ABOUT SAIL AÑEJO
Captain Michael Birchenough and First Mate Stephanie Birchenough started sailing on a 1980 35’ Island Trader Catch, they called it a piano boat with all the beautiful wood it boasted. Next they bought a 1979 30’ Catalina that the Captain bought for Stephanie as a gift! They sailed the Catalina until 2003 when they landed a 31.6’ Catalina Sloop.
In 2016, this unstoppable duo decided to take a leap and move to Gloucester, MA to be closer to all the things they love: the ocean and sailing. This is when they realized they wanted to share their love for sailing with so many who had never stepped foot on a sailboat.
So, in 2019 they found this boat, a 2006 Beneteau Oceanis 373 in NY. As it turns out that was also the dawn of the Pandemic. It seemed like the perfect time to slowly work their way from Huntington Bay, NY to Gloucester, MA. No matter what size sailboat they are on, they make quite a team when you see them sailing.
MEET THE CREW
CAPTAIN BIRCH
Captain Birch has been sailing since he was 13. His father turned him on to sailing at a young age and he has been sailing ever since. Captain Birch holds a Masters 50-ton captain’s license, Auxiliary Sail Endorsement, American Sailing Association Certified and International Proficiency Yachts Helmsman for Mediterranean waters. He is also one of the Assistant Harbor Masters in Gloucester, patrolling the Cape Ann water ways.
FIRST MATE STEPH
Stephanie started sailing when she met Birch. The water has always been in her blood and sailing just made sense. They have been sailing together for over 20 years, and have sailed together in New England, Long Island Sound, Almalfi Coast Mediterranean and the US Virgin Islands & British Virgin Islands for many years.
AÑEJO
2006 37’ Beneteau Oceanis 373 Sloop
Her home is on a mooring between Ten Pound Island & Rocky Neck, in Historic Gloucester Harbor
Specifications
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Yanmar Diesel engine 39 hp
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2021 fitted with brand new Neil Pryde sails
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Full head with shower
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Transom & transom shower, should you decide to take a dip.
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Full galley (kitchen), with refrigerator and ice box
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Spacious cockpit with table for all your snacks and drinks
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Dodger and bimini to help get you out of the wind and sun (and sometimes the occasional sun shower)
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Navigation system
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Auto pilot
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Enough lifejackets for all passenger onboard