"I'm Not Even a Boat Guy!"

This is my father-in-laws boat that we were 'borrowing' for the Spring although after our little 'incident' last week during some severe weather, it is likely that I will be demoted from 'first mate' to something more appropriate - like 'galley wench'.

The boat is fine, the stern had been pointed into the wind and with the bilge 'off'' and the water rough, the hull took on a few thousand gallons of water. Fortunately my co-workers, Kyle and Andrew, were on hand to help "bail me out!" (That's Andrew with the bucket)

To further exploit my lack of boating knowledge but enhance my incredible problem solving skills, our regional Business Journal recently printed a story about Sawmill Point. Check out the article at: Greater Wilmington Business Journal

"Have Banjo, Need Bluegrass"

I was at my desk when I received an unusual phone call from Larry Greenlund - he needed directions to Sawmill Point Marina.

I pride myself on my excellent 'direction-giving-skills', so I jumped at the opportunity with the obvious, "where are you?" - expecting something along the lines of 'Market Street or College Road' - instead he replied, "I'm on the Waterway, I think I just passed Topsail Sound and I'm headed South."

"You're on a boat?!" - I don't know why I was so surprised, but it wasn't the response I had anticipated from my caller.

Sure enough, late that afternoon, the 'Sea Horse' slipped alongside face dock #29 and seemed quite content to be a little further South and enjoying the Wilmington sunset over the Cape Fear.

'Sea Horse' is a 42’ Krogen trawler. Larry Greenlund and his “first mate”, Bonnie Lohmeyer, braved frigid temps, ice and an electrical fire underway to the Florida Keys. They left Cambridge, MD on the Choptank River December 30th and spent New Year’s Eve anchored in the Chesapeake Bay.

Unfortunately, New Year’s Day they had a fire in the electric panel which held them up for 4 days in Virginia. Sea Horse then became an “Ice Breaker” as they traveled south along the ICWW in search of warmer weather.

When I stepped into the wheelhouse, I noticed Larry's banjo. He asked if there were any good places to listen to bluegrass in town and I assured him we had an excellent bluegrass scene, I just wasn't sure what was going to be open on a Monday night though...

Later that week, Larry flew back to Washington (State) where he is an engineer for the state ferries in the San Juan Islands and Bonnie returned to the Eastern Shore of Maryland where she works for a real estate company.

They plan to return to Wilmington in February, spend some time in the area and relax for awhile before continuing south.

From Larry via email, "We feel so lucky to have the good folks at Sawmill Marina looking after our boat while we return to our jobs."

Well Larry and Bonnie, we're glad to have you and 'Sea Horse' - and don't worry, I've already called the Rusty Nail, open mike nights are Tuesdays at 8!

It's the Real Thing!

I haven't met Anne and Al Davidson in person yet but I can tell, without a doubt, that these two know how to REALLY enjoy boating - especially on their 28' 1972 Columbia, "Fair Dinkum"

But it's not all wine and cheese with this crew. They enjoy sailing to places like Cape Lookout to count dolphins and recently took a windjammer trip to Maine.

Al started sailing when he was 13 and has crewed on a couple sailboat deliveries as far South as Tortola BVI.

Anne officially became a sailor lady when she said, "I do" about five years ago! She may proclaim that she is a fair weather sailor but I have it from a reliable source who assures me that she is no sissy on a rough weather day.

Both Anne and Al live and work here in Wilmington. Al is over at Corning and Anne is at New Hanover Regional Health. With long term plans to retire in Downtown Wilmington, mooring at Sawmill will give them and the Fair Dinkum even more time to enjoy Downtown while they wait!

A Hero for Us All

The Laralee moved in today along with her owner, Jeremy Hall. He is another live-aboard enjoying a great sunset and calm waters this evening at Sawmill Point Marina.

Jeremy's boat is a 30' 1972 Islander MK II and she is gorgeous! After seeing her today in person, this picture doesn't do it justice. He's fairly new at sailing but loves the water and I know he will fit in with the rest of the crowd at Sawmill Point.

Jeremy is an Iraq War Veteran, U.S. Army Military Police 2004-2009 and now a student at Cape Fear Community College. But that's not all, his major is fiberglass boat building, repair, and manufacture. Wilmington is fortunate to have such a strong program at the local Community College Downtown, one that provides people like Jeremy the opportunity to learn more about their passion.

Laralee and Jeremy - we're glad you're here.

The North Star (just in time for Christmas)

I just got an email from Jeremy and Colleen Dagold. The North Star is another great sailboat arriving at Sawmill Point - all 41' feet of her.

And Colleen's and Jeremy's story is even more exciting. Colleen hails from the old whaling port of Fairhaven, MA and grew up sailing on Buzzards Bay. She moved to Washington DC, after graduating from Brown University, where she met Jeremy while teaching inner-city kids on a boat. Most recently she was doing development work for a non-profit in New Haven, CT.

Jeremy is from Baltimore, MD and attended St. Mary's College of Maryland. He has been working on tall ships and traditional boats for 12 years and most recently was the Captain of a 91' Tall Ship in New Haven, CT.

I can't wait to see the North Star, and meet Jeremy and Colleen in person. This trio sound like a winning team with a lot of fantastic stories to tell. Welcome North Star!

"Summer is Coming"

In honor of the Winter Solstice, I thought it would be fitting to celebrate the coming of Summer with a shot of the Jacatash - who can't wait to take it's owner, Abram Lambertson out diving as soon as possible!

Abram bought the Jacatash in August and has been fixing it up, doing maintenance and getting it rigged for some traveling and A LOT of DIVING this Spring!

This incredible 1972 38' Hatteras Sportfisher is a true classic - it'll never go out of style and we can't wait for its arrival at Sawmill Point. Thanks for bringing her up the river Abram!

'Born to Cruise'

I don't want to sound biased toward the sailboats - but this is another beautiful shot of a fantastic boat looking like it was 'born to cruise'!

Since we started filling up Sawmill Point I have met some incredible people, and that includes Tony McMahon. He is retired from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and now resides in Leland, easy access to Downtown and the Marina.

He will be sailing the 'Radiant Beam' into its new berth tomorrow and I can't wait to see it join the other great boats calling Sawmill Point 'home'. She is a 24' Hunter, built in 1984 with almost a 10' beam - and looks absolutely terrific (under sail or sitting idle).

Next time you are on the docks, say hello to Tony and the "Radiant Beam", we're glad they're here!