The whispers of a misty morning was not wasted on those who huddled on the deck to catch a glimpse of wildlife or perhaps another sailing ship. Nothing could draw our attention away from the serenity and beauty that was visible from every vantage point on the majestic Victory Chimes. Well, okay, maybe the smell of the fresh brewed coffee and some delightful treat that was brought up on deck to entice us to linger longer in that experience of a life time.
My husband and I took a sail on the beautiful Victory Chimes, cruising across the water in full sail, stopping in quiet coves to traverse winding walkways on lush shorelines. Being able to take part, if only in a small way, in the daily tasks of pulling up the sails (Of course captain Kip would correct me in proper terminology), and watching the youthful deckhands manhandle the ropes and sails to keep us moving in the right direction was truely a joy and privilege.
We were also privileged to savor the delicious meals that were set before us every morning and evening by our tremendous cook and the galley girls. And I’ve never tasted lobster as it was served to us fresh on deck on our last evening sail. Throughout our sail we also enjoyed tales of past sails and songs as sweet or rollicking as the waves that no doubt inspired them.
If Maine is on your ‘must see’ list, consider taking a cruise on the Victory Chimes. This oil painting is from a photo I took as we were returning to ship after a shoreline stop. She is as they say, Grand, with her sails down, and no doubt Majestic in full sail (although I could not snap a photo as I was on board when they were up. I do however, have some other beautiful shots that I will work from as I remember our wonderful time on the schooner, Victory Chimes, the last of her kind.