Gennifer steered the schooner so the Captain could knit! She did a great job and also wrote this awesome poem:
Hoist the Anchor
by Gennifer Dorgan ('04)
                                              Hoist the anchor without stall while morning's still at bay,
                                              Pull it from the ocean floor and we'll be on our way.
                                              Think of the places that we'll go when free to the wind,
                                              Endless sea or distant shores - all will spring open.
                                              London, New York, or Hong Kong; Tripoli, Bombay,
                                              Who aboard would give a care if we lost our way?
                                              Or we could stay here and sail this buoy-dotted coast
                                              And cook lobsters on a beach with a champagne toast.
                                              It's for the feeling of the breeze furling out the sails
                                              That sparks the journey with a passion, a lure that never fails.
                                              Just think of everything we'll learn on our trek across the sea,
                                              And feel the spirit of the ship just waiting to be free.
                                              The winds are right, the water calm, and the weather fair,
                                              A ship with its anchor raised can take us anywhere.
                                              So hoist the anchor without stall with your calloused hands,
                                              Between us and all the world, just this anchor stands.
 
 
This group joined us on our L.L. Bean photography cruise (July 2002). They were setting up this group shot on the floats in Stonington when I arrived in the yawl boat to pick them up (just in time to get into the photo!) photo credit: Karen Abbey 
 
 
 
Joe (A.K.A. "Cabin Boy") at the wheel with Keith (A.K.A. "Old Bay") nearby. Many repeat passengers sail year after year, sometimes more than once a year! These passengers quickly turn into friends.  "After years of anticipation we were ready for a let down but we loved every minute. Great scenery, great lobster, and more rest and relaxation than we thought we'd ever have. Can't believe we saw porpoise, a whale and seals all in one morning." 
 
Another LL Bean photography group. This group joined us in 2004. 
 
Who's ready for lobster?  These ladies were all smiles enjoying their morning coffee on deck. 
photo credit: Judy Harris 		 "This was a great cruise - the scenery was beautiful and the lobster dinner was unbelievable! Thanks for a special vacation experience"   
 
Every year we haul the schooner out of the water for about a week for Coast Guard  inspections and to paint the bottom. Here's the spring outfitting crew from 2004 moments before the Evans went back into the water for another season. Tada!
 
Ernie H. (on the right) has brought a different son and grandson on board for the last three years. That's Jonathan at the wheel with his dad, Paul, on the left.  That's Jonathan H. again at the wheel. This time in full pirate garb. Arrrrr!
 
 
Eileen occasionally gets out of the galley for a moment away from the stove. 
 
 
Each year the passengers and crew participate in the International Coastal Clean-Up. You can find out more about the program's efforts at the Maine Coastal Program web site.  Here's the 2002 crew; Beckey, apprentice deckhand; Captain Brenda; Michael, deckhand/messmate; and Jenny, 1st Mate. Absent from the photo is the cook, Jen. 
 
Jack K. sails with us every year and even sailed with us for two weeks one summer. He grew a beard for the second trip!  Our yawl boat hangs in davits on the back of the schooner when not in use. She's hard working and appropriately named; "Tug 'n' Grunt". photo credit:Sarah Szwajkos
 
Governor King joined us for the Great Schooner Race in 2002. That's him with the crew: Jenny, Capt. Brenda, Matt, Beckey, and Michael.
 
"Thank you so much for a perfect cruise. The food, the company, & even the sailing were great. The music, porpoises & whale were extra treats. You were a wonderful crew!"  "We looked at all the brochures & chose the right schooner. The relaxation, scenery, food & company were all wonderful.  
Thanks for making it possible." 
 
Corey B.'s big catch. Seaweed!  Denise takes the helm while her dad keeps a watchful eye. 
 
 
  "Glad you were on the 'net.' This has been wonderful! Nothing has ever been more relaxing. It ended with a bang. Lobsters & laughter are a great combination! Thanks for a beautiful view of Maine." 
 
 
This is your view from an uninhabited island while you enjoy a plateful of lobsters, mussels, clams, and corn. You take a bite of delicious lobster and melted butter drips down your chin while the captain comes around to pour you a cup of champagne... 
 
 
The sun is setting, the cannon goes off, and the flags come down. Out come the brass kerosene lanterns for a warm evening glow. 
 
 
If you'd like to see photos of what goes on in the off-season, click here. 
 
 
Home Schedule Reserving Our Trips Boat Tour
Schooner Isaac H. Evans
Captain Brenda Walker
PO Box 791
Rockland, ME 04841
toll free 1-877-238-1325
evans@midcoast.com