mercury off the boat and replaced it with her new name, Mystic, Salem, MA. We'll have the official ceremony later this month.

Fall Hybernation

2006-11-26T16:51:00.000-05:00

Mystic at her off-season home - ready for snow under a Fairclough cover.

Fame on a Harbour Cruise

2006-11-24T14:00:00.000-05:00


The "Fame" is a replica of a Gloucester-built fishing schooner, the original "famous" for her role as a fighting ship in the War of 1812 eventually sinking in the Bay of Fundy. Sailing out of Pickering Wharf, Fame's gaff rigged masts are a mainstay of the Salem waterscape.

Friends from Church

2006-11-05T22:37:00.000-05:00

We offered two day sails for our church auction. Today we took our first guests out. Not much wind. However Wendy Miller and her guests seemed happy enough to be out on the water. We attempted to sail to Misery Island but had no breeze. Instead, we motored through Marblehead harbor, lunched on lobster rolls and other tasty snacks aboard Mystic. Any day that includes a lobster roll is a hit with me. Our guests—Wendy, Chris, Lynn and Bill were a pleasure to have aboard (important note: injury was pre-existing).

Sunset

2006-11-05T19:54:00.000-05:00

Mystic at Home Mooring

2006-11-05T19:29:00.002-05:00

Cruising in Salem Sound (Bow)

2006-11-05T18:46:00.000-05:00


Cruising outside the islands off Marblehead.

Cruising in Salem Sound (Cockpit)

2006-11-05T18:37:00.000-05:00

Haul Out Day

2006-10-15T10:48:00.001-04:00

A sad day for boaters. Our plan was to follow John, Mary and Bob up the Danvers River to Danversport Marina to have the boat hauled out of the water and stored there for the Winter. Our trip was touch and go due to alarming weather forecasts (30-40 knot winds, gusts, 8-10 foot seas). On Friday night, we resigned ourselves to postponing the trip. At 8 am on Saturday, John called to say we were on. Forecasts had been revised downward in severity (forecast revised to 20-25 gusts, 4-6 foot seas). I had a lot of anxiety about the haul out process. How narrow is the river? How much assistance will there be at the dock? My concerns were quickly washed away as we headed out behind Friends and Vivid. The Danvers River is plenty wide and clearly marked. The haul out process was fairly simple from our end and went smoothly. Bob had an engine malfunction and had to be towed the final 200-300 feet to the haul out station. Our boat is now safely stored next to Vivid and Friends in DanversPort Marina. We celebrated with hermits from a local bakery, which may have been damaged in an explosion on November 22, 2006.

Ken, Sandy and Thea

2006-10-08T10:47:00.000-04:00

This is the last sail of the season. Interestingly, the Kendall Green party was aboard on our maiden voyage as well as the 2006 final sail. Always great company. Thea is born sailor like her Dad. Had a good day of Fall sailing. The day started out calm. We motored out past Winter Island and the wind picked up. Under the disarmingly handsome Ken Green’s guidance we sailed off the mooring but had to put the motor on shortly after.

Once we were in Salem Harbor and past Winter Island, we were greeted once again by the wind. Had a good sail past Baker’s Island and past the opening to Marblehead marina. Ken pointed out that our tiller could be pulled straight up and back, allowing more room for the helmsman. Who knew? Sail and learn. Sail and learn.

Max SOG: 6

Max winds: SE 5-10 knots.

Thea and Ken were riding the rails! Crazy kids.

R.S.V.P.

2006-09-30T10:46:00.000-04:00

A great day for sailing. 12-15 Knot ESE winds, seas 1-2 feet, sunny but a bit cool. Average SOG 5 Knots. Spotted a few other J30s in our travels around Baker’s Island and Cat Island. One crew hollered something to us that sounded like “RSVP” but we’re not sure exactly what he said or where to RSVP? (boat name Malacor).

Disturbing news from Marshfield last night. Dad and Barbara sailed to the H buoy yesterday, but it wasn’t there. We’re saddened by the loss but assume it will be returned or replaced soon. It is a marker for a major shipping channel. If its replaced by another buoy or bell, Tish Borkowski’s photo of the H buoy may be our last view of the stoic marker.

Addendum: 11/25/2006

The passing boat, Malacor, did in fact holler RSVP. Its captain tracked us down online and emailed Andy. Apparently, he’s having a J30 party and was inviting us.

