Logo Explained

In my March 7th posting, 100 Days and Counting, I related some of the thinking behind the new logo. Now that the logo is nearly complete, a bit of expansion is in order.

The design of the logo attempts to capture three main elements: transition from the mountains to the sea, sailing adventure, and family traditions. Though it may be difficult to discern to those unfamiliar with Hoopesian lore, these elements are captured beautifully in the logo.

First, there's the outline of the logo. It's a compass rose, a symbol of ocean travel, engraved on nautical charts for navigators to set their bearings. It represents the far flung adventures to be had aboard Windleblo.

Then, there are the cresting waves in the foreground of the image contained by the compass rose. These are not just any waves. These waves are incorporated into the design of woolen hats knitted by Windleblo co-owner, first mate, and erstwhile skipper, Jocelyn. Though we never expect to be out in waves as wicked as these, they represent the element of excitement to be found on the sea.

Rising above the waves is a mountain silhouette. But this is not just any mountain silhouette. The ridge line captured here is of the Maroon Bells in Colorado's Elk Range. Among the most photographed mountains in the world, this particular shot was taken by me early on the September 2005 morning when I ascended North Maroon peak (the highest point in the silhouette) with John Hoopes and Doug Redosh. I have used this image as my primary PC desktop ever since. Last year, I summited the last of the 54 "14ers" in Colorado, a goal that took 30 years to reach, set only once the number of summits accumulated. And while I would never think my peak bagging days were over, having reached this goal now frees me to pursue others, like those that await on Windleblo.

Finally, there is the oversized setting sun that frames the Bells. For generations, our family would retreat to Windleblo Cove on Tuftonboro Neck in New Hampshire's Lake Winnipesaukee for a couple of weeks each summer. Every evening, we would watch the summer sun frame the high point on Cow Island as it set in the west. And so the setting sun on the logo represents continuing family traditions and the good times our family will have aboard Windleblo in the future.

While the thinking behind the logo was a family effort, credit for graphic creation of the logo is solely due to Emily. I am exceedingly proud of her for such a fine job.