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Part 2 of September 17, 2000 Log

Meet The Crew

I've received several emails asking about the various crew members so I'd like to introduce you to a few of them at a time. Let's start with Andy the Cook!

Andy Jackson (or 'cookie' or Andy the Cook!) is 51 years old and hails from Noank, Connecticut. He has two brothers and a sister, and although his entire family is supportive, he's the only sailor in the bunch!

Andy began sailing when his landlord, owner of the Sylvina W. Beal, needed a cook and invited him aboard. He's been sailing for eight years now and has sailed on six different vessels. He says that Pride II is his favorite because it's the prettiest and fastest, and because it travels the farthest - something he enjoys. He's been aboard since February 28.

When he's not sailing, Andy likes to climb mountains and read comic books! He also likes to write and improve his composition skills. Some day when he leaves the world of tall ships, he'd like to use his writing skills to make the public more aware of child abuse. When I asked him if he'd like to do anything different if he had to live his life over, he said, "Yes, I would have done this (sailing as cook) sooner!"

His favorite thing about being aboard is being part of the crew and their teamwork. His least favorite is the lack of privacy. His favorite port, you ask? Chestertown, Maryland!

I can tell you that Andy's quirky sense of humor often lightens the mood of the crew! In every port he buys lots of local food and experiments on the crew! For instance, we had lamb kidneys for breakfast the other day. Tonight we're having Moose Stew!! Take some time to read his own Crews Views titled "A Few Minutes with Andy The Cook!"

Our next introduction will be to Ellen Ewankow. Ellen is 23, has been sailing since she was 20, and came aboard Pride II in the beginning of March. An only child, her home is in Orno, Maine. On the boat her position is deckhand, although she only does this for the summers and works on the ski slopes during the winter. She first became interested in sailing when she attended a camp-style introduction aboard the tall ship Brilliant out of Mystic, CT.

Ellen has had a boyfriend for a couple of years who also sails. When she isn't at sea and has time off, she likes to snowboard. When asked what she liked most about sailing, she said that it was being outdoors. She has no 'least favorite' part of the job since she said it all goes with being a deckhand. That's a great attitude to have for any job! Ellen's favorite port thus far was London, England.

She isn't sure what the future holds for her but she may stay in a marine-related business such as sail making. From watching her on board this ship, I can say that she's very capable and will be successful wherever she goes!

Another deckhand on Pride II is 26 year old Chris Landers. Chris finished college with a degree in Liberal Arts and wanted to write about travelling. Although he'd never done anything like this before, he volunteered aboard the ship Niagara and has now been sailing for three years. Pride II is his favorite ship as it takes him to more places than other boats. I'm fortunate to be on the same watch with Chris and he's been patient enough to take the time to teach me about the boat.

Chris has a younger sister and a girlfriend waiting for him at home. He also sails in the summer and continues his schooling in the winter. His hobbies include playing guitar, writing, and origami. His favorite aspect about sailing tall ships is travelling, and his least favorite is also travelling! The port he's enjoyed the most so far is Copenhagen, Denmark. In the future he'd like to write, possibly for the marine business industry.

The last crewmember we'll visit in this log is another deckhand, Dayle Tognoni. Dayle is 21 and has been sailing tall ships for the last five years! She arrived on Pride II for the first time back in February. She spent time growing up in Wyoming, Colorado, and Arizona. She has two younger brothers and a very supportive mother who has been sailing with us and will depart in Oslo!

Dayle also got her start as a volunteer aboard the brig Niagara. Her favorite things about being aboard include the family community of the crew, the sailing, and being aloft in the rig. Her least favorite would be dockside receptions. Her hobbies include photography and throwing pottery. She isn't sure what the future holds in store for her but for now she just wants to keep sailing. One thing you'll notice about her right away is her dynamic smile!

Well, that'll be all for now as it's late and I need to get some rest. We'll be arriving in Oslo tomorrow where new adventures are waiting for us! Till then, fair seas and may the wind be at your backs!

Your Teacher Aboard,
Lee Vogtman

YOUR THOUGHTS

  1. The high speed ferry between Göteborg and Denmark travels at 45 knots per hour. How many miles per hour is that?
  2. Can you name a famous harbor fort in Maryland? Why is it famous? Can you name another famous harbor fort in the US? Hint: the Civil War!
  3. What causes the phenomena called "The Northern Lights?"

Return to Part 1 of the September 17, 2000

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