Aboard Victory Chimes: A Journal and Photo Documentary

Roberta on the Arts

Aboard Victory Chimes: A Journal and Photo Documentary

Aboard Victory Chimes: A Journal and Photo Documentary

- On Location with Roberta

Maine Windjammer Association

Explore Maine's pristine coast and islands aboard an authentic windjammer. Great sailing by day, snug harbors each night. 3- to 6-day cruises from Camden, Rockland and Rockport.
www.sailmainecoast.com

The Maine Windjammer Association
www.sailmainecoast.com
800.807.WIND
Meg Maiden, Marketing Director
207.374.2952

Aboard Victory Chimes
www.victorychimes.com
Captain Kip Files, Captain Paul DeGaeta
800.745.5651

A Journal and Photo Documentary

Dr. Roberta E. Zlokower
June 12 - June 18, 2005

This is not a detailed and technically researched, travel documentary, but, rather, a mental and visual reflection of a wonderful trip.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Interviews

Day 3, June 14, 2005
Sailing on First Rainy Day
Island Tour

Today I slept late and missed breakfast (served every day at 8 AM sharp and cleared by 8:30 AM). However, Pam, Becca, and Sarah, galley crew, always accommodated late risers with extra coffee, fruit, muffins. One reason for late awakenings was my habit of writing in my journal each night in bed (there were several lights over and near my bed, which I accessed by climbing on a wooden ledge). I also read magazines and books (a small library in my cabin, as well). There were no windows (portholes) in my cabin, so it was dark; OK, I had forgotten my alarm clock (but not the wine) and did not always hear the bell.

On arising, I noticed a sudden change in the weather. That is, not 90 but 50! Not sunny, but misty, not light, but dark. After coffee, I began the weeklong ritual, called layering the clothing, and I had “forgotten” mittens and long underwear! Forgotten? This was mid-June, but, again, this was Maine. I should have known, as a native New Englander, that weather can change on a dime, or quarter, for this renowned, silver-engraved schooner. I took many photos today, settled in, and socialized, as much of the day was spent in one saloon (living area, around two large wooden tables). Guests played cards, chatted, and “did their own thing”. Some spent time, in the layers, on deck, with the abbreviated but really exciting sailing. Even in inclement weather, sailing on a Maine Windjammer Association schooner was truly exciting, and we watched other schooners sail by in magical mist.

Even more exciting was the first off-boat excursion; that is, climbing on a slippery ladder into a motorboat, manned by the macho crew, like Joe, Parker, Landon, or Goldy. Michael, First Mate, was also on hand to help us up or down from these ladders, and nobody slipped, even a bit. We went to an island, walked around, up and down paths, and shopped in The Wooden Boat Store, where I purchased a weatherproof, nautical map of the coast of Maine. The rain picked up, and I opted to wait for my shower, as they were in cubbies on deck. My jeans were soaked, and I discovered that nothing dries in the cabin. I changed and collected email addresses in the saloon. Pam made us tiny wraps as a snack and lasagna (vegetable for me) with pastas, breads, cake, and salad, for dinner. There was always a choice, always a dessert, and always something non-meat for me, a really nurturing gesture.

Joe set up a boat store, and I bought a green Victory Chimes T-shirt, before I descended to the Captain’s quarters for his private interview for this Journal. His cabin is pine and cherry wood, with antique furniture, radio, clocks, and chests. This cabin was just over mine, just below deck, with private entrances and exits. After the interview, I had a long-winded chat with Marc and Sue, global and national issues, sailing, etc., and Barbara even sat in. The rain continued, and Victory Chimes has an awning, so people can be on deck in all weather.