#News: Hindu sails again!

#News: Hindu sails again! - A small boat in a large body of water - Schooner Hindu, Hindu Charters LLC
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On a recent afternoon, Capt. Josh Rowan celebrated the restoration of the Hindu Schooner with a sail among friends. The boat has been completely restored after weathering the effects of two years of neglect. Rowan said the boat was repossessed by the bank from the previous owners.

“Instead of selling it immediately, the boat was left to rot in the water for two years,” said Josh.

Josh and his father William purchased the Hindu in August of 2011. Josh was responsible for all the repairs — from rebuilding the mast and replacing the engine — and also serves as the captain and general seadog.

“The boat settled on the bottom and it ruined the motor. Plus, the spars needed to be sanded every time in between 12 coats of varnish,” he said.

Being at sea is in Josh’s blood. He grew up on a 50-foot sailboat and in college he built the same powerboat he uses today— a 22-foot, fiberglass and wood lobster boat. He started captaining the Hindu the winter of 2007 under its previous owner, Capt. Kevin “Foggy” Foley of Cape Cod, and is fully versed in the vessel’s history.

East Boothbay, Maine is the birthplace of the schooner designed by world-renowned yacht designer William H. Hand. The boat’s original name was Princess Pat and it became the Hindu after the boat’s spice-buying voyages to India in 1938-1940 under the direction of boat-owner William Parker.

The U.S. Navy commissioned the vessel and covered her in war paint during World War II for coastal patrol missions along the eastern seaboard. Her crew is responsible for spotting German U-boats and was hard to detect because of its nearly silent passage.

All the history makes the ship a true legacy, but the most noticeable quality of the Hindu is its smooth, quiet ride. On a day of moderate winds, she makes a steady seven knots, slicing cleanly through the chop

The Hindu sails mornings and evenings. On the morning outings, guests are treated to French champagne, baked goods from local bakeries and a fine selection of wine from Southard Winery. On the sunset cruises, indulge in gourmet cheeses, American craft beer, bread, fruit and of a vast wine selection as well. The boat is also available for private charters and weddings. The Hindu will stay through season; during the summer months she travels to Provincetown, Massachusetts.

Tickets: Mimosa Sails, $45; Sunset Sails, $85; ask for locals discount

For more info: sailschoonerhindu.com