From my apartment overlooking Salem Harbor, I've often watched the FAME sailing across the water as gracefully as a swan. Last Thursday, I finally said, "It's time I joined her"--and I did. What a "mer"-velous experience! The weather was ideal, with bright sun and a freshening breeze, which enabled us to travel as far out as Baker's Island. Along the way, Captain Mike gave us a fascinating history of the FAME in her incarnations as both a fishing vessel and privateer. As we helped to steer the schooner or raise her sails, he quietly quizzed crewwoman Molly, a student at a Maine seafaring academy, on the finer points of maritime law. He himself pronounced the sail a success as we docked at precisely the projected time for our return--and I know I felt the same way. "Fair seas and following winds" to you, FAME and crew--I'll "sea" you again soon!