Natty at the Helm

Captain Natty Bergh Runs Downeast

Tom and his son Natty, a 20' Lund, and the lure of the open ocean along the coast of Maine: follow their journey, propelled by wanderlust.
June 30,2020

So my 16 year old, Natty, and I are packing out for maybe a 2 week island camping boat trip from Peaks heading Downeast toward the Canadian border. Here's the boat: a 20' open Lund that we've owned since 2000. A bit more storage than my Explorer, not as seaworthy, and certainly a riveted hull isn't Nigel's hand built expedition grade durable hull. The real difference is, of course, this trip involves many more mechanical factors, and a metal prop...and it's darn hard to safely tuck this craft above HT line overnight! So stay tuned if you're interested in Captain Natty Runs Downeast.

 

Prepping the 20' Lund for the trip Downeast

The Boat: 20' Lund

Continue reading→

George, Finbar and Rob

George, Finbar and Rob Go Downeast

George Essex, Finbar Curtain, and Rob Root grew up in Vermont. Rob and George, friends since elementary school, met Finbar in high school, at Thetford Academy. They all graduated from college this spring, but due to COVID-19, all of their summer plans were suspended. So... here follows their story.

Continue reading→

If you don’t know your knots, tie a lot…

or learn a few go-to knots for securing things… securely!

We like Animated Knots for its interactive website and clear, animated images for tying numerous knots. Each knot has a dedicated page with info on uses, safety, pros and cons, variations, and more. There are also sections on safety, ropes, and terminology and a knot-of-the-day feature.

Continue reading→

NDK Explorer

NDK Explorer Review

Maine Island Kayak Co. delivered a new NDK Explorer to Canada for Paddling Magazine to write this review.

By Virginia Marshall. Originally published in Paddling Magazine.

When the going gets tough, the tough get this SKUK Classic.

If modern expedition kayaks have a phenotype—that is, a distinctive appearance and characteristics based on a combination of genetic traits and environmental factors—the Explorer may exemplify it best.

The fine lines of the upswept bow and stern, the narrow beam and the clean, functional deck layout are informed by the classic British interpretation of traditional Greenlandic kayaks. From this base DNA, designer and renowned expedition paddler, Nigel Dennis, refined the shape and layup to address the unique challenges of extended journeys on remote, exposed coastlines.

Continue reading→

Morning on Kayak Beach

Maine Greenland Kayak Festival

by Liz Johnson

This article appeared in the October issue of Atlantic Coastal Kayaker online magazine.

Kayakers around the world are drawn to the simplicity and grace of the Greenland paddle. It's the perfect tool for rolling, but its application goes far beyond rolling and paddling in protected waters. Some of the world’s outstanding paddlers today use Greenland paddles for extensive expeditions and rough water paddling.

Maine, home to the world’s first island trail, has a particular historical connection to Greenland. It seemed natural to celebrate that heritage, while helping Greenland paddlers develop the knowledge, skills and experience for exploring Maine’s unique coastal environment. So the idea for the Maine Greenland Kayak Festival was born.

Continue reading→