The Down East Yacht Club has been busy on the water during its 60th anniversary season.

Our annual Summer Cruise began with a captains’ meeting at Luke’s Boat Yard in East Boothbay on Thursday, July 9. Fleet Captain Scott Warren and Cruise Director Catherine Plourde had the impressive task of organizing some 40 boats for an extended voyage along the Maine coast. As every cruiser knows, the published itinerary is always subject to wind, weather and the occasional mechanical gremlin.

The first major port of call was Rockland Harbor, where the fleet arrived in time for the North Atlantic Blues Festival. Port hosts Scott Warren and Catherine Plourde aboard Sea Swell II, along with Terry and Lyn Traver aboard Onward, welcomed the cruisers. Members enjoyed a dockside BYOB gathering, the festival and Rockland’s Saturday evening Club Crawl. Great weather, good music and the usual DEYC camaraderie gave the cruise a lively beginning.

On Sunday, July 12, the fleet made the short trip to Southern Harbor on North Haven. Strong afternoon winds made decorating the host boats somewhat challenging, but the breeze settled down in time for a beautiful evening at anchor. Jen and Steve Marin, Amy Barriault and Aron Buterbaugh stepped in as port hosts when Aaron Johnson and Gordon Robbins were unable to attend.

Eleven host boats were decorated with lights and lemon-themed table settings for “La Dolce Vita Afloat—Maine Edition.” Each boat shared appetizers, salads, main courses and desserts with its assigned guests. Last-minute changes in the seating arrangements also gave several cruisers an opportunity to make new friends (always one of the better consequences of a changed plan).

The next port was Buck’s Harbor, where the planned Parrot Head party attracted a whopping 104 registrations. This was somewhat more enthusiasm than the dock could comfortably accommodate. With help from the dockmaster, members instead made dinner reservations at the nearby Buck’s Harbor Restaurant. The dining room was soon filled with colorful Hawaiian outfits. Phil Poirier appeared in a real parrot-head hat, leaving little doubt that DEYC members can adapt to changing circumstances.

Wind and weather then scattered the fleet for a time. Some boats remained in Buck’s Harbor, others found refuge in Seal Bay or Castine, and still others selected quieter anchorages. Most reconvened Wednesday, July 15, in Burnt Coat Harbor on Swan’s Island.

Kevin and Cindy Conley and Steve and Leslie Crowell had planned a My Tie/Mai Tai party on Steve Island. The event took place neither at the planned location nor at the planned time, which made it a fairly authentic cruising event. It was combined with Banger Beer and the Burnt Coat Harbor lobster bake at Trabon’s Wharf.

Members arrived wearing ties, which were promptly cut apart. Each cruiser selected a piece and searched for the person wearing the matching portion. Mai Tais helped the introductions along. A fast-moving thunderstorm then sent everyone running beneath a tent and into a small shed—but not before many had received a thorough soaking. The sun returned, the steamers and lobsters were served, and some 40 prizes were awarded during the get-acquainted game.

Seal Bay brought another lively arrival when a sudden squall caught the fleet entering the cove. Fortunately, the weather soon cleared, leaving a peaceful evening and a beautiful sunset. Jen and Steve Marin, Amy Barriault and Aron Buterbaugh hosted a toga party on the exposed sandbar. Members enjoyed Zeus Juice, Aphrodite Spritz and the glow of 100 luminaires during nearly four hours of low tide. Mother Nature, having caused enough trouble earlier, cooperated nicely with the timing of the sandbar.

On Friday, July 17, the fleet gathered at Lyman-Morse in Camden. Dan and Past Commodore Kristen King hosted their fourth annual Maine Coast and DEYC Trivia Night in the rigging shed. The Woody Wagon was present (always a powerful social enticement), and numerous volunteers kept the bar and appetizer tables well supplied.

The crews of Gratitude, with Past Commodore Aaron and Suzanne Rugh, and Caelum, with Gordon Robbins and Aaron Johnson, tied for the highest trivia score. Each crew answered nine of the 12 questions correctly and departed with a framed David Clough notecard print. The Kings are reportedly already working on next year’s questions, giving the rest of us additional time to study.

Saturday morning brought a particularly meaningful gathering: the Honorary Chet Clarridge Pancake Breakfast. For years, Chet and Carol Clarridge served blueberry pancakes with real maple syrup and plenty of good cheer during the Summer Cruise. Following Chet’s passing in February at age 96, the Bridge continued the tradition in his memory.

Members recorded video tributes for Carol while Terry and Lyn Traver, Jay Hackett and many other volunteers kept the griddles, coffee, sausage and blueberry pancakes coming. Mark and Patty Lucaks handled the shopping and transportation of the breakfast supplies. The gathering was a fitting tribute to a loyal member whose spirit remains part of the DEYC family.

The cruise concluded at Coveside Restaurant & Marina in Christmas Cove. Port hosts Steve and Joyce Crockett, Jay Hackett and Helene Rush, and Dom and Louise Gagnon organized the arrival of 24 boats. Wind made packing the docks a little like arranging sardines in a can, but everyone was eventually secured.

The afternoon began with beverages and 240 freshly shucked oysters. Dinner followed for 89 members, after which Fleet Captain Scott Warren and Cruise Director Catherine Plourde presented awards and gifts to the port hosts. A sing-along led to dancing in the Burgee Bar with the Elmore Twist Band. Joe and Brenda Blake reportedly displayed some of the best moves on the dance floor.

Coffee and blueberry muffins were served Tuesday morning before the cruisers departed for their home ports.

The 2026 Summer Cruise offered music, themed dinners, trivia, pancakes, dancing, squalls, a thunderstorm and several changes of plan. Through it all, members shared food, helped one another at the docks, welcomed new cruisers and found another way to gather whenever the original plan went astray.

Clear skies and smooth seas are always appreciated. Good friends—and a little flexibility—are even more dependable.

Thank you for reading this rather lengthy report on another memorable DEYC Summer Cruise.