October e-mail
 E-mail sent: 10/20/00
Sturdy Beggar departed Gloucester Harbor 10/20/00 0800 hours headed for the Caribbean. Wind died 1300 hours. Continued with engine arriving Sandwich Harbor of Refuge, Cape Cod Canal 1700 hours. Reported in 1900 hours. Plan to depart early for New Bedford. (Tied at fuel dock and expect to be booted off in am.)
Photo: Leaving Beacon Marine, Gloucester
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E-mail rec'd 10/21/00
Captain Punt: I really enjoyed receiving your message . . Please keep sending progress reports, it will be very interesting to hear from you. Since we will be on the road occasionally, could you put my daughter on your mailing list during your voyage? Her children are teenagers and would be fascinated to follow your sail - - they already know about you and the SB. Smooth sailing old friend. Fitzy
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Rich, Just happens I'm fishing the west end of the canal at sunrise. I'd love to get a peek! I was trying to figure out what to do with all my spare time this winter. Sounds like you got a good idea. Your classmate, Stew Sterling
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Dear Punt: Great! To paraphrase an old Irish Blessing, " May the wind be at your back," et al! If possible, send position reports. They would be great to receive. Have a cold Cuba Libre for me upon arrival. Down Bucket! TURTLE!
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Have a good trip. Looks like you'll have some good weather at this end for a few days. I can't imagine any better time to be out there for a sail than now. Bill C.
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Best of luck! Enjoy the trip. May the wind be in your direction. chris a
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Hi Rich, Where is the Sturdy Beggar bound for? Brian O'Leary
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Hello for you, Best wishes for a good trip, My turn next year, keep in touch. Lee
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Dear Rich, May you have favorable winds and good sailing! Please keep us informed of how you are proceeding. Regards, Rich P
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Photos of the SB & Cap't O'L. by Stew Sterling aboard the M/V We Three
Rec'd 10/21/00
The STURDY BEGGAR was observed a little after 0700 New Bedford bound. She'd just come out of the canal proper by the maritime academy and was passing Hog island. Got up close, had a word, and a few photo's. I'm impressed. Good looking rig! Capt. Rich looked like an excited kid off on a new adventure. God, I envy him. Will Email photo's when they come in. Stew Sterling
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 Sent 10/21/00
Sturdy Beggar had wind on the nose all day. No sailing. In New Bedford tonight. All is well. Thanks for all the messages. Sturdy Beggar due back in New England when the weather is warm again.
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Rec'd 10/22/00
Dear Punt, Thanks for your departure message. Wish you a pleasant journey on your way down to Caribbean. Will be with you in spirit, while wishing I could be there in body. Stay in touch. Mario
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WHIP! It was great to get together. Wish you all the best and very smooth sailing. Hope your crew is as you wish and happy. Wouldn't mind being with you and seeing some of the places I visited so many years ago. . . . .Have a great warm and calm Christmas and a very Happy Healthy New Year. Keep in contact in the event you need some tough characters like Wes and Dick and I to assist you. Carl
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Hi Punt; Hope your trip south goes without incident. Send up the weather reports occasionally if you find the time. I sure hope the "gaff fork" is OK---I love to talk "deckie talk" Have a great winter down south, Dick
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Rec'd 10/23/00
KEEP THE E-MAILS COMING. LOVE TO SEE WHERE YOU ARE. A DAY LATE AND A DOLLAR SHORT, MATTHEW STARTED SAYING GRAMPA SATURDAY. HE SHOULD BE READING YOUR E-MAILS WHEN YOU GET BACK. DAN
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Rich, Well your finally off. Well good enough. Good luck, smooth seas etc. Don't forget to put Jim Hannon on your list to see when in Baltimore. I think he is still president of the Baltimore Pilots Good luck, Doug
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Dad, you must be enjoying this nice stretch of sunshine as well, I hope it continues! I've been keeping everyone here posted on your travels. Holly's folks have been looking forward to daily updates. K
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Dear Rich, The weather looks tough for the next couple of days. Frank Bugger just reported in . . . He is doing well. Good sailing! Regards, Rich
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Sent 10/23/00
10/23/00 - 1900 hrs Sturdy Beggar in Newport tonight. Crew, Paul Bryant, met the boat. He will board in Old Saybrook with provisions for the passage to the Chesapeake. Keeping an eye on the low pressure area.
Map: New Bedford, MA to Old Saybrook, CT
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Rec'd 10/24/00
"Too many Gin Joints so little time". Capt O'leary may be in Newport tonight but so are 1000 other craft as well as the Battleship IOWA and the carriers SARATOGA and INTRIPID. When I opened my e-mail I thought I'd try and locate the "Crusty Captain" but I failed. If I had only had a GPS location I may have succeeded but alas too many masts. I started out at Goat Island Marina where George Crownenshield MMA class of 57 is manager but no STURDY BEGGAR. Have a good trip down the coast Rich and have a great winter!!!!!
