By Greg Stidsen
Photos by John Rowntree, Tom Ducibella, Dan Donovan, and Greg & Andrea Stidsen
Drone Photo by Robert Serbagi

A SULTRY SUMMER AFTERNOON provided the perfect backdrop for our Auguest 14th AONE Ramble and Sunset Sail. Fourteen Alfas and twenty-eight adventurers arrived at the Beverly Service Plaza on Thursday afternoon for a 3:00PM departure. The planned route followed the sweeping curves and forested landscape of Route 22 through the picturesque towns of Wenham, Hamilton, and Essex, where we turned onto Route 133 and the scenic Essex River Causeway. We passed the Essex Shipbuilding Museum and Burnham Ship Works, where the Schooner Ardelle (on which we’d later sail) was constructed.

We then jumped onto Route 128 to cross the bridge into Gloucester. At the end of the highway, we swung onto local streets hugging Gloucester Harbor through East Gloucester, and then continued to follow the coastline toward Rockport. This scenic road passed many notable attractions: Rocky Neck Art Colony, Bass Rocks (where we stopped for a photo opportunity), Twin Light, Good Harbor Beach, and Pigeon Cove. We arrived at Folly Cove and the Lobster Pool Restaurant, where we enjoyed a delicious seafood dinner at tables overlooking the ocean.

As we were finishing up our meal, we could see black clouds on the horizon with the sound of distant thunder, prompting us to jump back into our Alfas for the short drive along the Annisquam River back into Gloucester to the Maritime Museum, where we would transfer to the Ardelle Schooner for part two of our adventure. No sooner had we arrived when the wind picked up and the heavens opened with a spectacular thunder shower! We scurried for shelter, and the Museum Director kindly opened the now-closed-for-the-day museum to offer safe haven.  

Here, we met Captain Harold Burnham, who assured us that the squall would pass in just a few minutes, and the Ardelle would set sail only slightly behind schedule. As we sat on folding chairs in a big circle, Harold told a few tales and explained how he started his business building and rebuilding historic boats. Harold is a seventh-generation Burnham ship builder who has revived the craft and has been recognized with a Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. 

About ten ramblers decided to abort the mission because of the inclement weather, but those of us who persisted were rewarded with an absolutely gorgeous sunset cruise. True to Captain Harold’s prediction, we boarded the Ardelle at 6:20, by which time Harold and first mate Ted had efficiently dried all the seating areas and hoisted the Alfa Biscione flag to the top of the mast. Soon, we were hoisting sails and chasing after sister schooner Thomas E. Lannon as we watched the storm blow out over the ocean, giving us incredible views of the coastline where we’d driven earlier in the afternoon.

All good things must come to an end, but, as we disembarked the schooner, we could hear live music playing right in front of the Maritime Gloucester Museum. The band Space Moose was performing as part of the Harbor Loop Concert Series across from the Fitz Hugh Lane House during Culture Splash. A spectacular ending to a memorable AONE event!

Participants

Deb and Dan Donovan with guests Bob and Donna Harrington – 2017 Giulia
John and Liz Nicosia with guest Stephanie – 2018 Giulia
Robert (Norm) Belanger with guest John – 1986 Graduate
Robert Rook and Adrien Sipos – 2020 Stelvio
Peter Walker and Meg Anderson – 1977 Spider and 2021 Mini Cooper (Meg had to leave early)
Paul and Cheryl Leone – 2017 Giulia
Tom Ducibella and Angela Nannini – 2018 Giulia Quadrifoglio
John and Roberta Rowntree – 1992 164L
Steve Perry – 2017 Giulia
Glen and Lauren Randall – 1969 Duetto
Fred Dalrymple – 1969 Duetto
Nick and Robin D’Eri – 2019 Giulia 
Seth Goldstein – 2017 Giulia 
Greg and Andrea Stidsen – 1973 GT Veloce
Joining for the sail were Stephan and Wendy de Pennasse with guests Joe and Joanne