For me, Windjammer Days brings back memories from some 50 odd years of witnessing this special event. There have been lots of changes, but fundamentally, it's a tribute to, by and for a coastal community connected to the seas for centuries and an historic tradition. 

I am reminded of just how much ocean travel has been part of Maine culture, the Boothbay region in particular. Last week’s column mentioned efforts being made to restore area cemetery stones and properties. Even a casual stroll through any local burial grounds reveals a significant number of stones with references to ship captains, military service and cargo transport. It’s truly a significant tribute to all who have worked at sea with notable references to all who have been lost over the years, decades and centuries. Maine and our coastal communities have been a substantial resource. For me, the Windjammer event is a reminder of the great character of the Maine coast and the contributions made to this country and the world.  And, to our credit, the state is still producing highly qualified, well trained individuals who will serve this nation at sea. Institutions like Maine Maritime Academy and well-established apprenticeship programs have seen to that.

I also recall my early experiences during Windjammer Days as a highly irregular flattery lander from a world removed from coastal Maine. I grew up far from the coastal oceans and had no contact with this magnificent part of the planet. My early introductions to celebrations of this nature were totally fascinating. In the early days of my camera work I went quite nuts about all the boating and water related stuff that was going on here. Things were so different and new to me. The ships that sailed into the harbor were quite spectacular. Watching how captains maneuvered their vessels, “parking” alongside one another, avoiding contact with swarms of smaller boats and each other was mesmerizing. And the activity, even from shore, on the water was quite a show. Film was cheap then!  

I always think of my old buddy Lonny Sisson at this time of year. I recall how he and the Dash captains joined up to help promote the festival in the early days. They were quite an adventuresome team. For them, I think, the sky was the limit. They did not hold back and hoped that their efforts might help to bring business to the region, gaining in popularity as time went on. They worked hard to establish Windjammer Days as a significant event which has become more and more popular over the years. Lonny, until his passing, contributed his art and generosity and the Dashes chipped in “full speed ahead.”  

One image that still makes me smile and chuckle a bit from an early Windjammer experience captures the local dynamic duo of Mark Friant and Merritt Grover scooting about in a small Boston Whaler. The timing of their excursion records passage by the great Victory Chimes as Captain Guild settled into tight quarters off Tugboat Inn. Mark and Merritt continued their meanders unscathed. 

Today’s photo was made from the upper deck of Captain Mark Stover’s boat Red Hook just off Squirrel Island.