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RICH HOW ARE YOU? STEW STERLING E MAILED ME THAT HE SAW YOU OUTSIDE THE CANAL. GLAD TO SEE ONE OF US IS FOLLOWING OUR DREAMS. GOOD LUCK ON YOUR VOYAGE. SHORTFIN SPORTFISHING HAD A GOOD YEAR. WE WON OAK BLUFFS MONSTER SHARK TOURNEY BEATING OUT 82 BOATS. WE WERE THE SMALLEST BOAT IT WAS A PAYING CHARTER THEY WON OVER $10,000 IN THE CALCUTTA ON A $600.00 BET GOTTA LOVE IT. TIGHT LINES CAPT. CHRIS
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KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK O' CAPTAIN. HIT THAT LOW PRESSURE AREA HEAD ON, THAT RAIN GEAR I GOT YA SHOULD KEEP YOU TOASTY WARM AND DRY. KEEP THE E-MAILS COMING. HOW COME ALL THE MMA CRONIES MENTION GIN MILLS AND DRINKING JOINTS. AND WHEN AM I GOING TO GET THE STORY BEHIND "PUNT"? SON #3
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Sent 10/24/00 1900 hrs
Sturdy Beggar arrived in Noank, CT. late today. Short sail early. Took down the sails and motored - head wind and going against the tide in Fisher Sound slowed progress. Lost hat overboard! Going to get off, do laundry, shower. The wind is expected to be more favorable tomorrow. Will be in Old Saybrook to pick up Paul Bryant. Hello to all. Thanks for the mail. Good work Matthew! More next time. Anyone want to meet the Sturdy Beggar in the Chesapeake? Then on to the Virgin Islands, the Bahamas?
Map: Noank, CT to Old Saybrook, CT
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Sent 10/25/00
Sturdy Beggar arrived in Old Saybrook after a great sail from Noank - 0830-1330. Ellie, heard the S/V Cara calling the marina. Got on the radio and asked how Ellie Tomlinson was. After a moment of silence the reply was, "She is well." Your friends are tied up astern of the Sturdy Beggar tonight. We are both headed out in the am. They have not decide where to spend the winter - Chesapeake Bay or the Virgin Islands. They took a picture which they are going to e-mail to you. Would love to have a copy. Shower felt great. Paul arrived, helped with the food shopping, put his things aboard and has gone to see his bother in Old Lyme. He will be back tonight. Kathy, bet that makes you feel better! Thanks for the seafood restaurant suggestion, Joan. Will look for it. Dan, great idea. Love to have you. But you and Mathew relax while Trish paints? Dick, sorry you did not find the Sturdy Beggar in Newport. Headed for City Island tomorrow then through Hells Gate on the tide.
Map: Old Saybrook, CT to City Island, NY
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Rec'd 10/25/00
Hi Rich, Hope you have a safe passage south. Keep letting us know where you are. Be on the lookout for my friends Rick and Barb on Cara. Ellie in Marblehead
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NOW I KNOW WHAT TO GET YOU FOR CHRISTMAS. A HAT WITH A LEASH. I'LL FLY DOWN TO MEET YA IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS. I'LL BRING MATTHEW DOWN FOR A LITTLE FUN AND RELAXATION AND TRISH CAN PAINT THE BOAT. SOUNDS GOOD TO ME. HAVE A SAFE TRIP TO STRONG ISLAND. DANIEL
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Hi Dick, It's really wonderful keeping up with your trip. You're headed for my favorite place on earth. The Chesapeake Bay area. St. Michaels, Tighlman Island. The greatest blue claws anywhere. If you pull in near the Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, walk next door for the seafood treat of your life. We wish you well, envy your adventure, and hope we can meet Jan/Feb along the NC/SC shoreline. Best always, Joan
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Hi Richard, I am so glad you got to meet Barb and Rick. They stopped on the way down from Blue Hill. I like getting your log notes. I sure wish I could take off from work and sail to the islands. Good sailing to you. Ellie
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Rec'd 10/26/00
Rich, Glad to see that you are waiting for favorable current to go through hells gate. That place can sure make an ass out of you in a hurry. Max tug traffic will be at slack water at the gate, so if you monitor ch. 13 which is used by tugs and New York traffic control you can get a heads up on what's coming your way. If you see a snarl coming you can duck inside of mill rock. Down bound stay away from Steinway side favor the East River drive side. In less you want to see the Old Lady I would avoid going between Governors is And Battery Park, the Buttermilk Channel is the better way for meeting traffic. Good Luck, Doug
