My buddy James Eves from Cape Ann Giclee writes in-
Hey Joey,
I can’t thank you enough for spearheading the 2013 Rum and Cigar Cruise on the Lannon. I saw the post on GMG about 6 weeks ago and thought that I should buy a ticket. I yelled from my desk to Anna, “Hey, I think I’ll buy a ticket to the Rum and Cigar Cruise”. She agreed. (lucky for me, my wife, partner and muse encourages me to take time to enjoy the benefits of living in heaven). So, I bought a ticket.
I tried to get some work done today, but really spent most of my time in anticipation of the cruise. I stopped pretending to work at about 4:30 and headed down to the dock at five. I was first on line for the 6:00 cruise and watched the unloading of passengers from the previous sail. I met Mimi, An older woman (she told me her age but made me promise not to reveal her secret). She is from Haverhill, but the highlight of her year, every year, is spending a few weeks in Gloucester. We do live in the best place on earth.
Mimi left and I watched the Lannon crew prep the ship for the next cruise.
After a reasonably short wait they started loading the ship. I walked down the ramp and onto the deck. I was there greeted by a young woman from Old Cuban Cigar Company who handed me two fine cigars. I lit my first one immediately. Once we were all aboard the Captain spoke of safety and what to expect on the cruise around Gloucester harbor. He then introduced the Old Cuban Cigar guy who told us just how fine the cigars we were smoking were. He, in turn, introduced us to Bob Ryan of Ryan & Wood Distillery. Bob and his wife proceeded to dole out rum the likes of which few get to enjoy.
With the strong smoke and smooth drink my work life faded to a blurry haze. Then I was able to truly appreciate where I was and see the beauty of Gloucester Harbor.
It was a beautiful night with a strong wind. The crowd on the boat were all GMG FOBs so I felt right at home. I was, however a bit disappointed that Joey C wasn’t there. Then I heard some cheers from the back of the boat and then saw Joey arriving in a small inflatable to starboard. “well”, I thought, “the party now begins”. and so it did.
I must say, how grateful I am to you, Joey, for your enthusiasm and the role model you are for those of us in Gloucester who truly strive to grow our community through our business and our lives. I was quite a treat to watch from the bow as you circled the boat and brought the party to life.
It was indeed a beautiful cruise. It felt timeless.
Once docked there was talk of an after party at Stones. I’d never been. ( I know it odd but I am fairly new to Gloucester.) The party continued there and I could see that the cruise had washed away the hard days work for more that just me.
Wow, What a perfect night, only in Gloucester!!
Good Morning Gloucester 
Looks like a great time, as always with FOB’s and of course the Lannon and the views
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Thanks for the pics and the story, great to see and read about, sorry I missed this one!!
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Seems a good time as had by all!
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You should’ve takin a header off the Zodiak. That would’ve been a great post.
next time take one for the team.
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Totally blown opportunity right there, you’re right!
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Towards the end of the cruise I and Ed Collard spoke with some folks from Tennessee. They were traveling the coast. While in Boston they picked up a visitor guide (Discover Gloucester or Cape Ann Chamber, I do not know which) and saw the ads for Gloucester restaurants and the Schooner Thomas E. Lannon. This quiet couple, a nurse and a hot water pump sales agent, somehow got their tickets for the GMG Cigar and Rum Cruise just that night. They did not know what they were in for, but just sat and soaked in the whole experience. All the different pockets of conversation, some on cooking, some on city issues, and some as usual, a bit more “saltier”. Then Joey came aboard via the inflatable. I think I heard him say to his wife something like, “You just can’t write this stuff”. I thought they were Friend of Blog’ers that I had not met. It was quite rewarding to see these two grin as they stated to us that Cape Ann will be a big part of their conversation when they get home. He is saving one of his “Old Cuban” cigars for that moment. Also, that Gloucester will see them again! If you are reading this, we will welcome you back friends.
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