Pirate Fashion Trends

LA, San Francisco, Barcelona, Venice, Paris, Cincinnati. Cincinnati? Yes, Cincinnati.

Since the beginning of rowing season I have logged close to 30,000 miles in the air, but zero on the water. I hope to change that this weekend.

Not that it has all been work related. And while I didn't have any success getting into the gondolieri's guild (never did learn that single oar sculling), I did uncover the latest in Italian Pirate fashion. Pity they didn't have them in my size.

So now the summer really begins. Time to hit the water. Get back in that rhythm. And maybe I'll find my way back to Venice someday. Maybe next time I should sign up to actually learn that sculling technique. And maybe get that straw hat, striped shirt, and some pirate shoes. Anyone know of any canals around here?

See you on the water.

14 IS NOT THE NEW 20

This chart doesn't do quite the justice to the route Eileen and I rowed this AM but it comes close. With the WNW freshening breezes and the incoing tide, we had some serious conditions to contend with for what I had thought and hoped to be a nice 14 miler. The downwind leg from MHD Rock to Bakers proved to be too much for our fragile Alden Stars. Between the weather helming which pushed it off course and the low profile cockpit which was totally swamped for the first 5 miles, I have concluded that the Echo reigns supreme when it comes to rough water. Outside Bakers around House Island (off Manchester) brought us calmer seas but now we had the wind to deal with all the way down to Beverly Harbor. Waves subsided but the wind on our nose made for one great slog up the coastline. We were welcomes to a short but enjoyable crossing from B-Harbor to S-Harbor and then met with a nice downwind leg back to the club house. It total we were in the seats for over three hours. Eileen wanted a taste of a long distance row. I'm pleased to say she got her fair share.

THIS SATURDAYS ROW NOT A COMPLETE WASHOUT

Though this mornings row could have been a total washout due to dreary skies, a sloppy bay, cold temps and a wind from the north. However it's saving grace was a nice full tide with protected lees behind Peaches Pt and Browns Island. There the Captn found himself along with Paulette a new potential club member along with Eileen, Sarah and yes Howard her husband (who by the way has the making of a good rower). Round the circuit we went enjoying the calm in the protected cove while at the same time improving our technique. Upon the return to the dock we encountered Pal who had teamed up with Coach Em to train two more club potentials along with Kimberly one of our Newbies of the 2011 season. In all I counted 10 rowers which is pretty impressive considering the washout of the day.

ROCKNROW FOUND IN FAR AWAY PLACES

We love to see our RocknRow logo travel the world along with our members. Here is board member Thomas Vogel showing off his credentials along the Great Wall of China. As he says,"There is no rowing in Bejing or Shanghai." That maybe true but the RnR spirit is now found on the Great Wall.

If any other members of the Motley Crew is traveling this summer by all means take some RnR gear along with you and send us back a picture. We love receiving them.

"FOUND" ON THE FOUNDERS ROW

Paulie and I have not been able to spend too much time on the water together this year. He's retired so very early morning rows are just not in his schedule at the moment. So when we decided to make it happen this morning at 6:30 (which was sort of a compromise) it was a real treat to spread the word to others of the Motley Crew to see who would show up to row with the club founders. From left to right are Vivien, Sarah, Bobby, Thomas (our newest member on vacation from Germany) Paulie and Chris.
High tides and very flat water made for a sticky but pleasurable cruise around Tinkers. 7 on the bay. Not too shabby for a Founders Row

Father's Day Row

An awesome turnout: I lost track of how many rowers were out this Sunday. Must have been 10 if not more: Jack took out a guest rower, Thomas (also from Germany, but not Vogel); Sheila, Stan, Loretta, Frank headed towards Salem I believe. Sarah, Vivienne, Eileen and I wanted a longer row and headed northeast to Misery. The winds started at 5 - 10 knots, from the northwest, making the row out slow and quite bouncy. All of us were taking water over the port rail. As we came within 1 mile of Misery, the winds stiffened, and I thought of heading our group back for home, but it was too tempting to make the beach on Greater Misery. A good thing, as we all enjoyed the rest from fighting the chop!

But the winds only grew stronger as we rested, and shifted westward. The first 1/2 mile was close to scary. Vivienne capsized, but made a quick recovery. No need for her to do flip clinic this year! A little past Eagle Bar, we found ourselves in the middle of a race course, and one of the boats came within 20 yards of me, a bit too close for comfort.

Back at the dock, Jack had laid out a feast of Pirate's Punch, juice, bagels and cream cheese. Thank you, Cap'n Jack!

Moondance

La luna = the moon. Lunatics = 5 RnR-ers heading out under last Wednesday's full moon. Sarah, Pal, Paul, Stephanie and I departed the dock around 7:30, with the sun disappearing into a low cloud bank in the western sky. A cool and beautifully calm night, the rowing near effortless. Out by Eagle Island, we all started looking for the rising moon....and there it was! A burnt orange orb, rising over Halfway Rock. Our hearts raced at the sight of it!

Sarah and Pal decided to head back to shore; Paul, Steph and I couldn't resist the siren call of our nearest planetary neighbor. Just off the southern flank of Children's, the moon filled the gap between the larger island and Cormorant Rock, like an egg nestled in an egg cup. The simple wooden structures on Children's low cliffs were spectral in the still-dim moonlight, and the clanging of the flashing red buoy 2/3 of a mile further south provided musical accompaniment. As we rowed towards the buoy, the swells grew larger; we sang and talked and laughed as the ocean gently rocked us.

It was a magical night, one that we RnR-ers should repeat. No need to wait for a full moon! A waxing 3/4 or fuller moon rises earlier in the day and still would provided plenty of light.