The 2025 Windjammer Days will shine a spotlight on the dedicated individuals who have served, are serving, or are preparing to serve in one of the most respected branches of the U.S. military: the Coast Guard. From active-duty members and retired veterans to the bright future leaders currently enrolled at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, we’ll explore their personal stories, their contributions to the community, and the impact they've made on the nation's maritime security. The 63rd annual Boothbay Harbor Windjammer Days will take place on Sunday, June 22 through Saturday, June 28. Visit boothbayharborwindjammerdays.org for the full schedule of events.

How I got started: It was the third or fourth weekend in August 1957 when our family wandered down route 27, turned left on route 96 (Eastern Ave.), and found the Ocean Point Inn. We spent the weekend there, liked it so much that a reservation was made for the next summer. I haven’t missed a summer here since. My parents dream house was built here, and they enjoyed the home for nearly 30 years. Now, it’s the next generation’s turn.

Boating for me was entirely recreational during high school and college summers, learning by experience as well as noticing the routes taken by tour boats such as the Linekin I & II, Novelty, and Argo. Much of it was trial and error as only teenagers can enjoy. With retirement, kids and grandkids, there was need to become a more responsible boater. So, I took a boating safety course offered by the Auxiliary, liked the instructors, and ended up joining. It was great to go out with and learn from very experienced boaters.

What is the Auxiliary? Federal military units have active duty and reserve personnel. Two units also have volunteer components. The Air Force has the Civil Air Patrol, and the Coast Guard has the Auxiliary. An easy way to describe the Auxiliary is we do most everything the Coast Guard does except law enforcement. The Auxiliary even has the AUXAIR which is similar to the CAP with the focus on our coastline. Auxiliarists do not hold ranks. Rather we hold offices. Neither a military background nor boat ownership are required.  Because the Auxiliary is a volunteer organization, a member can follow personal interests and be as busy as that individual wants.

My interest was on improving boating skills and I got involved with the Boat Crew program. The area we cover is from Small Point at the Eastern end of Casco Bay to just East of Monhegan. Typical activities during patrols are area familiarization, safety, regattas, search and rescue, verifying aids to navigation, and assisting boaters. Training is an important component with an emphasis on towing, boat handling, and navigation. We also provide the opportunity for the active duty to practice towing recreational boats.  These activities have been a great way to learn how to operate a boat in a variety of situations.

The best way to learn something is to teach it, so I became an instructor for our public education courses. We offer several courses throughout the year. They are Suddenly in Command, Boat America, Navigating Mid Coast Maine either in-person or via distance learning. Other Auxiliary programs include Food Service, Environmental Safety, Courtesy Vessel Inspections, Commercial Vessel Inspections, Environmental Safety and Watchstanding.