Here are results of, and a look at, this year’s Orne’s Rock Skipping Contest.
60th Boothbay Harbor Windjammer Days Festival
Schooner Heritage sails by Burnt Island. File photo
There’s the Blessing of the (commercial) Fleet to kick things off on Sunday and the Gathering of the Fleet is on Wednesday when visiting and local schooners sail in and drop anchor. The Antique Boat Parade features a fleet of a different kind – classic pleasure cruising vessels. This year, the Antique Boat Parade is followed by a Pier Party at Bristol Marine with live music, food, boat viewings and shipyard tours. The party is a ticketed event.
Harbor Aglow is the new name for the Lighted Boat Parade event, which is preceded by boats anchored around the inner harbor to light up an hour prior to the parade.
There are two trips out to Burnt Island for a new kind of living history tour led by four of its former keepers - not all at once, of course!
Boat trip companies Balmy Days Cruises and Cap’n Fish’s Cruises add special trips on Tuesday, June 28 and/or Wednesday, June 29 to see the windjammer fleet in local waters – and for the fireworks display Wednesday night. Or … sail on local vessels Eastwind, Lazy Jack, Tyrone, Isaac H. Evans or the Agness and Dell to really be part of the scene! Visit their websites for details.
Remember the Street Parade? Well, it’s back after a two-year absence – and it will be amazing – believe it!
Competitions galore: Codfish Relay Races, Lobster Eating Contest, Boothbay’s Got Talent (an online event again this year), Rock Skipping Contest; and also returning after a two-year absence ... the Tug of War Across the Harbor!
Those fun-loving rogues, the Pirates of the Dark Rose, are coming back for another year of mayhem for adults and kids alike. Events just with kiddoes in mind – Kids Alley and Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library’s Windjammers for Wee Mateys are back.
The two-day Artists’ Alley returns, with paintings, jewelry, sculpture and more. There’s a special Burnt Island History Tour with former lighthouse keepers sharing stories about their duties as keepers as well as a few anecdotes (some are sure to be of the ghostly variety); speaking of history and ghosts, don’t miss the opportunity to go on one of the three Haunted History Tours presented by American Ghost Tours/Red Cloak.
Windjammer Days 2022
Artist’s Alley
Arts, crafts and live demonstrations were on display on the first of two days of Artist’s Alley in Whale Park in Boothbay Harbor June 30. The event opened again on July 1.
Windjammer Days 2022
Smash and swallow ... it’s a contest!
Ten contestants donned lobster bibs and faced the pair of one-pound soft shell lobsters: Pete Lee (North Carolina), Tom Hughes (Massachusetts), Joan Gray (Southport), Liz Grant (Maine), Al Havand (Florida), Kindal Tait (Texas), Sarii Yamashota (Minnesota), Christian Wdwrzasack (Michigan and Florida), Alexandra Baker (Florida) and Julie Roberts (Boothbay Harbor).
Before the shell cracking began, Roberts said she didn’t like lobster. This could have given her the advantage: She wouldn’t get... Read more
Windjammer Days 2022
Gathering of the Fleet and fireworks
Contributing photographer Michael Leonard of Yarmouth and Squirrel Island provided these photos of the 60th Windjammer Days Gathering of the Fleet during his annual Windjammer Photography Cruise provided by Balmy Days Cruises, and the Windjammer Days fireworks displays shot, with permission, from the future home of East Side Waterfront Park on Atlantic Avenue. Both events were held Wednesday, June 29. The newspaper appreciates Leonard’s longstanding contributions of photographs of the region’s... Read more
Windjammer Days 2022
Hooked on those fish relay races!
The Fish Relay Races held Wednesday, June 29 during the 60th Boothbay Harbor Windjammer Days Festival drew a very large crowd, and why not? It’s one of the most exciting and fun competitions adopted from the region’s former Fishermen’s Festival.
