SailNet Community banner
  • SailNet is a forum community dedicated to Sailing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about sailing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, repairs, reviews, maintenance, and more!

6:03 AM in Seal Bay.

2K views 9 replies 8 participants last post by  capecodda 
#1 ·


There is always something to see in Seal Bay on the east side of Vinalhaven Island in Penobscot Bay. Sunrises, Eagles and Ospreys and of course seals.

Being as beautiful and protected as an anchorage can be, you're likely to see a few boats in Seal Bay as well.

This lovely Murray Peterson schooner was anchored nearby at daybreak.



Compact of scale with a dense cloud of rigging, ratlines, booms and masts overhead, she reminded me of a finely crafted ship in a bottle.

But this green gem is no toy. Easily hoisted sails were raised quickly. The engine ran as the windlass raised the anchor - then shut down, and the quiet returned to Seal Bay. The schooner was under sail in the light morning wind.



They tacked down below then sailed by our cockpit, close enough to hear the hiss from their tiny wake.



A handy sailer. Self tacking, there was nothing to do in the light Northerly breeze but steer a safe course between the rock strewn shores that their sails could support.



A formidable task:



An Osprey startled us all by crashing into the schooners wake. Dripping wet, he rose back up in the sky with a wriggling mackerel for breakfast.



After a few smart tacks, the schooner disappeared behind rocks and fir trees, and sailed out of Seal Bay.

 
See less See more
8
#5 ·
I've anchored in that exact spot. It's one of our favorite places we've ever sailed to. Nightfall came and we were still the only vessel in the back of the Bay. A powerboat arrived overnight. In the morning, it was like a being in a private wildlife preserve.

While that schooner's self-tacking sails would be helpful, sailing out of Seal Bay is simply a very impressive feat, especially for a good sized vessel. I recall seeing rock ledges everywhere. We motored. :)

Thanks for the memories.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top