Ancient Mariners (Boating)

Captain – Mário Sá Couto

Introduction

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. Also, once a year we plan and take a two to three day cruise to an interesting more distant harbor(s). 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 is advisable. Sea stories are always encouraged. See below for our history.

To participate any week please contact Mario Sa’Couto.

Additionally, we still 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. Normally in April we charter 51ʼ/53′ sail boats (4-6 men on each boat) and sail for 7-9 days mooring/anchoring each night in a different bay/island. After the daily sail, every day all meet for “happy hour” around 6 PM followed by dinner onboard or at a beach restaurant.

Club History

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’ name at the suggestion of Bob Suskind. It was then that the group started the weekly Wednesday day cruises for lunch at an agreed port of call.

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 challenge of selecting suitable lunch destinations for all.

Go to Video

INDEX (click on the subject of interest)

Introduction
Club History
Boat Owners Roster
2012 Season
August 2012
September 2012
October 2012
2013 Season
May 2013
2013 Season Cruising Plan (upadted 09/02/13)
June 2013
July 2013