The winning team was Shmaker’s Bay. All four runners and their “manager” were from the Youth Sailing Program at Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club, with a time of two minutes and 55.08 seconds.
Competitors must put on fisherman’s rain gear: jacket, bib... Read more
Windjammer Street Parade 2
Take a look at the June 29 Windjammer Days Street Parade from the other side of the street.
Windjammer Days 2022
Miss Windjammer, Top Royal chosen
Jessie Ullo, daughter of Nick and Tracey Ullo of Boothbay Harbor, was chosen as Miss Windjammer 2022, and Jojo Shea, daughter of Chris Cash and Rich Shea of Nobleboro, was chosen at Top Royal in the virtual Boothbay’s Got Talent competition shown originally on Monday on Boothbay Region TV.
The winners were announced Wednesday, June 29 in Boothbay Harbor’s Whale Park. Prior to the announcement, Miss Windjammer 2020 Scout Martin and Kings of the Harbor 2021 Kameron Fowlie and Ford Harris sang... Read more
Meet Audrey Hodgdon of Hodgdon Yachts
On the anniversary of the 60th year celebrating Windjammers Days and maritime history, we pay homage to our founder, Captain Marion Dash for her contribution as a female role model in our maritime community. It is her legacy that has inspired the Friends of Windjammer Days to celebrate the women who are working on the waterfront today who in turn inspire young girls and future maritime generations to come.
Six generations of a successful family business is quite a legacy. Audrey Hodgdon is the... Read more
’Round Town
Windjammer Days, part 2
There is an old saying, “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” It seems that is a statement I may have heard from my grandmother of Irish ancestors when referring to the “Lightning Glider” sled I had versus the “Lightning Glider” sled I desired! I was a sledding maniac as a kid. Problem was, I crashed a lot. My grandmother recommended restraint, but I preferred something sleeker and faster. I settled for the bird in hand, despite design flaws and patchwork repairs. And, multiple hidden... Read more
Windjammer Days 2022
Windjammers for Wee Mateys
Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library held its annual Windjammers for Wee Mateys June 28. The event provided games and activities for children gathered in Boothbay Harbor for the week-long celebration.
BHML Executive Director Joanna Breen said the event was a hit with a steady stream of kids and families.
“I brought back coffees for the (BHML staff) and I looked up and there had to be like 75 people on the library lawn,” said Breen.
The event ran from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., but many stayed later to... Read more
Windjammer Days 2022
Harbor Aglow
The Harbor Aglow lighted boat parade ended the first day of the Windjammer Days festival June 26. Over a dozen boats, from yachts to outboards and fishing vessels, were decked out with original, lighted designs. The boats circled the inner harbor twice.
Along with the blessing of the fleet earlier in the day, Harbor Aglow kicked off the week-long slew of events. Peppered throughout the week will be pancake breakfasts, kids events, cruises and lobster bakes, haunted history tours and more.... Read more
Windjammer Days 2022
Blessing of the Fleet
Thirty-five commercial boats passed by the Boothbay Harbor fish pier on Atlantic Avenue to be blessed during the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony on Sunday afternoon, June 26. The event was one of three events scheduled on the opening day of the 60th Windjammer Days festival.
Deacon Tom Blatz of All Saints Parish provided the blessings as he sprinkled holy water using an aspergillum upon each each boat as it passed by the pier.
From the editor
Welcome to Windjammer Days!
Windjammer Days has been the Boothbay region’s summertime drawing card for 60 years. Despite its being canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, the now week-long festival honoring our boat-building heritage draws thousands down Route 27 to our shores.
This year’s events will be held between Sunday, June 26 and Saturday, July 2. For a complete schedule, visit www.boothbayharborwindjammerdays.org/schedule
Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club will start things off with a Fun Sail on Sunday at 1 p.m. View the... Read more
Women on the Waterfront
Elaine Jones had the gift of vision for DMR
On the anniversary of the 60th year celebrating Windjammers Days and maritime history, we pay homage to our founder, Captain Marion Dash for her contribution as a female role model in our maritime community. It is her legacy that has inspired the Friends of Windjammer Days to celebrate the women who are working on the waterfront today who in turn inspire young girls and future maritime generations to come.
