THIRTY FOOT SAILBOAT, ROWING

Weeks ago we left Boothbay Harbor for points east, in thick fog. Visibility was very poor. At best an eighth mile. We closely watched traffic on radar, and contacted and cleared all traffic near us. Others seemingly did the same.

When at about Old Man Ledge we were stunned when we heard a young female respond to a call she thought was meant for her. We knew it was meant for us. Anyway this young lady says she is in a thirty foot sailboat currently under oars, making two knots. We knew for sure we were the ones being hailed based upon our position, our course and our speed. We interjected and cleared the inquirer. What we didn't know was where this "rowboat" was. We never saw it. Neither did the inquirer. We kept close watch, and wondered.

On a later voyage in nearly as bad weather, we saw one of these "rowboats", out and about. I guess the three crew at the bow are practicing Potato Radar. That is where you take a fifty pound sack of potatoes to the bow. Every three minutes you throw a potato as far forward as you can. If you hear a splash, you continue on. If you hear a thud, you holler, hard alee!