Ancient Mariners  (Boating)

  On Wednesdays during our boating season our Yʼs Men fleet leaves from our local marinas and cruises to various places on the Connecticut and New York LIS shores.  Some trips we anchor and raft up at a protected harbor and lunch aboard; other times we dock and visit a local restaurant. New boats (sail and power) and crew are encouraged to join in anytime.  Minimal boating experience is needed but some agility for deck to deck or dock.  Sea stories are always encouraged.  See below for our history.

To participate any week please contact Brian Strong at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on mobile 203-451-6457  

We also have an annual spring charter cruise usually to the BVIs.  This is organized by Gun Moen who for many decades has assured that this is a highlight of our season.   The cruise is typically from one to three boats.

 Here is some fascinating history of our boating club which helps all  appreciate what we have and how we got here:

The Ancient Mariners, previously known as the Wednesday Sail group, part of the Saugatuck River Power Squadron, began about 1982, organized by club member  Neil Croarkin. 

The club evolved from a group of Saugatuck River Power squadron sailors.  In the early 1980s Bob Bosch and Neil Croarkin on Joan II and Budge Atterbury with his twin sons on Suntop took a five day cruise to Block Island. 

That then evolved into an annual affair.  The sailors typically would leave on a Wednesday in the first week of June and return the following Sunday.  During a planning meeting a fleet captain would be elected and then ports of call selected including Duck Island Roads, Stonington, Newport, Block Island, Mystic Seaport, Watch Hill, Essex, Shelter Island and a final night at the Thimble Islands.

  Typically, the fleet ranged from six to twelve boats. Almost every boat was crewed and captained by a Power Squadron member or a current or past member of the Y's Men. 

 It was an excellent way to enhance one's boating skills under all conditions and  enjoy the fellowship.

At first the group was all sailboats and many members were still working.  When all retired and joined the Y's Men the club adopted the 'Ancient Mariners' at the suggestion of Bob Seskind.  It was then that the group started the weekly Wednesday day cruises for lunch at an agreed on port of call for lunch.

Bill Reynolds made out the itinerary for the entire summer.  It was planned for favorable tides going and returning including favorite stops at Sheffield Island, Eatons Neck, Ziegler's Cove, Captain's Cove, East End YC, Black Rock YC, South Norwalk Boat Club, Fayerweather YC and Stamford YC.  Stamford YC was a special destination where all sported ties and jackets.

Over time many members migrated from sail to power adding to the challange of selecting suitable lunch destinations for all.

Sailing - British Virgin Islands: Annually in April We charter 51ʼ sail boats (4-5 men on each boat) in Tortola and sail for 7-9 days mooring/anchoring each night in a different bay/island. All meet for “happy hour” around 6 PM followed by dinner onboard or at a beach restaurant.