From her first day as an intern at the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) in 1976 to... Read more
Women on the Waterfront
Terry Arford, boat captain
On the anniversary of the 60th year celebrating Windjammers Days and maritime history, we pay homage to our founder, Captain Marion Dash for her contribution as a female role model in our maritime community. It is her legacy that has inspired the Friends of Windjammer Days to celebrate the women who are working on the waterfront today who in turn inspire young girls and future maritime generations to come.
Terry Arford received her captain’s license in 1976. After 46 years piloting boats and... Read more
Enter Boothbay’s Got Talent youth competition
Boothbay’s Got Talent is back this year and plans to continue with the online format for the competition portion of the event. The reason for this is to give local youth and teens the opportunity to showcase their special talents, whatever they may be.
With the online format your talent could be lobstering, volunteering, horseback riding, etc. Competition Director Emily Mirabile feels it is important for the competition to not primarily focus on singing and dancing. All youth in our community... Read more
Women on the Working Waterfront
Katie Doughty was raised a mariner
On the anniversary of the 60th year celebrating Windjammers Days and maritime history, we pay homage to our founder, Captain Marion Dash for her contribution as a female role model in our maritime community. It is her legacy that has inspired the Friends of Windjammer Days to celebrate the women who are working on the waterfront today who in turn inspire young girls and future maritime generations to come.
Whether it was summers sailing the coast of Maine or days spent at the shipyard, Katie... Read more
Women on the Working Waterfront
Dr. Clarice Yentsch: Research scientist, educator, author, humanitarian
On the anniversary of the 60th year celebrating Windjammers Days and maritime history, we pay homage to our founder, Captain Marion Dash for her contribution as a female role model in our maritime community. It is her legacy that has inspired us to celebrate the women who are working on the waterfront today who in turn inspire young girls and future maritime generations to come.
Dr. Clarice Yentsch received her Ph.D. from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In her class... Read more
Women on the Waterfront
Barbara Scully: Marine biologist and aquaculture pioneer
On the anniversary of the 60th year celebrating Windjammers Days and maritime history, we pay homage to our founder, Captain Marion Dash for her contribution as a female role model in our maritime community. It is her legacy that has inspired the Friends of Windjammer Days to celebrate the women who are working on the waterfront today who in turn inspire young girls and future maritime generations to come.
Mention the name Barbara Scully up and down the Maine coast and you will receive a nod... Read more
Women on the Waterfront
Linda Greenlaw has worn many hats
On the anniversary of the 60th year celebrating Windjammers Days and maritime history, we pay homage to our founder, Captain Marion Dash for her contribution as a female role model in our maritime community. It is her legacy that has inspired the Friends of Windjammer Days to celebrate the women who are working on the waterfront today who in turn inspire young girls and future maritime generations to come.Swordboat captain, best selling author, Discovery channel celebrity, co-owner of Wesmac... Read more
Two new events for Windjammer Days Festival 2022
Two exciting new events will join the line-up alongside many longtime favorite activities during the 60th annual Windjammer Days this summer.Harbor Aglow - a celebration of lights, will bring joy to the harbor on Sunday, June 26. Boat owners are invited to participate and compete for cash, prizes and bragging rights by lighting up their boats for all to enjoy.In addition to the traditional parade around the harbor, boat owners can join in the festivities right from their slip or mooring by... Read more
Women on the Working Waterfront
Meet Captain Tiffany Krihwan
On the anniversary of the 60th year celebrating Windjammers Days and maritime history, we pay homage to our founder, Captain Marion Dash for her contribution as a female role model in our maritime community. It is her legacy that has inspired the Friends of Windjammer Days to celebrate the women who are working on the waterfront today who in turn inspire young girls and future maritime generations to come.
