The Down East Yacht Club offers many benefits to its (500 + -) individual members. In existence for more than 50 years without a real clubhouse, the members have opened their homes and secured alternative local venues for large group gatherings.

But the real aim of the club is to bring boaters together to enjoy the waters of the coast of Maine. To this end, each year, the Commodore solicits one of its members to be the volunteer “fleet captain” of the annual cruise. However, given the diverse boating interests of the club members, some DEYCers’ boat designs do not accommodate a week-long voyage. Therefore, they become welcome guests on friends’ boats.

The scope of the fleet captain’s responsibilities is vast. This year, Commodore Susan Pope was very fortunate to have seasoned veteran mariner and DEYC Treasurer Ron Richardson volunteer for the job. His first detail was to recruit a committee. Bob and Jean McKay and Chet and Carol Clarridge quickly volunteered for the job. Their primary purpose is to organize a journey for all members who are interested and available (usually 40-50 vessels) to enjoy an 8-night/9-day voyage consisting of cruising from Boothbay Harbor to different attractive destinations each day.

This necessitates obvious innumerable contacts with targeted ports along the mid and down east coast. Some of the considerations involve wind, tides, distance, speed, moorings, dockage, anchorage, meals, venues, amenities, facilities, attractions and activities. And obviously last-minute changes create innumerable calls and emails between fleet captain and administrative assistant.

The schedule for this year’s adventure was as follows.

Friday, July 13: Pre cruise meeting at Frank Luke’s (DEYC member) Boatyard, Boothbay Harbor

Saturday, July 14: Long Cove, Tenants Harbor 24nm

Sunday, July 15: Camden Harbor 18nm

Monday, July 16: Stockton Springs 18.5nm

Tuesday, July 17: Smith Cove 7.5nm

Wednesday, July 18: Benjamin River 18nm

Thursday, July 19: Burnt Coat Harbor 16nm

Friday, July 20: NE Harbor / Some’s Sound 17nm

Saturday, July 21: NE Harbor, Tan Turtle Tavern

Sunday, July 22: Cruise Ends

As DEYC members without a comfortable overnight vessel, Jane and I were fortunate to be invited guests of Commodore Susan Pope and Captain Brent Pope aboard their 44-foot sailing vessel DRAGONFLY. We were happy to join them for the three nights that our family schedule allowed. But as mentioned, best laid plans do not always materialize. Susan experienced a very unfortunate fall just two days before the cruise. Predictably, she recovered quickly and was able to depart only one day late. A few other cruise members were either delayed in joining the fleet or absent entirely, due to unexpected “joys of owning a boat.”

Our cruise began Sunday and we enjoyed a very pleasant cruise from Boothbay to Camden. Dodging the incredible number of lobster pots, occasional dolphins and lazy seals was the only challenge. After we docked we relaxed a while and then enjoyed a pleasant social hour and pot-luck supper with cruise members and gracious Camden Yacht Club members at their lovely club house. Just after sunset, we confirmed plans for the next day before settling into our welcoming berth in the forward cabin of the DRAGONFLY.

Susan greeted us with a very special French toast and sausage breakfast before we set sail for Stockton Springs. We sailed with the aid of the jib and auto pilot at about 6 knots, arriving amid intermittent fog at Stockton Springs.

The Stockton Springs Yacht Club opened its doors and hospitality to us. Members were treated to hot dogs and burgers grilled by DEYC P/C George and Theresa Hamilton and crew. The evening progressed to a surprise theatrical presentation hosted by Ron Richardson in disguise and special performances by costumed DEYC members. Everyone was impressed with the talent and courage displayed by the masqueraded participants! The party broke-up just before Sunset.

Tuesday morning, we returned to the Stockton Springs Yacht Club where we enjoyed a famous Clarridge pancake breakfast. Many members helped in the preparation and presentation. Jane and I grudgingly exited the cruise from Stockton Springs and were sad to miss the next four destinations. Despite some fog and rain, the cruise continued for three more days without us. All reports are that the end of the cruise was equally successful.

Many thanks to our gracious hosts, Susan and Brent, and all who participated in this wonderful experience!!