A peaceful moment aboard the schooner "Freya".
Smooth Sailing!
For A Different Adventure, Join A Schooner Excursion!
Just after the sails are hoisted and the engine is cut, there is a moment, an exceptional moment, that makes me long for a life at sea. It is when the wind first finds the sails. As it pushes against them, smoothing out the wrinkles, I can feel the tug forward. It is tentative at first, then powerful and authoritative. And, in the moment which follows, gliding over the waves, I feel incredibly peaceful and totally free.
During my childhood I sailed smaller boats (and highly recommend joining a catboat excursion). But, this time I decided to sail on one of the majestic schooners I often spotted from the shore. So, on a recent, slightly overcast day, I set off for an excursion aboard the Freya.
It seemed fitting that the 63-foot tall ship docked in Sesuit Harbor, East Dennis. In the mid 1800s, the Shiverick brothers built their famous clipper ships here.
After motoring out into Cape Cod Bay, the crew adeptly hoisted the sails, and we were on our way at a fast, but gentle, clip. When you consider that sailcloth, rigging and wind power the vessel, the speed attainable is amazing.
I always marvel at how different things look from the water. We passed some extraordinary waterfront properties and familiar landmarks, such as Corporation Beach and Scargo Tower. I've climbed this tower many times, scanning the horizon at 160-feet above sea level, but this is the first time I've ever looked back at it.
The Bay Lady II sails from MacMillan Wharf in Provincetown.
A seagull whizzed past, flying so low I feared its legs would get wet. Ahead, a cormorant dove under the waves on a fishing expedition. We skimmed past the Albatross, a deep sea fishing charter... another adventure for another day. Throughout, I scanned the slate blue waters hoping to see a sea turtle.
Although we tacked to return to the harbor long before I was ready, I knew there would be another day of sailing with the Freya and other Cape schooners.
The Bay Lady II, docked at MacMillan Wharf in Provincetown, also sails the waters of Cape Cod Bay. This 73-foot beauty sails past Corn Hill (where the Pilgrims "appropriated" the Indians' corn), and along Long Point, at the very tip of the Cape. There's an historic lighthouse here, best seen from the water. The only way to access it from land involves a long hike across sand.
Charting Your Course
The Freya and Bay Lady II offer 2-hour excursions, scheduled from mid-morning to a sunset sail. (If you're an early riser, join the morning sail; it's usually less crowded and a bit less expensive). Most children ages 6 and up would enjoy this cruise.
In addition, if a visit to Martha's Vineyard is in your plans, schedule a day-sail on Vineyard Sound aboard the 90-foot Alabama. This 5-hour sail, from noon-5 p.m., includes lunch and snacks.
Remember, it's considerably cooler on the water, so bring a sweatshirt or windbreaker. A camera and binoculars will also serve you well.
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