Dear Editor:

In my recent photo with words I tried to explain what I saw in the water off the south end of Capitol Island. I called something a “thimble.”

Now, everyone who reads what I write knows that I have never claimed to be one with the nautical language used by seasoned navigators. So you will not be surprised to learn that what I called a “thimble” is actually a “spindle.” One is used to protect the finger when sewing, the other is intended to indicate things you had better not hit when “driving” a vessel.

Sonny Hodgdon would be jumping up and down, as are those who ply the waters of our region most probably are.

Sorry. But, fair warning; it won’t be the last time I say something dumb about boats.

Robert Mitchell

Southport