S/V “Privateer” is ready for your 2012 Alaska Expedition

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The Ship: “Privateer” is a 1991 Cape George 36, proudly built in Port Townsend, WA. Cape George Cutters are world-reknowned for their seaworthiness, superb ability under sail, and for generally being bad-ass. “Privateer” has a versatile cutter rig, massive aft-hung rudder, tiller steering, and a big full keel. “Privateer” is heavily built for long-term open ocean sailing. Her gorgeous, sea-going lines were drawn by William Atkin, and realized by master shipwright Cecil Lange of Cape George Marine Works. “Privateer” is a one-of-a-kind treasure, joining modern shipbuilding techniques with due diligence to tradition, proven naval architecture, and stunning beauty. Belowdecks, she speaks of a no-nonsense seagoing vessel designed for ease of use in a heavy seaway. For sailboat buffs who’d love to see complete technical details and specs for “Privateer,” click here.

Sleeping Arrangements: “Privateer” sleeps her crew of 4 very comfortably. While on Expedition, Captain Frost and Kelsey sleep aft in port and starboard quarter-berths. Expedition crew sleep forward on the port and starboard settee berths, which are a full 6′ 4” long. The port settee slides out into a spacious double for when there are couples aboard. Fore and aft staterooms are partitioned for maximum privacy. All berths are fitted with lee-boards for use at sea, and are comfortable and easy to get into and out of. When the weather is nice, sleep on deck and gaze up at the stars! Each Expedition member is issued an authentic wool Hudson’s Bay blanket and soft down pillow. Gently rock to sleep in a quiet wilderness anchorage…

Ship’s Amenities: “Privateer” boasts a large refrigerator and freezer, deep double sinks, and a large Paul Luke oven & range. Meals at sea are served up with a big smile from our master chef Kelsey Boesch! All food is provided on our sailing Expeditions.”Privateer” operates on the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) principle. Nonetheless, several concessions have been made in this arena, to insure the sanity and comfort of crew! Three words spell out the difference between camping and cruising: “Hot-Running-Water.” Such luxuries allow for a hot deck shower at the end of the day and for quick dishes clean-up. Joshua Slocum is rolling his eyes from that great sailboat in the sky…

Ship’s Engine: It’s a sailboat, dummy! In addition to her fine suit of sails, “Privateer” is fitted out with a BMW D-35, 2-cylinder diesel engine. The engine is quiet, clean and turned off most of the time. If there’s a hint of wind, we’ve got our sails up. You can eat your dinner off the engine room floor–trust me it has been done!–because we like to keep this area spic & span. The “iron jib” propels us through those tight tidal passages of the wild north coast when the wind dies, and chugs along as we navigate into our slip at the rare marina. Fear not, there’s not a whiff of diesel odor in the bilges or cabins below. We are proud of our proper little engine room!

Cabin Heat: The pioneers got it right: wood heat! Once you feel the magic and warmth of a wood stove aboard a boat, you’ll never go back. “Privateer” is lucky enough to be fitted with a fine marine wood stove called a “Little Cod.” The joy of listening to the fire crackle after a long day’s sail in Alaska is something that must be experienced to believe–peace on Earth.

Ship’s Tender “Trinka”: We travel to and from “Privateer” in her anchorage with our 8′ rowing and sailing dinghy. “Trinka” is sort of like our car: we use her to get groceries, visit friends, and take joyrides. Unlike a car, we never have to put gas into her tanks and she never breaks down! She has two horsepower: one horse in each rowing arm! When the winds are light we rig her with a sail and let the wind do the work. “Trinka” is a thrill to row and sail. In fact, a major element of our Expeditions is spent exploring all the quiet winding waterways with the dinghy. Prepare to spend many quiet peaceful hours watching wildlife and exploring shallow tidal lagoons with “Trinka.” It’s one of the hidden joys of our Expeditions!