From the time she was 9 years old when she took sailing lessons at her grandfather's... Read more
Women on the Waterfront
Virginia Oliver is somewhat of a celebrity in these parts
On the anniversary of the 60th year celebrating Windjammers Days and maritime history, we pay homage to our founder, Captain Marion Dash for her contribution as a female role model in our maritime community. It is her legacy that has inspired the Friends of Windjammer Days to celebrate the women who are working on the waterfront today who in turn inspire young girls and future maritime generations to come.
Most people know her as the oldest lobster fisher in the state and some say - the world... Read more
Women of the Working Waterfront
Meet Nikki Strout of Rugged Seas
On the anniversary of the 60th year celebrating Windjammers Days and maritime history, we pay homage to our founder, Captain Marion Dash for her contribution as a female role model in our maritime community. It is her legacy that has inspired the Friends of Windjammer Days to celebrate the women who are working on the waterfront today who in turn inspire young girls and future maritime generations to come.
Nikki Strout and her husband Taylor started a little “side” business with the premise of... Read more
Celebrating Women on the Working Waterfront
Remembering Marion Dash, co-founder of the Windjammer Days Festival
Historically, maritime careers were considered for men only. Back in the day, a woman was more likely to be seen as the figurehead carved on the bowsprit of a boat rather than as a deckhand or captain. In the 1700s, some sailors believed having a woman onboard a ship was bad luck. Even with that, there are many extraordinary stories of women saving the day on the high seas.
In 1846, Caroline Mayhew accompanied her husband Captain William Mayhew on the vessel Powhaton which sailed out of Martha... Read more
Get the up-to-date information on your favorite events on the official Festival website!
Public and private sails daily: two-hour, three-hour, half-day and full day trips are available: Visit Alert Boothbay Harbor Sailing Schedule
Docked at Boothbay Harbor Oceanside Golf Resort after Gathering of the Fleet on Wednesday, June 29.
Sunday, June 26
Monday, June 27
Over 101 years ago on April 9, 1921 Schooner Bowdoin was launched at Hodgdon Brothers Boatyard in East Boothbay, Maine.Schooner Bowdoin is the official vessel of Maine and the flagship of Maine Maritime Academy's Vessel Operations and Technology program.
Schooner Bowdoin will be at the Town Dock next to the Thomas E. Lannon.
Angelique: 21st-century safety standards and the authenticity of classic 19th-century English Channel and North Sea windjammers.
American Eagle, a National Historic Landmark since 1991, has been coming to Boothbay Harbor’s Windjammer Days for most of the festival’s 60-year history!
The Oliver Hazard Perry of Rhode Island provides innovative and empowering education programs at sea and ashore to promote personal growth and professional development, while raising awareness of opportunities in the maritime industry, marine trades, and defense sector for the communities of Rhode Island and Southern New England.
Isaac H. Evans is the oldest surviving oyster fishing schooner that calls Boothbay Harbor its homeport.
Sycamore
The steel, two-masted, pinky schooner was built over 16 years in Alna by Captain Fred Bowers and launched from East Boothbay Aug. 3, 2017. She was named for the sycamore trees that surrounded Bowers’ childhood home.
A 38-foot wooden schooner constructed in Essex, Massachusetts in 2006. This is her first year here for the Festival.
The sixth schooner built by Herb and Doris Smith in Albion in the mid-late 90s ... and then sailed to Cape Town, South Africa in September 1999.
Tyrone’s homeport is Boothbay Harbor. She is used as a teaching vessel for those who want to learn how to sail on a weekend or week long sailing expedition.
Designed and built by Doug and Linda Lee, Heritage was launched April 16, 1983. This year marks the 38th year she has sailed in for Windjammer Days!
