A Rick E Spencer composition that had gained great top-choice status in our circles…

(Note from Rick: The barque Wanderer ran aground and was wrecked on the “Sow and Pigs” off of the island of Cuttyhunk, MA on August 25, 1924)

Her keel was laid in the yards at Mattapoisett,
spring of the year 1878
Down the ways, over water, to the Atlantic
Fit up in New Bedford to follow the whale.

Wanderer

With raw men from New England and blood from the Azores
She cruises the ocean to hunt for the whale.
Take a place on the masthead. Keep a sharp eye
For the spout or the breach or the splash of his tail.

Wanderer

Then away in the boats lads. Pull with a will
Make fast to the whale. Move in for the kill.
Try him out, stow him down, return to the masthead.
You’ll not see New Bedford ‘til the hold has been filled.

Wanderer

For forty-six years she has hunted the whale
From the Cape Verde Islands to the Kamchatka Sea.
She will voyage again. She is still strong and willing
Long after her sisters have faded away.
Now August the 24th 19 and 24, and once again she is fitted for sea.
The last square-rigged whaler anywhere on the ocean is ready.
Tomorrow is our sailing day.

Wanderer