Since a little boy, I was fascinated by the echo in Valley Cove. The family would hike in to picnic on the beach, and we kids would whoop and holler to hear the echo, despite Father’s pleas for silence. Later, as an adult, I rowed to Valley Cove in my Maine peapod. The boat brought me closer to the focal point of the sheer cliff of St. Sauveur Mountain where I could whoop it up with the echo. That kindled the idea of playing music in that spot for its natural reverb. However, a 15’ open boat is hardly enough vessel to accommodate the band.

The concept smoldered for years. 2024 came the acquisition of the 42’ lobster yacht Omega II built by master boatwright Chummie Rich of Bass Harbor. A classic of the type, Chummie had built her for his own use as a pleasure craft. With advancing years, Chummie found it increasingly difficult to handle the heavy vessel. Reluctantly he sold Omega II for a song to friend and neighbor Barb McCrum. Barb was aware of my long-standing desire to bring Rio Bisbee.Band to Valley Cove, and in 2025 made her available for a music voyage to the echo sweet spot.

Early September weather was ideal for a boat trip. I had found an alloy sailboard mast, which I lashed to the coach roof to fly the colorful Rio Bisbee.Band banner, made for us many years ago by accredited vexilologist Dave Martucci. Bisbees Harrison, Nick, Trudi, and Duffy arrived, boarded, and soon we were underway and en route to Somes Sound and Valley Cove, captain Eric St. Denis at the helm.

Why wait? With drum, horn, guitar and accordion, we played Rio Bisbee music for the maritime community in Southwest Harbor at a stately 8 knots. Crew of the enormous ketch Rebecca lined the rails to watch and listen as we slid past, Rio Bisbee Band flag snapping in the breeze. After all, flying flags is half the fun of having a boat!

Finally, culmination of a dream! We dropped anchor not far from the plunging cliff face. Just because there is water does not mean the mountain stops going down another 100 feet. With audio recorder going, we whooped, banged and tooted for the echo. Duffy’s accordion resounded loudest, much to his delight. A tour boat full of vacationers came close by as we played, holding up their celephones to record the event for posterity. No doubt Rio Bisbee,Band will be posted on their FaceBook pages by suppertime. Good thing we showed the flag!

Alas, Valley Cove faces east and late in the day is shadowed by the mountain, making the afternoon cool. Undaunted, guitarist Harrison did a walrus and plunged off the rear deck into the frigid water. That was refreshing! Anchor weighed, we motored back to town, with a few parting notes for the echo off Flying Mountain.

Back at the dock there was no reason for folks to depart. This isn’t a skin boat! We settled in for after-party as Sun dipped below the western horizon, nibbling finger food and exulting over the successful debut of Bisbee Maritime. As evening deepened, folks headed up the gangway to shore. Crew cleaned and closed up, already thinking about a future music voyage with Rio Bisbee.Band aboard Omega II.



Come on! Let us take you on a sea cruise!

Captain Yo