L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Bags - The Complete Guide (2024 Edition)

Photos by Salt Water New England

I have received quite a few questions about L.L. Bean Boat and Tote bags.  Here are the top ten, and my answers (and some answers from the community).  

• Boat and Tote, Zip-Top <https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/37037>

• Boat and Tote, Open-Top <https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/33381>

1. What is an L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Bag?

Reader Question: Wooden or Fiberglass Boat? A Friend's Response

Photos by Salt Water New England

My family is just starting to look at a new boat. Do you have an opinion about wood vs. fiberglass? Just curious. Thanks!

(Here is a friend's response from a licensed captain (United Stated Coast Guard 50 Ton Master license)):

A preference between wooden and fiberglass yachts is a nuanced affair. A boat is not only a work of art, but also a machine of science based on technology developed over millennia. I urge one to consider the art and the science of any boat independently.

A successful yacht design combines form and function - art and science - into a package that is a beautiful creation both emotionally and empirically. There are endless variations of shape and style as well as many variations on structure: rig, hull and keel. And, form and function impact each other every minute. As one example, you have seen classic boats with long overhangs - the bow and stern project themselves graciously over the water - as well as more modern boats with a "plumb" bow and stern where there is much less overhang. 

Favorite Harbors

Photo by Salt Water New England

A question for the community:

What is your favorite New England harbor?

People on Boats

Photos by Salt Water New England

Some photos we have taken over the years...

 

Nantucket Reds

Photos by Salt Water New England

Reds

Reds, such as Nantucket Reds, are an iconic style and color of trousers (and now, shorts).  

The original Reds came from Brittany, France in the 1800s.  The sails of fishing boats were treated with reddish tannins from tree barks for mildew protection.  Remaining material was cut and sewn into work trousers for the fisherman, which became know as Breton Reds.  

Long before Murray's Nantucket Reds were invented, the red pants of choice of yachtsmen and crew, were of course the 'real' Breton Reds. Long ago I picked up a pair of these classic yachting pants while sailing the Channel Races. The pants, after a while, turned a fabulous washed out red that could only be achieved by being on the ocean (not counting the Nantucket fast ferry). They were soft, the right degree of "baggy" and worn by just about every blue water sailor. (Comment, skiwithapro)

Early April Boatyard

Photos by Salt Water New England

 

Taken at the Start of a Newport to Bermuda Race

Photo by Muffy Aldrich

 

Newport in April

Photos by Salt Water New England

Big Ti

Photos by Salt Water New England

TICONDEROGA OF GREENWICH

• Built:  1936 at the Quincy Adams Yacht Yard, Quincy, Mass for Harry Noyes

• 72-foot, clipper-bowed ketch 

• Mainmast - 86 Feet

• Naval Architect: L. Francis Herreshoff

• Exterior Designer: Ralph E. Richmond

• Interior Designer: John Munford

• Refit: 1968, 1989

 

Kayaking

Photos by Salt Water New England

Two questions for the community:

• What is your favorite place to kayak?

• What advice would you give people who were interested in taking up kayaking?

 

In the News: South Bristol's Gamage Shipyard, Builder of Schooner MARY DAY

Schooner MARY DAY - Photos by Salt Water New England

The Lincoln Country News reported "South Bristol’s Gamage Shipyard Has New Owners."

• <https://lcnme.com/business/south-bristols-gamage-shipyard-has-new-owners/>

This Time of Year...

Photos from the Archives of Salt Water New England

Whale Watching, Provincetown, 1983

Photo by Salt Water New England

"Those were innocent days when the Dolphin Fleet ships made a few daily excursions. These days there is a big fleet of larger watercraft stuffed with passengers dispatching many times a day in high season. From Race Point it looks like a daily marine traffic jam offshore." (Comment)

Herreshoff SPARTAN

Photo by Salt Water New England

Question for the Community: Which Vessel?

All Photos by Salt Water New England

Part of the fun of spending some time on the water is the variety of vessels one encounters.  Given that, a question for the community:

If you could go out on any kind of boat for a few hours this afternoon, what kind would it be?

A Lovely Hinckley

Photos by Salt Water New England

Schooner SILVER HEELS

Photos by Salt Water New England

Naming Your Boat

Photos by Salt Water New England

I am a long time reader, but first time emailer.  We are in the process of choosing a name for our new boat and I was curious if you've ever thought of compiling a list of TDP/preppy boat names.  Some are certainly better than others and I was interested in your thoughts.    

Thank you and keep up the great work. 

Best wishes.

A Bit of History of Sachems Head, Connecticut

By Edna Seward Stevens, born 1878, Wellesley Class of 1900.
Presented June 1931 at The Whitfield Society, Guilford, Connecticut
Original Photographs, Presented Here Anachronistically, from Stevens Family Archives;  Used with Permission.

An Old and Dear Friend, and Granddaughter of Author Edna Seward Stevens, Sally Stevens at Connecticut's Sachems Head Yacht Club (founded by her great-grandfather).

What should I wear, do, and bring when invited to go sailing or boating?

Photos by Salt Water New England

 What should I wear, bring, and know when invited to go sailing?

Know before:

• When and where to meet.
• The name of the boat.
• Who will bring the food.
• How many people are with you.  Do not show up with more people than were invited.

Wear: