It’s just about time for some special boats to arrive in Boothbay Harbor and surrounding coastal communities. The sailing cruise ships are back on the high seas and with fingers crossed we hope many will visit us for the famous Windjammer Days.

Since moving to the area in 1975 the arrival of these magnificent vessels has always been an interesting and enjoyable experience. Every year we anticipate and pray for good weather that will allow sails to be full from all directions. This is not an easy adventure because many times what seems like a pretty good day in the Harbor can be complicated offshore. If the winds are wrong or the weather uncooperative, captains must make a choice. Too much or not enough wind, heavy seas, or stormy weather can alter plans and the optimum priority is for the safety of passengers. A good clear day with favorable winds makes choices less difficult and happy campers aboard and onshore. Fingers crossed.

For many years the coolest part of this event, for me, and sometimes parts of our family, is the anticipation of a boat ride with our good friend Captain Mark Stover. Mark has been our most fun tour guide over the years and he always checks in to see if we would like to take a ride with Redhook, his stable and relaxing 32’ twin diesel Luhres. There are always fun stories and interesting views for Mark to share. He’s worked the waters around Boothbay for a long time, lobstering, fishing, tugging and sharing his knowledge of the area with guests and friends.

I particularly enjoy becoming distracted by something unusual and interesting. Seals, porpoise, osprey, an occasional minke whale and clever banter with other boat captains on the radio and up alongside. Getting to see this area from the water is a very special experience and on the day the Windjammers arrive the whole on-the-water experience gets a real shot in the arm! That’s when it’s very nice to have an experienced captain at the helm, because it gets busy. And there are rules that need to be observed.

Photographically, one of the most fascinating opportunities comes with how boats interact with each other as they enter the harbor. It’s quite a scene to see how expertly their captains maneuver such substantial vessels, and how being in the lucky position to see the interplay of objects and buildings. Juxtaposition (not a word I frequently use), I think.

This week’s shared photo was made quite a few Windjammer Days ago. We were circling the arriving fleet. While passing the Tugboat Inn, the American Eagle was coming in for a landing on the other side of Harbor Island. Weird Willy Wonka that I am, the proximity of the big sails to the island building seemed odd and interesting. Never one to pass up on odd, there you have it! The Eagle landed, almost effortlessly, at least from our point of view, among and beside a whole flock of boats of all sizes. All the anchors were set and with grace and ease the big boats all nestled in brilliantly (as my British friends would say) close enough to pass hors d’oeuvre trays and bottles of refreshment.

We are looking forward to another year of juxtapositioning around the Harbor!