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1730, Monday, June 26, 2023
I have been thinking about my crew. My summer's sailing expedition to Labrador and back home to Massachusetts doesn't happen without the variety of individuals who make up Tazzarin's crew over the course of almost three months.
I am actually very careful in who I ask to come along whenever I sail, especially for extended periods in out of the way places. When I was 25 years old I did a trans-Atlantic passage on a 47-foot sloop. Of the five of us aboard, one was a serious problem, threatening the entire voyage. He was a problem, to the point where some aboard thought nudging him overboard would increase our chances of surviving the passage. I still clearly remember sitting on deck at sunrise with one other crew member twice my age; he wanted me to talk him out of the idea of pushing the troublesome person overboard. I succeeded - phew! Ever since, I have carefully considered who I sail with.
Lucky me, I have a wonderful circle of fine and enjoyable sailor friends. My brother, Bob, has been here with me to commission the boat. He has tackled every possible task with thought and expertise. That is Bob in the photo above, adjusting the tension on the lifelines. Sadly, he heads home on Thursday. However, the first of a string of friends will be arriving to take his place. I am happy with all who will be joining me over the summer, and a bit regretful that I do not have space and time for all the good sailing friends who I would like to have along. On Tazzarin, the crew and I are together in one 36-foot long world. In the weeks ahead you will be meeting the others in my crew.
After a rainy night and chilly morning, the sun came out on Conception Bay this afternoon. You can see the edge of Bell Island in the photo below. Soon Tazzarin will round that point, heading north. Tonight we have another frost warning here - summer comes late and short here in Newfoundland.
Bill
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