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 Hey Dad! Glad to hear the first leg of the "journey" is going well, the weather has been beautiful so far, hope the ocean storm down south won't bother you too much. How's your first mate? Maybe you can talk him into going all the way. ha ha ha. Liam misses you and we talk about your trip every day and check the map to record your progress ( I see a school project about this in our future!) We say goodnight to the stars knowing that you are looking at the same sky and thinking about us too. Hope your weekend goes smoothly, keep the wind at your back! Oceans of love Kathy, Bill and Liam
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Dear Punt, Will have to send you a new hat. Got previous e-mail that you were Newport and picking up Paul Bryant. Was transfer/pickup successful? Enjoying your updates and trip reports. Weather on Cape windy but nice. Clear sailing. Mario
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Mr. "O"!! Looks like you're enjoying the life of leisure. Good for you!! I see you're wearing your birthday present - hope it's keeping you dry!!!. I'm glad your buddies are there to keep you company and out of trouble!! Keep us posted on what is happening and where you are. Enjoy! All our love, Tricia, Dan, & Matthew
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Sent 10/26/2000 1800 hrs
Sturdy Beggar did not make City Island today. Steamed into Port Jefferson this afternoon. Thick fog all day. Could not see 50' and no wind. Ellie, Cara was along with us but went into a harbor on the CT coast. Paul and I thought the weather was clearer on the Long Island side but we were wrong. Tomorrow we will head for City Island for fuel and provisions. Going through Hells Gate on Sat. Doug, thanks for the helpful info. Have made notes. Glad to have Paul aboard. He is a good guy on the boat. Kathy, hold on to the radio. I will let you know what to do with it. Yes, Dan and Trish the foul weather gear has been christened.
Map: Port Jefferson
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Rec'd 10/27/00
Hi Rich; Keep the info coming on the trip south. The pictures of STURDY BEGGAR and the old salt at the helm were great. I hope your taking the inland waterway on the way down before you make the break for the Bahamas. I can understand the fuel but your taking on provisions to often--- unless there Bud Light's!!! Hope the weather clears--it looks as if the storm will stay well east of your course Dick B
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Nice Pix! Not Marblehead. Looking for Caribbean green water next pix. E.T.
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KEEP ON THE GOOD SIDE OF POSEIDON. PETER MCHUGH
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Thought you were sailing??? Doesn't sound like much sailing..... too bad..... Chris A
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Rich, Some more thoughts about the coming storm- If you haven't already left Port Jefferson stay there as the south shore of L.I.S. will afford you the best protection. City island would be wide open for a Noreaster. Glenwood, Port Washington e.t.c. would be good also. Good Luck, Doug
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Rich, You better hold tight to where you are. Some real ****** weather off the Carolinas headed your way , 50 to 60 knot winds. Its supposed to hit here Sunday. Sooo watch your ***, excuse me Cappy, your stern. Doug
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 Hi Rich, Glad you caught up with Cara. I got the pix from them and forwarded it to Suzanne. Hope the weather improves. We are in for it this weekend, I hear. E.T.
Photo by the crew of the Cara
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Sent 10/27/00
Thick fog early this am. Mid morning it lifted some. Sailed for a while. No diesel in City Island. Moored in Manhasst at a marina until storm goes by. Launch service until 8pm, showers at the yacht club, close to stores, etc. Not bad. S/V Cara here too. Thanks for the info, Doug. Thanks for the note, Rich & Takami. Enjoyed having you. Hi all.
