Crew member and Ships Carpenter Dan Duame has been hard at it this spring. Building the tender for Empiricus and its finally complete. Dan left the naming of her to me. An honer I truly appreciate.

After long deliberation and waiting for the right name to come to mind. A clever snippet of inspiration lead rise to “Scarlet Letter”.

The name carries deeper meaning to those who have felt the sting of a grey reputation. Wether deserved or not a reputation takes on a life and flow of its own. Like a great storm that begins with a whisper. It builds and blows about, upsetting all in its path.

But like all winds, a reputation can be harnessed in your sails, driving your hull before its fury.

Like a storm will purge fear of financial loss, in favor of life. A dark stormy name purges fear of losing trivial relationships and false securities. All that remains, or builds after are forged of the best metal and honed to a razors edge.

Wind and word like this will teach you amy things. Namely; the joys of life we overlook, the people we would never have known and the shores we would never have tread. Had we lived that “Perfect” life in a subtle cool breeze….

The Scarlet Letter will carry crew and cargo, to and from beaches and docks from Kodiak to Greenland this year, under the quiet power of sail and oar. Another piece of the puzzle, nestles into place as our picture of the passage takes form.

My compliments to Dan and his skillful dedication. And his wife Mary for her patience, support and use of the garage all spring.