When I re-met Kathleen Bennett almost seven years ago (we had been friends many years before), she gave me a copy of “Rainrace”, one of her books of poetry. In it was a poem called “Spirit Catcher” that spoke to me so strongly that I combined it with some of my photos to produce a Read More …
Author: Tom
SAIL Best Boats
A dolphin would see this as a Neel 45 trimaran races by at 15 knots, flying a hull. The Best Boats of the Year The beginning of my writing year is on the Columbus Day weekend. That’s when the Annapolis Sailboat Show, the premier sales event in North American sailing, occurs in my home town. Read More …
Irish Boating
First published in several Maryland newspapers, 3/17/89 Erin go boating by Tom Dove You might think that Ireland, an island the size of South Carolina, would have its hundreds of beautiful harbors crowded with pleasure boats. It isn’t that way. Certainly, there is boating around the Emerald Isle, but it is localized in a few Read More …
Winter Boat Buying
First published 12/9/88 in several Maryland newspapers Winter boat buying by Tom Dove While most people are turning their thoughts from boating to winter sports, a few astute folks are roaming through marinas, looking for bargains in used boats. This is the time of year to do it. Many boats have been hauled out of Read More …
Recover From That Sinking Feeling
First published in several Maryland newspapers, 8/4/89 Recover from that sinking feeling by Tom Dove The popular perception of sinking is the one promoted by the movies, in which the vessel goes under in a violent storm after hitting a reef. In real life, boats sink more commonly as Read More …
The Liveaboard Lifestyle
First published in several Maryland newspapers, 5/5/89 The liveaboard lifestyle(s) by Tom Dove Most of us who cruise in boats fantasize about what it would be like to live aboard full time. It seems to be the cure for all our modern urban sicknesses. My wife and Read More …
Winter Layup
First published in several Maryland newspapers, 11/4/88 Winter layup by Tom Dove The air is turning colder, the days are getting short, and the chevrons of Canada geese are honking their way around the Bay. For most of us, these signals mean that it is time to put our boats to bed for the winter. Read More …
The Ideal Dinghy
First published in several Maryland newspapers, 11/18/88 The ideal dinghy by Tom Dove You have completed a day’s cruise and are anchored in a beautiful cove a mile from an attractive small town. There was no marina space, but who cares? This spot is prettier, anyway. The kids meet their contemporaries from another boat and Read More …
Take Her Out for the Weekend
First published in several Maryland newspapers, 6/2/89 The first overnighter by Tom Dove She rests outside, gracefully exposing her lovely curves to the summer sunshine. Her carefully painted features invite you, seeming to say, “Take me out for the weekend and we’ll have a good time.” Read More …
Comfort Afloat
First published in several Maryland newspapers, 6/23/89 Comfort afloat by Tom Dove When we go out for a weekend on the Bay, we are looking for a bit of adventure, but not too much. We are willing to take a bit of discomfort, but not too Read More …