A Tribute to Traveler

Traveler rests near the starting line in Blaine, Washington.

Traveler is celebrating a successful adventure as she rests on a mooring ball at Fish Point near downtown Portland, Maine.

Traveler is a 40' custom steel cutter, designed by Charles Wittholz and built by Garry Webb and her original owner, Patrick.

Patrick initiated his labor of love in 1993. Six years later, a seaworthy vessel was ready for launch. Her name became Traveler. Patrick's intent was to sail her from California to Hawaii; however, perhaps inspired by his boat's name, Patrick single handedly sailed on, eventually logging a complete circumnavigation.

In September of 2019, Patrick seemed pleased to hand Traveler over to her next owners, especially with the understanding that an extended adventure was our intention. We explained to Patrick that our goal was to sail Traveler from Washington to Maine via a passage through the Panama Canal. Patrick expressed relief in knowing that Traveler would not be sitting alongside a dock for the remainder of her life. Traveler was built to travel.

From August 29 of 2021 to May 24 of 2022, Traveler carried us over 7,000 miles, passing along the shorelines of twelve countries. She handled every condition the seas presented. She welcomed wind whenever it was available. She motored reliably and without complaint when the seas were still. She waited patiently while tied up to docks, moorings and anchors.

At 5:00 p.m. on May 24, we tied Traveler to a dock in Portland, Maine. This moment marked the completion of Blaine to Maine. We celebrated with cups of clam chowder at the DiMillo's Marina restaurant.

We spent the next day offloading much of the "stuff" that had been necessary and helpful over the previous nine months. Afterward, Ned and Lisa headed to solid dry land in upstate Maine for some R&R. Sue left to visit East Coast friends. Janet and I enjoyed a brief visit with her daughter, Jess, who also happens to be a Portland sailmaker and the creator of Traveler's beautiful sails.

Tomorrow, Janet and I will be driving a to a friend's wedding in a vehicle that, on average, moves 15 times faster than Traveler and has no particular interest in wind. I am excited to see family and friends again. A transition is taking place - a transition from enjoying life on the water to enjoying life on land.

Meanwhile, Traveler waits patiently on a mooring ball. Our hope is that she will soon be passed on to another sailor with a plan, a dream, a budding adventure.

Our story is not over yet. There will be more to come...

Thank you for joining us!