Please Don’t Think Me a Powerboater

Those of you keeping track of the Dutch Harbor mooring field this summer may be shocked to spot powerboats on both Cronin moorings. It’s not our first foray over to the maritime dark side, but a new-to-us Albin 28TE marks a fresh commitment to boating under power. 

While I admit that the boat we’ve renamed Felix does not carry so much as a steadying sail, I am stubbornly clinging to my wind-powered identity. Our new family member is simply a delivery vehicle: a vessel that makes it possible to reach different harbors in time for wingfoiling.

But I also have to admit that I really enjoyed the shakedown cruise we had last weekend—which featured a family gathering but no sailing whatsoever. Despite the rain and April-like temperatures, it felt like a luxury to hunker down in Hadley Harbor for an entire day. “When was the last time we just read and napped like this?” I asked Paul, halfway through the laziest (and rainiest) afternoon. “Maine,” he answered, without hesitation—true enough. 

Paul is the reason we could enjoy an entire day of quiet stillness without worrying about running out of battery power or fresh water. He spent much of the winter adding solar and updating the boat’s electrical system, because unlike previous owners we will not be plugging into shore power pretty much ever. He also added an extra water tank. On sunnier weekends, we look forward to hot water showers in the cockpit after wing foiling adventures. And to launching off the swim platform, the height of luxury (feet and lower body stay dry). 

There’s a first-season excitement with any new boat, and I doubt we would’ve ventured out into such a bad forecast if we already knew Felix well. Certainly the empty harbors were proof that most sailors (and powerboaters) had sensibly stayed home. Three days onboard revealed many hidden quirks, including a very small but significant hatch leak that might have remained an annoying mystery all season. The best way to get to know a boat (or a human) is to share a rainy day together.

I’ve heard it said that sailors focus on the journey, while powerboaters focus on the destination. Despite wind, rain, and fog, we enjoyed our hours underway—thanks to a weather-proof enclosure—almost as much as the amazing seclusion of Hadley Harbor. So, when you see us on our home mooring or out and about this summer, please don’t label us powerboaters—just think of us as sailors, pocket-cruising our way to a fresh foiling destination.

Were you out on the water last weekend despite the (disappointingly correct) forecast, or did you have the sense to stay home? Share your story in the comments below, or send me an email. I read every single one, with gratitude. 

Thanks for being here, and see you next Thursday.