The Ottawa Citizen Travel Editor

To: Laura Robin

Just a quick note to let you know as a result of the article you did for the travel section, July 17, 2004 Saturday Citizen, about windjamming in Maine, I booked a trip.

On June 7, 2005 my good friend Deborah and I boarded the Victory Chimes. We did the 3 nights 4 day, travel package and it was everything you described it to be. We saw seals, osprey, lots of lobster traps, boats and sailors. The stars and sunsets along with the early morning silver fog were fabulous. Deborah and I were the only Canadians aboard and we were touched as the Canadian flag was raised each morning on our behalf.

Captain Kip was unable to sail with us on the Victory Chimes due to an injury. Captain Paul took the helm along with First Mate Michael, Cook Pam and the crew Goldie, Joe, Parker, Abbey, Doug, Sarah, and Landon. They kept us entertained, well fed and safe, an excellent crew for sure.

We did have a bit of rain one afternoon and Captain Paul had the Victory Chimes doing 8.5 knots, just enough to enjoy a great ride.

The hardest thing for me was having no schedule just as you mentioned in your article. I soon got over that! Everyone on the Victory Chimes was there for the same reason, to sail, relax and enjoy the view, which we did. The food was great, my hat’s off to the cook Pam she really knows how to put a meal together!

I did manage to bring back several treasures from my beach combing expeditions. One piece in particular Captain Paul suggested that the glass I found on Pulpit Harbor was that of a whale oil lamp. After cleaning it up I found a date, July 18, 1871. You just never know what you’re going to find.

Two of the passengers were travelling this windjammer for the third time and Karen has been over 10 times, it’s easy to see why people return. We had a great time aboard the Victory Chimes and share some special moments with the crew and passengers, what a pleasant bunch! At the end of day 4 everyone was exchanging email addresses and as a result I have some marvelous pictures to share.

I’m already planning another trip for 2006. Thanks to the Ottawa Citizen for bringing a wonderful and affordable vacation to our attention.

Sincerely,

Deirdre Churchill