A 37-foot traditional wooden gaff rigged ketch designed by Boothbay Harbor boat builder Roy Blaney and Naval architect Thomas C. Gillmer. Built by Blaney in 1981.
The Ernestina-Morrisey is at The Shipyard at Boothbay Harbor/Bristol Marine, 120 Commercial St. There are two events being held there: A talk about the rebuilding of the historical vessel there June 27 from 4 to 5 p.m. and the Antique Boat Parade Pier Party June 30 immediately following the parade.
The 48-foot vessel modeled after the traditional fishing schooners of the 1800s calls Boothbay Harbor homeport.
True North
True North was built in 1939 by Goudy & Stevens over in East Boothbay. She’s a 56-foot Alden Schooner, one of the 45 left!
Agness and Dell
A 45-foot schooner built in Nova Scotia in 1945 – another beauty whose homeport is Boothbay Harbor.
This 65-foot vessel was designed and built by Harold A. Burnham of Essex, Massachusetts in 1997 for Tom Ellis. Burnham’s design was based on the Gloucester fishing schooner Nokomis, designed by Capt. George Melville McClain.
WJD shuttle
Blessing of the Fleet
Sunday, June 26
1:30 p.m.
Best viewing – East Side at Fishermen’s Memorial Park; Whale Park; Footbridge; anywhere around the Harbor.
Monday, June 27
Thursday, June 30
A new approach to the Island’s history tour, told by actual lighthouse keepers who served there! Balmy Days Cruises provides the ferry. Advance reservations only: call 207-633-2284! Depart from Pier 8 at 1:45 p.m., return 4:30 p.m.
Street Parade
Wednesday, June 29
4 p.m.
Parade begins from the Boothbay Region schools toward Commercial Street.
Gathering of the Fleet
Wednesday, June 29
Between 1-3 p.m.
View the majestic schooners as they enter the inner harbor to drop anchor!
NEW: Antique Boat Parade Pier Party!
Thursday, June 30
The Shipyard/Bristol Marine
120 Commercial St.
4:30-7 p.m.
Rain date: Friday, July 1
Immediately following the Antique Boat Parade. A ticketed event, $40 pp, with music by Chris & Dave Gagne ~ appetizers ~ drinks ~ antique boats to admire tied up at the docks. https://gtgtickets.com/index.php/my-events/pier-party-at-the-shipyard
There is no parking at the Shipyard for this event. The Shipyard is 0.2 miles from Whale Park, in a westerly direction on Commercial Street, it is a 4 minute walk. Parking is available at various locations around town. A free trolley will pick up pier party goers at Boothbay Region High School, across from the YMCA, 236 Townsend Ave. and 11 Howard St.
Antique Boat Parade
Thursday, June 30
4 p.m.
Antique boats parade around the inner harbor. Announcing of the vessels is done from the Whale Park, Commercial Street.
Harbor Aglow and the Lighted Boat Parade
Sunday, June 26
8:30-10 p.m.
At dusk vessels around the harbor will light up prior to the parade, which starts at 9 p.m. Best viewing: on a boat or anywhere around the harbor.
Haunted History Tours
Sunday, June 26
Wednesday, June 29
Thursday, June 30
7 p.m.
Hear local accounts of three major types of ghosts - residual manifestations, intelligent hauntings, and poltergeist - during this 90-minute walking tour. Suitable for all ages. Service dogs only. Advance reservations only: Tickets are $20 pp at https://redcloaktours.com or call 1-833-GHOST13.
Artists Alley
Thursday, June 30
Friday, July 1
Whale Park/Commercial Street
Art demos. Silent auction. Paintings. Jewelry. Pottery. Scrimshaw. Apothecary items. Alpaca wool clothing. Clothing. Windchimes (Friday only).
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
International Rock Skipping Contest
Friday, July 1
11 a.m.
Down at the water line, Footbridge area parking lot.
