With waterfront plans being discussed for repaving launch ramps, installing a pump-out station, and shoring up the seawall next to the recreation pier this summer, the management team for Wiscasset Schoonerfest is taking a gap year for 2023 and returning full speed ahead in mid-August 2024.

"We're using the extra time to begin planning for a more locally involved Schoonerfest in 2024," said Jan Flowers, who will head up volunteers for the weekend event. Logistics chief Larry Flowers just wants to get on with it and get to the part where he helps Parks & Recreation Director Duane Good put up the big tent on the pier.

Schoonerfest treasurer and boats guru Dan Watts agrees that the additional time will be well spent. Watts is looking at adding more races to the two-man-one-boat competition – the Golden Paddle Race – which last year was a real spine-tingler between only two teams, Watts/David Pope vs. Steve Erskin and Alan Boyes. Pope/Watts found the finish line first and won The Golden Paddle. Erskine/Boyes vow to take the GP Title in 2024.

Meanwhile, the whole group is considering a 2024 Schoonerfest Regatta fielding teams from town departments and businesses for a weekend of boat races on the Sheepscot. Terry Heller thought it sounded like a good-clean-fun idea. "Maybe we could get the police department to square off against the fire department, Lincoln County Sheriff's Department, and EMS in rowboats for bragging rights in a Great Rescue Race. Or maybe the new candy shop in town could challenge all the other sweets and treats shops on Route 1 to a Sugar Rush Race. I'd bet a bag of dark chocolates that Big Al could make it happen!"

Communications crew Jamie Beaton and Deb Small are refurbishing the WiscassetSchoonerfest.com website and social media accounts with new information and interactive features. David Pope, entertainment chief, will again contract with popular local bands for lots of dancing on the dock.

Schoonerfest founder Peter Wells and SF2024 spokesperson Heller encourage all who are interested in supporting Wiscasset's town festival of art, history, music, and schooners – and who want to find out more – to go to WiscassetSchoonerfest.com for contact information, making donations, and signing up to volunteer.

Schoonerfest is an all-volunteer non-profit organization under the umbrella of Wiscasset Creative Alliance.