For someone who grew up in a very non-sailing community, I have been quite fortunate to rub elbows with many nautical souls. Over the years, I have photographed some pretty amazing projects. Yorel, Liberty and Antonisa at the Hodgdon yard come to mind. Many boats at Goudy & Stevens and Washburn & Doughty, and, of course, the rebuilding of the Ernestina-Morrissey at Bristol Marine, to name a few. It’s been an amazing opportunity for me. I’ve learned so much and yet realize that there is still much I don’t know.

Almost to a person, my interactions have been cordial and informative. The skilled craftspeople on these projects have been kind and rarely reminded me of my hillbilly ancestry, with the possible exception of the great and powerful Sonny Hodgdon, who always gave me a hard time about being a Pennsylvania coal miner, especially when I would (often intentionally to get him going) tell him I was heading downstairs (in a yacht) to the bathroom! However, I will add, Sonny shared much information with me, helped me understand shapes and angles and why a certain view worked and another did not. He liked to pop an occasional Beken of Cowes or Rosenfeld book open with me to explain “how it should be done.” I loved Sonny. He taught me a lot and heckled the daylights out of me. I miss him.

Which brings me to the subject of today’s adventure. Mike McConnell’s new boat RAGA is a 16-foot cedar planked on oak, David Stimson (Mike’s dear friend, mentor and master boat builder/designer) creation, launched at Knickerrcane boat ramp a couple weeks ago. From lofting to finish, David and his son Nathaniel guided Mike and helped bring the eight-year (off and on) project to life. RAGA, by the way, means journey in Sanskrit.

Mike wanted a classic wooden boat that was trailerable and stable and fun to sail, and big enough for the family. Mike’s wife, Karen, patiently supported efforts to build RAGA. She and Mike live in Boothbay where proximity to the water has allowed for the pursuit of lobstering since 1985. If asked, I believe Mike would be happy to share that his previous life in Chicago and Los Angeles pales to the peace and quiet and friendliness of the Boothbay region.

On launch day, Karen prepared magnificent chocolate fudge brownies. I couldn’t partake due to a maxed out sugar affliction, but the family and about 20 friends were thrilled. Mike gave a lovely little tribute in a language I didn’t recognize (but Uncle Skippy Humphrey did) and honored all who helped with the project. Special thanks to Nat Wilson for RAGA’s beautiful gaff rigged sails and to other supportive and devoted friends. It was so cool to watch Mike back the trailer down the boat ramp with christening squirts from grandchildren’s water guns and admiring clammers returning to the dock from a long hard day. Captain Phil Main, caught up in the festivities, even had a sip of bubbly spring water while trying to answer a question from me about how to patch a leaky aluminum skiff.

We all watched and cheered as RAGA and Mike slipped into Back River and then waved as the first voyage filled the sails with daughter Anna and guests aboard. It was a good day.