The Adventures of a Boat Named Peanut

The Adventures of a Maine Peanut
A mostly true story of a boat named Peanut that was lost at sea, as told by the seagulls that witnessed it all.

In the coastal town of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, two dads and a small, beloved boat named Peanut became part of a story that was equal parts mystery, adventure, and heart. What began as a normal weekend of family plans turned into an unforgettable tale when Peanut—a sturdy 24-foot Eastern—went missing during a storm, only to be found, miraculously unscathed, days later.

For Samir and Todd, this wasn’t just any boat story. Peanut had always been more than just a vessel; she was a haven and a beloved companion on the water. The 96 hours she spent lost at sea left a lasting impact on them both, and now, their journey with Peanut has found its way into the pages of a children’s book. 

The book was written by a Doctor and a Weatherman, illustrated by a Daughter and Grandfather and Edited by a Local School Teacher. The Doctor is Samir Haydar, an ER doc at Maine Medical, the Weatherman is Todd Gunter, Chief Meteorologist at News Center Maine.  

The Day Peanut Disappeared

On Father’s Day morning in 2023, Samir headed down to Kettle Cove to check on Peanut. As an Emergency Physician in Portland, Maine, Samir valued his time on the water as a much-needed escape, a place to recharge and reconnect with his family. But as he arrived at the cove, he was met with an eerie sight: Peanut’s mooring was empty. She was gone.

In that instant, devastation washed over him. Samir couldn’t believe it—Peanut had been securely moored just days before. How could she have disappeared? He and Todd, his friend and fellow dad, quickly sprang into action. They scoured the shoreline, called on neighbors and friends, and clung to hope. But as the hours turned to days, hope began to dwindle, leaving only the nagging fear that Peanut might be lost forever.

96 Hours of Uncertainty

For four long days, Samir was haunted by thoughts of what might have happened to Peanut. Where was she? Had she been dashed against rocks? Would they ever see her again? Todd, always the optimist, suggested Peanut was “just a bit off course” and would “find her way back.” Samir, however, felt the weight of each passing day without news, fearing that his small escape from the chaos of life had been taken by the sea.

The Miraculous Return

Four days after Peanut’s disappearance, Samir received a call that changed everything. The Coast Guard had spotted a boat matching Peanut’s description drifting offshore near Ogunquit, about 50 miles south of where it went loose. Astonishingly, she appeared unharmed, unscathed by the journey or the storm. Relief, joy, and disbelief washed over Samir and Todd as they realized Peanut had somehow navigated through the tricky Maine coast, to open waters, and had survived.

The sight of Peanut, floating as if nothing had happened, felt almost miraculous. Samir was overcome with gratitude—and a sense of awe. How this little boat navigated treacherous waters and ended up 50 miles down the coast, without a single scratch, remains a mystery to this day.

How Peanut’s Story Became a Children's Book

The adventure of Peanut’s miraculous return was a story too remarkable to keep to themselves. As Samir and Todd reflected on those emotional days, they realized Peanut’s journey captured something magical: the resilience of a small boat, the love of a family, and the enduring mystery of the sea. The story of Peanut’s adventure was one they wanted to share with their families and with others. What better way than through a children’s book?

They began crafting the book as a way to capture not only the excitement and suspense of Peanut’s journey but also the sense of wonder and imagination that had grown around her story. Samir and Todd used firsthand reports and a dash of creative storytelling to bring Peanut’s adventure to life, turning her into a character with her own will and determination. The book imagines the choices Peanut might have made as she navigated through stormy waters, escaping rocky coves, and drifting down the Maine coast.

Bringing the Adventure to Life

Writing this book was more than just recounting an adventure—it was a celebration of family, resilience, and the love we feel for the places and things that bring us comfort. Peanut, with her unconventional name and mysterious personality, became a symbol of strength and endurance. 

For Samir and Todd, writing and sharing Peanut’s story has brought their family even closer, reminding them that the true joy of boating lies in the time spent with loved ones. Illustrated by Samir’s 15 year old daughter, Franny, and Jim Newton, a grandfather of another one of Peanut's regular crew members, the book captures the spirit of how boating brings families together. They hope it resonates with other families, boaters, and adventure-seekers alike, offering a reminder that sometimes the things we cherish have a way of finding their way back to us—even through a miracle.

Read the full story, by purchasing "The Adventures of a Maine Peanut" here. 

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