Friday, July 19, 2013

The Boys Are Back in Town

Out for a sunset row


You know that 1970's song from Thin Lizzy, "The Boys are Back in Town"?? That is EXACTLY what I've had in my head the last few days since Spartan and Blackwatch arrived to Nantucket.  For all you sailing newbies, Spartan is the 72 foot wooden sailboat Andrew runs and Blackwatch is another classic yacht our friends' Kyle and Meriah run.  Meriah's brother just so happens to be the first mate on Spartan.  Its the best of both worlds: summer in Nantucket with my people from Newport.

So, my boss and I decided to go out on his Alerion sailboat and be the welcoming committee for Spartan's arrival.  It was the perfect late afternoon with 10-12 knots of breeze and a clear sky and lots of sunshine.  As they sailed right into the harbor with full sails, a car ferry trailing behind and boats coming in and out of the channel I couldn't help but think how the crew maneuvered this boat 100 years ago.  Spartan is 100 years old this year having been originally built in 1913.  She never ceases to amaze me with her clean lines and elegant look. It is the epitome of a classic yacht. 

car ferry barging in on Spartan


Blackwatch

And it is one of the reasons I fell in love with Andrew.

It seems so fitting and bittersweet all at the same time.  On July 21, Andrew and I will have been together for 2 years!  I cannot believe that it has been that long and at the same time I realize how far we have come in life both personally and as a couple in such a short amount of time.  But people, it is only the beginning. We have big things ahead.


And so it is the last summer that Andrew will be with Spartan. 

Sister boats: Quakkeress II and Spartan on the moorings

And as happy as I am for him and us to move on after this season, I had that feeling of sadness as they rounded Brandt Point and came into the harbor.  Taking a trip down memory lane, this boat has been such a focal point in our relationship.  She was after all Andrew's girlfriend before me:)

Out for our sunset row

I remember my first time out on Spartan with this handsome, rustic new guy I had started seeing...you can imagine how romantic it was to date someone who not only captained a classic yacht like the ones in my Dad's sailing books, but he ALSO BUILT the boat.  I think I was in love within the first week.

Its strange, I'm sure to most of you non-sailors out there, but this boat has helped make decisions for us, allowed for some truly wonderful experiences together and helped me see the type of person that Andrew really is: caring, meticulous, humble, focused, genuine and passionate for classic boats, the sea, and sailing.

Charlie & Judd happy with sushi, saki and a sunset
For the last 4 nights we have been surrounded by our Newport friends for cookouts, sunsets overlooking the harbor, and even a Rusted Root concert at the Chicken Box.  It has been a comforting way to bring in our third summer together and the last one we might have out here.

Judd & Andrew gave Kyle a new burgee for Blackwatch...


I am so thankful that the boys are back in town! 














2 comments:

  1. As someone else who fell in love with a Captain and wooden sailboat builder (Herreshoff designs mostly), I love everything about this post and can identify. Cheers to the next chapter of your life's adventure together!

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  2. So fun to share that week together..... well be back next week!

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