2026 Marine Trawler Owners Association (MTOA) Northeast Region Inaugural “Port Call” Flotilla

​Sunday, 6/21/26 (Cuttyhunk, MA) Day 1 ~ Father’s Day

​Coordinator Host: Kathy & Tom K (M/V Liberty)

Attendees: Janet & Jacques L (M/V Soul Mates), Jill & Bill F (M/V Seahorse), JoAnn & Kent T (M/V Grace), Kathy & Tom K (M/V Liberty), Maryanne & Bob O (M/V Ocean Magic), Sandi & Rich V (M/V Ocean Lady)

Special Comments:

• By early afternoon Marine Trawler Owners Association (MTOA) Members began to arrive like dominoes, two tied vessels on the docks (Cuttyhunk Marina) and majority on mooring balls.
• Shortly, after arrival tenders were dropped to commence exploring the quaint town charm. We enjoyed a delicious lunch, Cuttyhunk Lobster Shack. Lobster Roll, of course! Picnic tables overlooking Cuttyhunk Pond. Noticing another couple with the touristy gaze and a Loopers t-shirt, Bill & Jill F (M/V Seahorse) joined us for lunch.
• Slowly, we all began to connect, of all places the Cuttyhunk Corner Store (Cuttyhunk, MA).
• For 5PM dinner, we met at the on the dock picnic tables where a variety of take-out style meals were available from BBQ (ribs), Cuttyhunk Lobster Shack (lobster), and/or Cuttyhunk Shell Farms (seafood).
• Everyone enjoyed a scoop or two of ice cream (Cuttyhunk Ice Cream Shop) for dessert.
• One by one our crowd began to depart and retreat onboard their vessels.

My Recap…

There is a rare, quiet magic to Cuttyhunk Island, a place where the modern world gently fades into the background and the rhythm of life is dictated only by the tides.

On this tiny slice of land, doing nothing becomes the most fulfilling thing you can do. Without the constant hum of mainland distractions, the days stretch out, long and beautifully empty, filled only by the sound of the ocean and the whistle of the wind.

Community here is not forced; it is woven into the very fabric of daily survival and connection. With only a few local businesses to gather at, these spots become the warm, beating heart of the island. You find yourself striking up effortless conversations with residents, sharing stories over morning coffee or fresh seafood, immediately feeling less like a visitor and more like a part of the collective whole.

Life simplifies beautifully when the Wi-Fi turns temperamental. Instead of screens glowing in the dark, you see children playing innocently in the lanes, their laughter echoing through the salty air as they discover the world the old-fashioned way. On Cuttyhunk, you learn to unplug from the digital noise and plug back into humanity. It is a sanctuary that reminds us how sweet life can taste when we finally agree to slow down, look up, and just breathe.

Monday, 6/22/26 (Falmouth, MA) Day 2

Port Captain Host: Maryanne & Bob O (M/V Ocean Magic), Pat & Joe Apicella

Attendees: Janet & Jacques L (M/V Soul Mates), Jill & Bill F (M/V Seahorse), JoAnn & Kent T (M/V Grace), Kathy & Tom K (M/V Liberty), Maryanne & Bob O (M/V Ocean Magic), Pat & Joe Apicella, Sandi & Rich V (M/V Ocean Lady)

Special Comments:

• Maryanne & Bob O (M/V Ocean Magic) departed before everyone to receive us at Falmouth Town Marina (Falmouth, MA). Also, where Pat & Joe Apicella will be joining us for dinner, Flying Bridge Restaurant (Falmouth, MA).
• A impromptu short anchorage stop at (Naushon Island) Tarpaulin Cove (N41°28.504′ W70°45.621′) for a pit stop. Tenders drop for a walk and photo opportunity at Tarpaulin Cove Lighthouse (Gosnold, MA). Pooches greeted by ticks and humans with branches on exposed skin.
• Everyone enjoyed lunch on their own while at anchorage. Due to hull designs Janet & Jacques L (M/V Soul Mates) or Sandi & Rich V (M/V Ocean Lady) rafted up with the others.

My Recap…

Tarpaulin Cove offers a timeless sanctuary for weary sailors. Located on the east coast of Naushon Island (privately owned by the Forbes Family, managed and preserved, Naushon Island Trust), this protected harbor wraps around anchored boats like a quiet embrace.

Here, the frantic pace of the mainland dissolves. The only sounds are the crying of distant gulls, the creak of rigging, and the steady hum of nature. It is a place to drop anchor, breathe deeply, and find stillness.