One of the great parts about working on a schooner is the opportunity to meet a lot of interesting, intelligent and fun people from all walks of life. This does not just include the passengers, but also our crew each year. Sometimes we have returning crew, but always there are new faces on deck as the season begins. We thought maybe our readers would also like an opportunity to learn a little more about the crew sailing with us this year.
This year we have all new faces with a fresh crew having just arrived a few weeks ago. Though new to us, they are a sharp bunch of guys who are already proving themselves diligent hard workers and good team players. They have melded together well and already feel like family.
Our deck hands include three Native New Englanders, one from Maine and two from New Hampshire and one deck hand who calls Ohio home, but has lived in many places as a child of military parents.
Evan Pinette (back row, red sweatshirt) was born and raised in Belfast, ME. He grew up by the ocean developing a love of music, and outdoor sports. Evan's love of music includes a talent in playing both the guitar and many percussion instruments. Evan spent many of his summers sailing and vacationing on the Isle of Springs, a small island near Boothbay Harbor, ME and also worked as a Counselor for Tanglewood 4-H children's camps. In the winter when the ocean was unforgiving, he lived in Vermont working for a ski resort as a snowmaker. Evan says that though it appears he likes to walk on the wilder side of life, his true passion and goal is to cultivate genuine experiences in life for himself and others.
Alex Peacock (back row, center) was born and raised in seacoast New Hampshire. Alex's father is a retail boating supplier and consequently Alex grew up working on and living around many things nautical. When not working with his Dad Alex loved being on the water as a laser sailor and even learned to surf. In the winter months Alex enjoyed remaining active by skiing in the White Mountains. Like Evan, Alex also has a passion for music and is currently teaching himself the guitar. Alex says that he is a good listener and enjoys being around a large number of people. He plans someday to be a Captain himself and to sail the South Pacific.
Emerson Sykes (far right, leaning in) was also born and raised in New Hampshire, in the town of Wolfeboro. He tells me that other than some small part time jobs there is not much to say about his younger years as he feels he has not really finished them yet, though he did want us to know that he once hiked the Appalachian Trail. Emerson, while technically a new crew member, has actually sailed with us in the past when he came on board as an apprentice for several weeks as a teenager. Emerson says that he likes ice cream, would like to learn to Tango and wants to someday take a motorcycle trip to Mexico. For now though, Emerson says he is happy with looking for a new adventure every day and can't wait to see what this season brings.
Jim Southward, IV, (front row, tan hat) calls Dayton, OH home but has lived all over our great country. As a child with a parent in the Air Force, Jim has and lived in many places including Washington and Hawaii. Jim was raised in a family of sailors spending many hours on the Great Lakes. He has worked in retail and as a 5th and 6th grade History and Science teacher. Jim says his favorite punctuation mark is the ampersand and if you'd like to know why you can ask him this summer. Jim has also taken several boating courses and as of our first cruise in May, Jim anticipates holding a 50 Ton Inland Masters Certificate with endorsements.
Together with Captain Bob, Dawn and Will and Emily, this year's crew is looking forward to sharing smiles, raising sails and making memories this summer as they show you and your loved ones the vacation of a lifetime.
Becky Flanders,
Schooner Timberwind Shore Coordinator