Bring your own chukkars for three skims. Four divisions. $5 registration fee at sign up morning of event. Prizes! Sponsored by Orne’s Candy Store.
In memory of Arthur Webster.
Pancake Breakfasts
Tuesday, June 28
Wednesday, June 29
Whale Park
7-10 a.m.
Breakfast includes hash browns, eggs, pancakes, bacon, blueberry muffin, coffee and juice. An amazing breakfast for $10 pp. Cooked and served up by local firefighters.
Lobster Eating Contest
Wednesday, June 29
Whale Park
12:30 p.m.
Ten contestants will vie for braggin’ rights and $100 cash. Be the first to eat two 1 pound lobster claws, tails, and knuckles and let the braggin’ (and spending) begin! Sign up at the Friends of WJD tent in the Whale Park day of the competition.
Cod Fish Relay Races
Wednesday, June 29
Commercial Street, near Whale Park
2 p.m.
Such fun - be ye contestant or spectator ...
Teams don fisherman wet weather gear, take hold of two fish and run like you-know-what round the short race route and back. First team finishing wins a $100 cash prize!
Teams sign up at the Friends of Windjammer Days tent in the Whale Park day of races.
Tug of War Across the Harbor
Friday, July 1
Teams meet in the parking lot near the footbridge and Wannawaf
High Noon
This popular event pits east against west, sides of Boothbay Harbor, that is. The course spans 700 feet. Teams vie for bragging rights and possession of the Trophy Cup for one year. That cup has been held by the 2018 and 2019 winning team – Clear Stream Construction! Will they return to retain championship status? Only one way to find out!
Team sign up at https://www.boothbayharborwindjammerdays.org/tug-of-war
NEW this year: The Chowder House, on the edge of the parking lot, is the location for drinks and food starting at 11 a.m. - just in time for the rock skipping and tug. Tickets are $8/advance on the website above or $10/door.
Pirates of the Dark Rose
All Pirates of the Dark Rose events are in Whale Park.
Puppet show: Tuesday, June 28, 10-10:30 a.m. ~
Tortuga open (games and activities): Tuesday, June 28, 11a.m. to 1 p.m., and Wednesday, June 29, 10-11 a.m.
Tours of the Must Roos: Tuesday, June 28, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Wednesday, June 29 (ship’s rail only), 2-3 p.m.
Crudbeard’s Cannon Lessons: Tuesday, June 28, 11:30 a.m., 4 p.m. and on Wednesday, June 29, 10:30 a.m.
Weapons show: Tuesday, June 28, 2 p.m.
Recruiting & Training Young Pirates for Wednesday’s battle, Tuesday, June 28, 3 p.m.
Battle for Boothbay Harbor: Wednesday, June 29 at High Noon!
Fireworks
Wednesday, June 29
9 p.m.
Best viewing: On the water and anywhere around the Harbor.
Ernestina-Morrissey Talk at The Shipyard/Bristol Marine
Monday, June 28
120 Commercial St.
4-5 p.m.
Master shipwrights rebuilding the beloved vessel talk about the complete rebuild and outlook for Ernestina’s setting back out to sea. A free event - however, donations are never discouraged! And !00% goes to the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey Association.
Just for the kids
KIDS ALLEY
Tuesday, June 28
Whale Park
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Boothbay House Hill Road
Crafts and games galore!
WINDJAMMERS FOR WEE MATEYS
Tuesday, June 28
Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library - 4 Oak St.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Storytelling, games and crafts.
Youth T-shirts
This year’s youth T-shirt design is by Georgia Griffith, a sixth grade student at Southport Central School on Southport Island. Georgia sketched the design of her favorite parts of Windjammer Days - the schooners and fireworks, in pencil first, filled in with colored pencils, and outlined all in pen.
The youth T’s are soft gray. They, and all of the official Festival T’s and hats, will be available at the Friends of WJD tent in the Whale Park on Tuesday, June 28 and Wednesday, June 29.
