Built in 1921 for Arctic exploration, The schooner Bowdoin has been taking explorers, scientists, and students into the high latitudes for more than a century. Throughout her history, the well thought-out design by William Hand Jr. and stout construction by the Hodgdon Yard in Maine provided a safe haven in some of the harshest conditions the earth has to offer. From offshore gales to long winters frozen into the ice, Bowdoin has proved herself over and over again.

Since 1998, Bowdoin has been under the care of the Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, Maine. However, her second life in academia has not been a retirement from Arctic adventure. On this episode of ATB, we talk with Alex Peacock, the captain and passionate steward of Bowdoin and discuss his recent trip north of the Arctic Circle on MMA's iconic schooner.

Lowell's Boat shop has been located on the banks of the Merrimack River in Amesbury Ma. since 1793 and they are credited as the birthplace of the iconic fishing dory. With over 250,000 constructed over two centuries, the dory played a vital role in America's fishing industry because they were solidly built, inexpensive, could be stacked on deck and most importantly, they could be safely loaded down with a huge catch.

Although, they no longer building dories commercially, the role that Lowell's Boat Shop plays in the modern world is no less important by teaching the techniques and skills to a new crop of boat builders. After seven generations of the shop being owned by a Lowell, Graham McKay has been entrusted in keeping the boat shop's legacy alive. In this episode, we sit down with Graham to discuss the historical significance of Lowell's Boat Shop and why it is relevant in today's world.

Offshore solo sailing has long been dominated by the French, with 65% of the skippers on the starting line of the Vendée Globe flying the tricolors. And in a sport that has been traditionally sailed by men, making inroads as an American woman can be extremely challenging. But these barriers are not going to stop Erica Lush. With countless miles at sea with legends like Tracy Edwards and Liz Wardly, the local Rhode Islander is over in France training for the Solitaire du Figaro, a multi-stage solo race that is seen as a feeder race for the Vendée Globe. In this episode, we are joined with Erica in-between training races to talk about her experiences that have gotten her to France and what is next in her pursuit to sail around the world.

For more info on Erica and to follow her offshore, jump over to www.lushsailing.com