2012 Thorfinn Maine Winter Odyssey
Winter in Maine is generally a time for retreat or land based activities. Travelling by sea along the Maine Coast is rugged in the winter. While there are recreational diehards on the water in any season, their numbers are low during the winter months and it is an environment that is only suitable for the experienced and prepared. This winter Thorfinn owners Thor Emory and Chris Laughlin will endeavor to explore large portions of the coast by paddleboard, sea kayak, and on Thorfinn, their program vessel – a Maine built high-performance Presto 30 sailboat. The goals are to visit islands, their communities/residents, and to experience the unique nature of the Maine Coast in winter. Along the way they will document their adventures through the Thorfinn blog (www.thorfinnexpeditions.com), video, photographs, and on Facebook. Information about preparation, gear, training, and the individual trips will be shared. Each adventure will have its own itinerary and timeframe. From day trips to multi-day expeditions, Thor and Chris will strive to cover many miles and experience the Maine Coast in winter.
More about Thorfinn Expeditions
Sailing Expeditions, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, High-Performance Kayaking, Adventure Sports Team
Thorfinn Expeditions is an outdoor adventure/education business based in Lincolnville Beach, Maine that specializes in water-based activities (sailing, stand up paddle boarding, high-performance kayaking). Thorfinn outdoor programs range from day adventures to multi-day expeditions that seek out adventure and provide technical skill training. In addition to outdoor programs, they are a paddle sports retailer, selling the product lines used in their programs and expeditions.
Thorfinn Philosophy
People need to adventure. Thorfinn Expeditions facilitates challenging and inspiring programs that foster technical skill aquisition, physical fitness, and environmental appreciation. With our exceptional staff and equipment, we have the adaptability and experience to run adventure-based programs for any individual or group. From our retail shop to our outdoor programs, we embody fun, teamwork, learning, and perspiration.
Expedition Team
Capt. Thor Emory
Owner/Outdoor Program Director
Thorfinn owner and lead instructor Thor Emory is a life-long sailor, paddler, outdoor enthusiast, and passionate outdoor educator. Born and raised on the beautiful island of Mount Desert, home of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, he has spent most of his life exploring and leading groups in the outdoors all over North America.
For a decade, Thor worked as Senior Instructor/Captain, Staff Trainer, and as Program Manager for the Outward Bound Sea Program. In addition to sailing (inshore, offshore, and racing), he has taught climbing, sea kayaking, backpacking, skiing, outdoor leadership and environmental ethics.
Known for his strong leadership skills, creative/humorous teaching style, and absolute commitment to safety, Thor created Thorfinn Expeditions with the primary goal of providing outstanding water-based adventures and technical skill training. He has worked as a commercial fisherman and as a professional ski patroller on both eastern and western mountains.
Thor lives in Lincolnville with his two sons, Finn and Carver.
Chris Laughlin
Owner/Shop & Basecamp Manager
Thorfinn owner Chris Laughlin has spent the last 18 years paddling along the east coast in kayaks, surfskis and paddleboards. After spending 12 years working in the paddlesports industry, in both retail and manufacturing, Chris joined Thorfinn to help create a true specialty retail shop in Midcoast Maine, committed to high-end/performance paddlesports.
Chris spent seven years working with Epic Kayaks, an industry leader in high performance kayaks and paddles. During his time with Epic, Chris was able to work alongside some of the most accomplished kayakers in the industry, and spent time in several different positions with the company, including customer service, marketing & promotions and a season as their New England Sales Representative, giving him great experience and perspective on paddling as a sport.
A graduate of the University of Maine, and Outward Bound alumn/Hurricane Island volunteer, Chris lives in Lincolnville with his wife Sadie.
