I cannot begin to thank everyone for all of their kindnesses, assistance, offers of help with looking for a Cape Dory, etc. At the risk of offending those I forget to mention, there are a few folks I really must acknowledge.
First, Brian Carroll and Carl Thunberg. Carl first suggested I think about coming up from Miami to attend this event and then arranged to put me in touch with Brian Carroll. Brian and I talked via email and phone and he picked me up at the Portland Airport last Sunday. Brian has a custom-built Robinhood 36 (“Solmar”) that is absolutely beautiful. Without exaggeration, Brian taught me more about cruising and single-handing in one week than I have learned in all of the courses I have taken and the sailing I have done so far. He is an outstanding sailor and, after spending a week together in close quarters, I can tell you Brian is one terrific person. I now consider him a good friend. I had an outstanding time every day of the cruise. These are Brian’s sailing waters and he not only acted as sailing instructor but also as tour guide. I doubt I can ever repay his kindness and generosity.
I also want to thank David Bradbury (CD 36 “Harmony”). Without going into the details, David joined Brian and I on Solmar for the week when his crew (his nephew Nate) was not able to go. David is also an experienced cruiser and I learned much valuable information from him as well.
Carl and Marcia also hosted a lobster picnic at their cottage at Poorhouse (?) Cove. Everything was terrific. Marcia’s broccoli with yogurt was outstanding stuff. I think I may have “hogged” that bowl from others. Sorry.
I am told there was a “heated” discussion of the fixed versus rotating prop war at one of the tables. Sorry I missed that.On the last day, at Robinhood Marine Center, I met Brian’s better half - Debbie. She is also a terrific person. Debbie and Brian have a wonderful sailing partnership and I am hopeful they will again invite me to join them on Solmar next season.
There was only one disappointment on the cruise which I feel “duty bound” to mention. I had been told by many, including my family physician (and a long time friend) that it would be very cold in Maine and that I should bring cold weather gear. I did as I was told. Coming from the day in and day out oppressive heat and humidity of Miami, I looked forward with much anticipation to experiencing the cold, crisp weather of Maine. Unfortunately, I spent almost every day (and evening) in nothing more than shorts and a T-shirt. I wore a sweater only when Brian, David and I went somewhat offshore each day for some sailing with the Yankee, staysail and main fully deployed. Great fun
Great learning experience On Saturday morning, as I was packing to head back to Miami, it was raining and much, much colder. Marvo and Dean Abramson on Loda May motored by heading out of the RMC mooring field. Dean, fully dressed in foul and cold weather gear, hollered over “Happy now Robert
” I think I may have noticed a touch of sarcasm in Dean's voice.After 1-2 days of attending to family matters, I plan to renew my search for a Cape Dory.
Thanks to everyone on the CDSOA Maine cruise for making me feel very welcome and for generously offering advise, recommendations, assistance, etc. This is a true family of sailors.
Fair winds,
) very kindly and professionally by Brian and his crew. That was due to a breakage in the exhaust elbow. Leo was great in coming abord and confirming it wasn't something we could fix on the fly. 