Busy Day on the Water

2006-09-17T10:44:00.000-04:00

Departed Hawthorne Cove around noon with 5-10 knot winds. Decided to head to Gloucester. Alas, the winds failed us. I don’t think we got past Magnolia Point and had to head back. Saw a few boat neighbors on the water (Knot Racing, Sails Call). Quite a few swells and rollers, some 4 footers. Saw a large cutter by Baker’s Island and many other boats with colorful sails. Quite a crowd.

Air temp: 70s

Max SOG: 5.6

Sunny

A crazy kayaker almost scratched our anchor!

Spent the Day as Tourists

2006-08-30T10:42:00.000-04:00

Met up with Dad and Barbara at Brothers Diner-my father’s favorite breakfast spot. They’re still amazed that I ate an omelet and a large bowl of oatmeal. That sea air! (Steroids make me pretty hungry, too.) Andy, Barbara and I took in the “Paintings of Summer” exhibit at the Peabody Essex Museum. It was lovely. Then we paid a visit to the Samantha Stevens Statue. She was my idol when I was four.

Headed out for a sail in the afternoon. Not much wind. Pleasant company will always trump a lack of wind.

Air temp: 80 degrees

Seas: 1-2 feet

Captain Andy recalls light to moderate 5-12Knot winds, light enough to eat lunch but strong enough for 5-6 knot boat speed.

Sailing Convoy

2006-08-29T10:40:00.000-04:00

Met up with Dad and Babs at the R4S Bell and sailed together into Hawthorne’s cove. Light winds. Sailed wing on wing. Barbara took some photos of our boat. Dad successfully handed off his inflatable launch at our mooring. Then we proceeded to Pickering cove. Had a great dinner the Salem Brewery (great seafood).

Air temp: 80s

Light winds, variable

Seas were pretty flat

Discouraging Skies

2006-08-26T10:38:00.000-04:00

Joined by Nancy and Adam today. I’m not sure Adam really enjoys sailing. He certainly doesn’t enjoy being seasick. Who does? You know, people really do turn green when they’re seasick! Threats of rain brought us in early. Nancy was an enthusiastic sailor. Cool temperatures, seas 1-2 feet.

Mae Looks for Pirates

2006-08-19T22:41:00.000-04:00

Mae enjoyed Cape Cod potato chips as she kept a keen eye out for pirates. No real pirates were spotted, but probably because Mae was looking.

Today’s delightful guests included author Dawne Shand, Scientist Brian Krisler and zip line rider Mae Shand Krisler. All were very accommodating sailors. Sailed with jib only. Max SOG .5. Light and pleasant breeze out of the south east. Mae promised to come back again and help us search for pirates. Skies were mostly cloudy. Air temperature 80 degrees.

Pirate Spotting

2006-07-30T10:37:00.000-04:00

Finally, A Day in Paradise

At last, a beautiful day to sail! Our course was similar to yesterday. Fewer rookie mistakes. A good time had by all.

2006-07-29T10:34:00.000-04:00

More Bad Weather? Argh!

We arrived at Hawthorne Cove by car Friday night to fantastic thunder storms, rain and dark clouds. The storm lasted long enough to finish dinner at the Pig’s Eye and walk back to Mystic. Woke to blue sky and 15-2K wind out of the North West. Had a great sail around Salem Harbor, out to Misery Island, past Baker and Cat Islands. We were on a heading for Provincetown. Got our lines tangled earlier in the day but fixed them quickly.

Safety Tips:

1) Make sure all needed lines are free and clear

2) Close hatches while under sail

A Stiff Breeze on July 4th Weekend

2006-07-01T15:06:00.000-04:00

Ah, fourth of July weekend. We arrived at the boat late Saturday afternoon (Thank you SAP and Massimo Mogi). People on the launch commented that it was a gusty day, so we probably wouldn’t have sailed too much anyhow, being newbies.

Woke to a cautionary forecast on Sunday – winds15-25K, thunder storms, showers—and decided to enjoy the morning at the mooring. We packed up midday and headed home.

The Salem 4th of July fireworks viewed from the home mooring at an interesting 90 degree angle - filming in portrait seemed a good idea at the time (maybe it was the IPAs).

Rain or Shine

2006-06-10T08:35:00.000-04:00

June has been a wet month so far. After last weekend’s rain out, we decided we could be housebound and land locked no longer. We brought provisions and headed out in the rain to Hawthorne Cove. We had a simple dinner with musical entertainment provided by our fine Grundig radio. We were expecting to hear from Frank and David – both in Salem for the weekend – but rain and wind must have dampened their enthusiasm for a boat visit.

