Hello Shipmates,

Where has the summer gone? It seems like just last week we were leaving the dock for our first trip of the 2019 season.  

June brought us families celebrating Father's Day on a quick weekend trip, celebrating the summer solstice,  and a trip to Boothbay Harbor for Windjammer Days.  

Friends of Windjammer Days photo

We had a delicious traditional lobster dinner at Cabbage Island the day before sailing into Boothbay Harbor, an afternoon walk ashore, and fireworks that night.

The first week of July was the annual Great Schooner Race.  We chalked up another victory as we brought home the gold for the Leeward Class.  Look at those sails filled with wind! 

Maine Windjammer Association photo

It was nip and tuck for the last 15 minutes or so of the race but Capt. Doug had read the wind perfectly, and we passed the Breakwater ahead of the pack.  

The back-to-back six-day trips in the  second half of the month were wonderful, with an itinerary decided by the winds, weather and tides. That's what summer sailing's all about!  Beautiful days of sailing followed by breath-taking sunsets,

photo courtesy of Sean Grimes

evenings of music, and visiting with those that are more family than guests.

All of a sudden it was August, and what a month it was. Almost every trip was filled to capacity.  We visited Acadia National Park again, enjoying the bus tour of the Park, and appreciating the natural splendor of the Park and coastline.

Then leading into Labor Day Weekend, we joined the rest of the fleet in Camden Harbor to celebrate the grand tradition of Maine windjamming at the annual Windjammer Festival.

Maine Windjammer Association photo

Now it's September with just three trips left.  We still have a couple cabins or so available on each of the trips for any of you who have been contemplating time on the water. Now's your chance. September brings stronger sailing breezes and quieter harbors.   

photo courtesy of Bruno Hazen

 

We've enjoyed every day aboard this season, sailing the beautiful coast of Maine and sharing it with those of you who have joined us.  

Looking ahead to next year, the 2020 schedule should be up on the website by the end of October, once we've finished our end-of-season work aboard. 

But for now we're going to savor the last few trips.

Maine Windjammer Association photo

All the best,