Map: Manhasset, NY
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Rec'd 10/27/00
Capt. O'Leary, Thank-you for putting us on your mailing list. We look forward to following you on your journey. The "Sturdy Beggar" is beautiful. All the best to you and your crew. The LeBlanc family
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This is the next best thing to being there! Keep the reports coming! I am sharing with some other envious classmates, we weren't all hardcore power enthusiasts. Stew
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Dear Rich, Your underway time table along with the attachments are very informative and interesting. It looks like you will be hunkered down for the next few days. Did your provisions include Meyer's? Have been fishing for mackerel at Parker's Boat Yard float for the past three days. I guess, they have been around for two weeks but just found out about it this week. Today, I took our six year old grandson, Zachary fishing after school. His father has been taking him fresh water fishing and I was surprised to see him cast up to 25 yards or more. He caught the first and last fish of the day. We threw most of the fish back. Just kept a few for broiling and pickling. Regards, Rich
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Rec'd 10/28/00
Dear Richard & Paul, Weather predictions for NE not good. Snow for Maine and western MA. Glad to hear you are south of all this but most likely see some storm effects. Good Sailing. Mario
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Hey Skipper--Fitzy Here. An old snipe like me has only a road map, but am enjoying tracking you with the aid of the charts you send. Cannot find Manhasst, but can see City Island and will put some #2 diesel in my will for the place. Looks like you will be passing by 47th. street on the East side, which of course brings me back to 1957 when you introduced me to Joan on that storied street (between 7th and 8th avenues). We are all very happy for you Dick, you have accomplished your dream and not too many people can lay claim to that. Keep it up kid. Fitz and Joan
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Rec'd 10/29/00
Captain Punt; Fitzy here; got your chart and can see precisely where you are. Looks like you made a wise choice to stand fast. That good judgment comes from your early engineering training of course. Keep that up because we worry a little bit about you and the weather up north. The name of the place where you introduced me to Joan (and Priscilla) in 1957 was Hurley's, on 47th. between 7th. and 8th. Avenues. It would be great if you could fire a salute as you pass 47th. in the East River, but that would not be wise since you also will be passing the UN Headquarters where they get a little nudgy about such things. Looks like you will soon go by King's Point, I'll bet you could get a free meal there if you need a snug harbor. More later, old friend. Fitzy
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Hey Dad! Bill and I just got home from NH (very windy and snowy) and were excited to see all the e-mail from you and others interested in your journey south. Sounds like you've had a bit of weather holding you back, hurry up! the snow is on its way down, it followed us the whole way! We miss you and think of you every day, hope you're keeping warm and enjoying having Paul along with you. Things are great here, Bill says "Hi Mr. O" and everyone in town has been inquiring about your travels. By the way, 1 Prospect St. is soon to have the fattest squirrels around, every single walnut has been stolen from those bags and eaten up! Can you believe it ?!!! Look forward to hearing from you soon. Lots of love, Your favorite daughter.
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. . . Anyhoo, Punt: Wanted to let you know I'm following your voyage South with anticipation for your daily report and status. As for the past couple of days, I wanted to mention to you that while you were in Manhasset, close to Farmingdale and Adelphi College, if you were planning to drop by to see any old friends (HA). Also, I remember Hurly's in NYC very well. I had heard that they had relocated but I don't know just where to. Also, Often wonder what ever happened to all the old log books that MMA's used to sight in on when visiting this fine establishment. Further understand that Maxie Brady (God Bless Him) was regular there for a period of time. More later! TURTLE!
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Hi Punt: I don't want to clog up your e-mail so I'll be brief---- It snowed in RI today and it's cold ---so get south ASAP--keep the nautical reports coming. Stay warm and dry!!!!!!! Dick (B)
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Capt Richard, We enjoy your daily progress reports. Not very good weather for you the last couple of days. Albany airport recorded 0.4 inches of snow yesterday. Marge & Chris
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Sent 10/30/2000
Sunday: Snow. Wind still blowing. Gale winds offshore. Getting cabin fever. Today wind still blowing. Cara left again and returned. Will leave Tues. or Wed. Going ashore tomorrow to the yacht club to watch the weather on TV.
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Rec'd 10/31/00
Dear Rich, Sorry to hear of your delay. The weather has really been blowing pretty good here also. The mackerel are still in the harbor. Caught another dozen off Parker's Boat Yard this afternoon in light rain. Hope you can get underway by Wednesday! Your cabin must surely be getting very small. Regards, Rich
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Richard - it has been great to follow the "adventure", please keep me on your mailing list. I'm very impressed with your high tech ability to do these all the time from all over the place. Give me your secret. I wish I could be with you for a leg of the journey - maybe on your return trip (if you come back). Hope all is well - is there anything I can do for you? How about Oral & Hap for deck bunnies when the weather gets warmer? Good luck.... Bruce
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Hi Richard, I have a nice pix of you and Barbara on Cara doing cocktails and some other pictures. Once I learn how to forward them I will send them to Suzanne. Rick and Barb also are sending daily messages to me and they are getting cabin fever and hating the storm. They have tried to leave twice and had to retreat. They are thankful the liquor cabinet is still stocked. It has been nasty here too. I am running the heaters full force! Hope the weather breaks and you can run for it. Ellie
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Forwarded from Suzanne:
I would like to be part of Richard's email list for his trip - I think it would be fascinating. Heck - if I don't find a job pretty soon I may call and ask if I can sign on as crew for him!! Sue and Belle
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The surf is UP in Rockport! Hello, Richard, cold and dark here today - again. Am still on daylight savings, up at 5! Had the window open a crack last night. It sounded as if the place would blow of the hill any moment. S
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Rich, Have a safe harbor on the way down the coast. Brunswick, Georgia. You will be welcome to berth at a couple friends of mine dock. He is ex GE field engineer and ex GE Capital. We worked together out here on a fairly large project. Smooth sailing. Carib. Regards, Carl
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Sent 10/31/00
Yes, it is still very cold and windy here. Just got the weather report; gale warning New York harbor and western Long Island, so I am stuck in here for at least another day. RJO'L
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