My first Windjammer Days Festival was in July of 1989. We, my then husband Joe and our not quite 2 1/2 year old daughter Kassia, had moved here over Labor Day weekend in 1988. I have to say we had never experienced anything like it in the community we lived in in Connecticut!

Now sure, I had been to Mystic Seaport more times than I can count, but walking downtown from the east side where we lived, with Kassia in her stroller, to watch the schooners come in was truly breathtaking. Those majestic vessels with billowing sails gracefully entered the harbor and even when they began lowering the sails, I just couldn’t take my eyes off them – except for requests from my daughter for more Cheerios and juice.

The schooner that truly blew me away was the Victory Chimes. It was the largest of the fleet and it was glorious! I would often daydream about being on her sailing with all the people you could see onboard. Each schooner has its own essence, each one has its own magical properties.

And the street parade was one of the best we had ever seen. Kassia sat transfixed by all of the commotion, music, floats … and we were all entertained by the friendly banter between parade participants and spectators. Kass had to get out of the stroller to catch some candy that almost everyone was throwing to all of us lined up along the streets … Later, the fireworks lighting up the sky, albeit back then one at a time, were still exciting. A nice way for families to end a long eventful day.

Fast forward to my years (1996-2006) working at the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce where hte Festival took on an entirely new level of excitement! Jaimie Logan (then Kleinstiver) was our fearless leader and by “our” I mean June Giles and Jane Ribble. The four of us really kicked butt over the many, many years we worked together. We were nicknamed the Chamber Chicks. I forget exactly who bestowed that “handle” on us, but I suspect it was former board president Phil Koskela ...

The Chamber office was Windjammer Central. From the Windjammer Open Golf Tournament, a fundraiser for Special Olympics Maine (moved to September since oh, the very early 2000’s I think), and then segwayed right into Windjammer Days. The four of us were right on top of things – and when the unexpected happened, and you know something like that always does with an event of this size, we just ran with it. And we loved every minute of it, mostly! For the most part June, Jane and I were always in the office, closing on Wednesday in time for the parade. But, one year, and I’ll never forget it: The board of directors decided it was time to let the Chamber Chicks out earlier and to have us onboard the Nellie G where a special reception was being held for the festival sponsors that year.

It was a gloriously sunny afternoon. I remember I was standing at the bow watching the schooners gracefully sailing around the outer harbor … and then, out of the corner of my eye I perceived the bow of a schooner coming by the Nellie G. I turned to see which one it was and … yep, tears began to well up in my eyes … it was the Victory Chimes. As she slowly passed by, and as her passengers waved and I waved back I was so filled with emotion. And, I’m reliving it right now as I write this. She was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen (except for my babies, of course!) … It was a very powerful experience.

This year there are 16 schooners coming for Windjammer Days – which is now a week-long festival! The schooner I am most anxious to see is Actress. Originally built right here in East Boothbay by Scott Kennedy, it is now owned by Captain Hans Vierthaler, and she is a beauty. And, how appropriate that I would be attracted to this particular schooner – the community theater thespian I am! Captain Hans has invited me to see Actress up close and personal and I am thrilled!

The Festival has grown to include fun contests like lobster eating, fish relay races, and my favorite: the tug of war across the harbor. Musical entertainment features as many local or regional bands as possible; there are schooner tours, tours of the pirate ship Must Roos, a lighted boat parade … there’s so much to experience during the Festival you really need to get your hands on a copy of the Windjammer Days Guide produced by the festival enthusiasts at the Boothbay Register – naturally!

And be sure to stop by the information tent in the Whale Park on Commercial Street where the Friends of Windjammer Days will be. This is the fifth year this dynamic independent group has been at the helm of the Festival rather than the Chamber. And, I have to say, The Friends of Windjammer Days have taken this historic Festival to spectacular new heights. Now stop reading, grab your matey, and get thee to the waterfront!