Andy read Sail Magazine while I suffered through The New Yorker Summer Fiction issue. We then settled in for a windy and chilly night. The boat was alive with sounds of the tiller moving from side to side, waves slapping her hull, the boom rocking and lines humming. Listening to the wind’s howls as I drifted off, I knew we would wake to a square patch of blue sky over our heads and that the V birth would begin to warm at daybreak.

Our First Solo

2006-05-28T11:40:00.001-04:00

Today was our first sail on our own. We headed out of Salem Harbor at 11 am, through the Salem harbor channel then due south between Cat Island and Eagle Island, careful to avoid Satams’s rock. We then reversed direction as a sailboat race came our way and set course for Baker’s Island and then onto Misery Island. From there, we headed back to the Salem Harbor Channel, dropped the main sail after furling the Genoa. On our second pass, we successfully picked up the mooring lines. (Someone came in a little too fast.) After a quick lunch, we had a beer and practiced tying a few knots.

Calm in the Cape Cod Canal

2006-05-15T12:30:00.000-04:00

Boat deliveries are intensely anticipated but often unpredictable - an unfamiliar boat, less than ideal conditions, and a rushed process can combine to make a capricious passage.

In May, 2006 the 2 day maiden voyage of Mercury (soon to be rechristened Mystic) began at MacDougalls' Cape Cod Marine in Falmouth. Guided by our expert guest navigator Jim Cosgrove, we proceeded through Woods Hole and Buzzards Bay, to the Cape Cod Canal and finally Taylor Marine in Marshfield to complete day 1.

The winds were sustained at 25 knots and gusting to 30 throughout the day - the seas were indeed angry that day my friends! Suffice to say we were happy to enter the Canal and leave the 6 foot rollers behind. Crossing Buzzard's Bay only minor personal injuries were sustained, although the J30 handled the conditions with ease.

The delivery was completed on Day 2 when we enjoyed a scenic and pleasant motor/sail across Cape Cod Bay that included fun and enlightening tutorials from our day 2 guest - the disarmingly handsome sailing instructor Ken Green (sorry girls, photos of Ken unavailable at the time of this entry).

Good Ole Ken Green

2006-05-14T11:37:00.000-04:00

Today is the second day of our passage from Marshfield to Salem. We met Ken at Taylor Marine at about 8 am, filled the tank and headed to Salem. With my Father and Ken aboard we were in good hands and received good advice and pointers as we made our way to the boat’s new home. With both the mainsail and the Genoa up, we sailed past Marina Bay Boston Harbor and Marblehead with our heading set for new sites like Grey’s rock and Kettlebottom. We pulled in the sails and motored through Marblehead Harbor for a quick tour, then headed for Hawthorne Cove. All in all, we’ve spent 21 hours traveling by either boat or car this weekend. I prefer the boat—less traffic.

Maiden Voyage

2006-05-13T12:42:00.000-04:00

The weather was not in our favor as we planned our departure from McDougall's Marina in Falmouth to Hawthorne Cove in Salem, Massachusetts. Adding to my angst were a few missteps (mainsail forgotten in the sail loft, questions about fuel on board etc.) We had no choice but to proceed, bend the mainsail ourselves and wind the engine. Winds were out of the Southwest blowing at 25-30 knots. The seas were clearly angry that day and the Woods Hole passage lived write down to every cautionary story I'd heard about it. Andy was cool and composed at the helm while my Father was ricocheting below deck like a pinball. Following heavy seas in Buzzard's Bay, the calm of the Cape Cod Canal was welcoming and warm.

As we motor through Cape Cod Canal, Jim Cosgrove tells the story of two optimistic but lost kayakers he encountered one foggy day while sailing the Imagine (Hunter 30) on Cape Cod Bay.

The kayakers claimed to be heading for Provincetown and estimated only two more miles to go before reaching the harbour. Armed with a GPS, Jim informed them they had 12 miles to go. After some initial crazed optimisim, the kayakers did a 180 and returned to shore.

We motored through the Canal encountering a few barges. At the other end of the canal, we were greeted with the same forceful winds and seas we'd hoped we left behind in Falmouth. It was a long day of motoring to Taylor Marine in Marshfield, but exciting to on a the water on a boat of our own!

First Mate Lorraine

2006-05-12T17:12:00.000-04:00

Welcome aboard !

2006-05-12T16:47:00.000-04:00

Main cabin (starboard)

2006-05-12T11:52:00.000-04:00

Main cabin (port)

2006-05-12T11:51:00.000-04:00

Galley

2006-05-12T11:50:00.001-04:00

Head

2006-05-12T11:50:00.000-04:00

V birth

2006-05-12T11:49:00.000-04:00