This is our fourth year going south from Wharf Marina, Warwick, RI to Florida and the Bahamas. Both Louise and I have had our best trip to date because of the boat's performance, good weather and the great community of other cruisers we have met. From Long Island, NY to Fernandina Beach, Florida, we were with Two Oars, the other Symbol 45. They have just crossed over to the Bahamas and we plan to meet up with them.

Our strategy was quite different this year. Three quarters of the trip was motoring on the "outside" in the North Atlantic rather than the Intercoastal Waterway. This allowed us to conserve fuel and cut travel time by 2/3rds. We then could enjoy sightseeing and relaxing in great anchorages. South of Cape Hatteras, on one ocean passages, I caught a 20 pound tuna. Crossing the Gulf Steam and in The Tonque of the Ocean in the Bahamas, I caught  mahi-mahi. Please note the attached pictures of the lobsters we speared skin diving in the Bahamas.

When we had some extreme weather on the first day out (remnants of Hurricane Noel) Pendragon lived up to her reputation as a sound blue water trawler.  Ten miles off the coast of New Jersey and 30 miles from Cape May, we had 15 foot seas on the beam. What made it more threatening was the increased wind velocity after dark. We surfed in through the break water at Cape May at 10:30 PM. Two Oars had been fortunate to leave before us from Sandy Hook and got into Cape May before the winds increased and the sun went down.

We are still amazed at the number of cruisers, particularly sail boat owners, who admire Pendragon and inquire about the make, model and builder. There are several design features that distinguish our boat from other major trawlers.

Lower bow allowing better visibility from the pilot house while still providing protection from the seas.

Sleek design of the hull which allows us to cut through the water rather than pushing it as we have seen in other trawlers.

Reverse shear of the windows which provides shading and in some conditions less fogging. This is particularly important in the fall traveling south when the sun is lower in the horizon and there is cold and damp weather.

The rain water drain system of the upper deck which allows the collection of rainwater in a special tank. This is important when cruising in areas where water in not readily available. It eliminates the need for a water maker which is expensive and requires considerable maintenance. 

The large swim platform has been a major safety feature for boarding in rough weather as well as providing a staging area for swimming, snorkeling and scuba.

The fully covered cockpit gives excellent protection from sun and rain and eliminates the need for a canvas extension.

The deep keel provides great stability in rough seas and we have found we do not need stabilizers.

        As you are aware we were selected as the Georgetown Sailing Regatta committee boat, a prestigious recognition of the Symbol 45. Again this year the racing chairman has asked Pendragon to be the committee boat for the two week regatta.

        Our best compliments come from those cruisers who are planning to switch from sail to trawler. Once they have been aboard and seen the boat, they say "please let us know if you intend to sell Pendragon, we would be interested.

        Pendragon is truly a sea kindly vessel and well designed for the cruising life. Every day on our trip we comment on how much we appreciate and love this boat. It has brought us countless hours of joy and adventure.

        Attached are some pictures that reflect some of our adventures.

        From the high seas and the cruising life, best wishes.