Luke's Boat Yard was the kickoff Friday evening hosted by P/C Sandy and Karen Young. Cocktails were served, appetizers were eaten and packets were handed out. A review of the week's cruise was given by the F/C Steve Arkley, as we prepared to venture up the coast or go down east which ever you prefer.

Saturday, July 9 brought bad weather as predicated so instead of going to Dix Island, most of the fleet stayed in Boothbay Harbor and we put plan B in place. That evening we gathered at Blake's Boat Yard for our “Country Ho-Down” hosted by P/C George and Linda Masters. Some good old country fried chicken and all the fixings were enjoyed by all who attended and a big thanks to the Blakes for the shelter from the rain. Sunday brought “better” weather as we set off for Pulpit Harbor hosted by P/C Joe and Brenda Blake. The order of the day was dinghy races followed by cocktails and a chili cook-off by eight members. The winner was the Commadore George and Theresa Hamilton. We then proceeded to eat the spoils and all the fixings that other members provided.

On Monday, July 11, we were off to the Benjamin River. This is always a fun spot and our hosts P/C Bob and Paula Wheeler didn’t disappoint. A mystery event turned out to be a “Name that Boat” dinghy great race event. The winners were Dennis and Tony Hopkins. Do you know the meaning behind the “Perelandra?” We do now. That evening we all gathered on shore for a fantastic wood fired “Pizza Party” the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Tuesday brought us to Northeast Harbor for two days hosted by P/C Bill and Anne George. We gathered at Hinkley Yachts for cocktails and lots of chatter. Groups then scattered to enjoy an evening meal at some of the great local restaurants. Wednesday was spent relaxing, exploring and shopping in this beautiful area of Arcadia and Bar Harbor. Wednesday evening the fleet gathered for cocktails and dinner at Asticou Inn. Awards were given, port hosts gifts and a fabulous dinner. Thursday we are off to another one of our favorite places, Mackerel Cove at Swans Island. Our port hosts P/C Woody and Margaret Thompson did a great job. We once again enjoyed the cooking of the “Island Ladies” at the Grange Hall. In the past we have enjoyed a brunch but this year we went for the dinner. I’ll just say “yum” and homemade pie! These ladies never disappoint.

From here some of the fleet headed down east and the rest went on in the morning to Buck’s Harbor. Our host at Buck’s Harbor were P/C David and Genie Quest. Some relaxing before we head into shore for a cocktail party with great appetizers as usual. This was a captain's choice night for dinner. Some ventured into “town” to eat at the Buck’s Restaurant and others went back to enjoy a meal on the boat.

Tennants Harbor was our last stop on the cruise hosted by P/C Matt and Charlinda Carlson and family. As we celebrated our last night on the cruise with lots of fun and laughter, we enjoyed the beauty of the area. A gathering of the fleet at the dock and we are off on foot to find the “Happy Clam Restaurant” for a great dinner of what else, clams, and other great stuff! My clams were the best. As we gathered at the Happy Clam, the conversation turned to what a great cruise this was and what a great job the Fleet Captain Steve Arkley and his wife Debbie had put together.

Many thanks to the F/C Arkley and all the P/C and our present Commodore George and Theresa Hamilton for all their hard work.

Don’t forget to sign up for the Sox Hop coming up Aug. 20. The public is welcome; you will not be disappointed in the music of Annie and the Orphans from New Hampshire.