Schooners in the rain, arriving and anchoring

[rbgarr]

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I took some of these from Vinny and Shawn's freshly painted Acacia. I hope the north wind stays calm. It would be a shame if the schooners dragged down on her!

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[Arko]

Nice pics.

[Nanoose]

Why are they in town, Dave?

[John B]

Isn't that just the coolest thing.

[rbgarr]

The town here depends on tourism and they make the most of every weekend, especially at the beginning and end of the season in order to kickstart and extend it. Last week was the lobster boat races http://www.woodenboat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=98658 , this week is "Windjammer Days" with lots of activities for visitors and locals alike.

Yesterday for example, Margaret and I spent a good part of late afternoon at the local Coast Guard station being shown around the facilities and seeing every detail of the 25 and 47 foot SAR boats. The boats are spotless and rigorously maintained. They cover the coastline from Small Point to Port Clyde up to fifty miles offshore as well as the rivers extending inland up to fifteen or so miles, quite a large area of responsibility.

Late in the afternoon there was an antique boat parade: http://www.woodenboat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=98803

Today was the schooner arrival with waterfront activities and a parade with nautical themed events and floats. Tonight there will be fireworks.

Later in the summer there will be classic boat rendezvous http://www.oldboatlovers.com/ , a visit by the Eastern Yacht Club, and a long rowing race. In past years the Shipyard Cup Regatta took place after Labor Day (early September) to entice visitors to come again. Unfortunately the Regatta will not happen this year. Photos from 2006 here: http://207.5.195.130/~wave16/2006/shipyard06/index.htm (http://207.5.195.130/%7Ewave16/2006/shipyard06/index.htm)

I picked up the local yacht clubs' calendars yesterday (now that it's officially summer they've been made available to anyone who asks) and there are events to sail or race in four times a week between July 2 and October 15. It's kind of a paradise as far as I'm concerned... as long as the weather has a modicum of good days. But even if it doesn't it's still fun.

[BobW]

Beautiful boats, wonderful photos. Thanks.

Bob

[Bill R]

Thanks for posting the pics Dave. I have been stuck in central Florida for almost a week, and I desperately want to get back home to Maine. I needed a schooner fix.

[Russ Manheimer]

Thanks Dave,

Can't wait to get back to the Reach and such sights. Hope to see in Mystic.

Russ

[McKee]

Makes me want to go sailing.

[George.]

You call that rain? :D

[RFNK]

RBGARR indeed Dave! Great pictures - thanks! Rick

[The Bigfella]

Good stuff. Well done.