Ahoy, mateys! The Friends of Windjammer Days met Feb. 13 downtown and discussed this year’s festival. So, let’s start with the really big news – the following schooners were confirmed in January: Actress ( built by former owner East Boothbay resident Scott Kennedy in 1983. Kennedy named it after his grandfather, Oliver C. Weyant), Adventure, Alert, American Eagle, Ardelle, Eastwind, Ernestina-Morrissey, Harvey Gamage, Heritage, Lazy Jack, Louis E. Story, Lynx, Mary E, Sycamore, and True North.

Schooner liasion Pete Ripley also reported in addition to the locally based charter boats ready to follow your course all summer, three of the visiting schooners, Ardelle, Lynx and Adventure, will also be offering charters.

Entertainment Chair Bill Bailey informed the group of confirmed bookings: the Dyer Neck Gang and The Soul Sensations. He said he was exploring new bands and awaiting confirmation from others.

Mark Gimbel reported Landon Flynn of The Boothbay Harbor Oceanside Golf Resort has a new event planned for Thursday, June 28 on the deck: Chefs from restaurants around the region will be invited to participate in a chowder competition. Oceanside also plans to hold the post-Antique Boat Parade reception on Tuesday with free nibbles again.

Gimbel further reported that the Gathering of the Fleet, formerly known as the Parade of Sail, will be highly visible even if you’re not on a boat. Why? Because images captured by drones operated by Jonne Trees and Cody Mitchell will be shown on large screens in the Whale Park! This is most excellent news for windjammer fans on land. Let’s be honest: Watching these large, elegant ships glide into the harbor is breathtaking – no matter how many times you’ve seen it. And a narrator will announce each ship and include some background, captain or captains name(s) … that kind of thing.

Stay tuned for details – and keep checking the Friends Facebook page and the Festival website, www.boothbayharborwindjammerdays.org!

The Friends of Windjammer Days never turn away new recruits. Have a favorite event in the Festival? Be part of this dynamic group, sign on to your event’s subcommittee and be part of Windjammer history! The next meeting is at Boat House Bistro on Thursday, March 8 at 5 p.m.