July is a favorite month for most Mainers, with the July 4th Celebration, family gatherings and good beach weather. But July has special meaning for the DEYC members because this is when the DEYC takes an annual cruise down the coast of Maine. Each year the reigning Commodore selects a proven mariner as Fleet Captain who begins preparation in December for the eight to ten-day cruise in July.

Planning is tedious as accommodations are essential for the fleet of 40 plus boats. Weather, tides, moorings, dock space, land services, dinghy service and social activities are important considerations for each port. The Fleet Captain selects a committee to plan the “Cruise” and seeks a seasoned mariner as “host “ for each port. The host is responsible for organizing activities in the assigned port.

The Cruise Committee designs a Cruise Guide for all participants which is distributed at check-in for the final pre-cruise meeting. The guide is a professionally produced composition containing all necessary cruise and safety information that each Boat Captain will need.

Many members whose boats are not designed for cruising overnight are able to enjoy the cruise as crew or guests of other members. Jane and I were fortunate to be invited as guests of extremely gracious P/C Susan and Brent Pope aboard Dragonfly, their beautiful 44’ Beneteau CC Sailing Vessel. Our busy schedule allowed us two wonderful nights aboard.

The final pre-cruise meeting was held at DEYC member, Frank Luke’s Boat Yard in East Boothbay, Friday, July 12 at 1800 hours. This is a highly anticipated gathering as all “cruisers” rendezvous to hear final plans while enjoying the benefits of camaraderie, the “Woody Wagon” and shared appetizers.

The first port of call was Dix Island, where 40+ DEYC boats anchored and gathered ashore for a delicious Fish and Clam Chowder cook-out prepared by P/C George and Theresa Hamilton. The only thing to break up the party was the tide slowly taking over the beach.

The second port was the busy Camden Harbor. 13 DEYC boats were selected to act as Hosts for the club members on the 39 boats who participated. Groups lingered until the sun set below the tall masts of the windjammers.

Just up the coast to Belfast we met again and were invited to tour the Front Street Boatyard facilities. At 1750 hours we were shuttled by car and dinghy to Young’s Lobster Pound where we enjoyed a wonderful lobster bake and were serenaded by DEYC member, professional vocalist and guitar player, Jim Hunton.

On Tuesday afternoon the fleet moored and anchored at Holbrook Island Sanctuary off Castine. The crew met on the island for hors’doeuvres and picnic lunches. A special sight to witness was the Schooner, Mary Day, sail by in full sail and drop anchor in the harbor.

Wednesday most of the fleet sailed and cruised to the eastern end of Eggemoggin Reach where some members visited a lecture and demonstration at the famed Wooden Boat School. At 1750 hours everyone gathered for grilled hot dogs and hamburgers at the WBS Pavilion, courtesy of grillers P/C George and Theresa Hamilton.

Before setting sail on Thursday, everyone was treated to the famous Carol and Chet Clarridge Pancake Breakfast. The majority of the pancake flipping was the handled by new members Robert while his wife, Maye Bachofen handled the blueberry department. Many hands and pretty little boats sailing in the harbor made for a fun morning.

After breakfast, the DEYC moved 14 nm up the coast to the western side of Mount Desert Island and Pretty Marsh Harbor. The 1700 hour was the time for the Cinco de Mayo Dinghy Circle Raft-up. Always a fun, synchronized effort, the crews assembled a large dinghy raft where Mexican appetizers, Mexican Beers and Margaritas were passed around. As the “Mexican fuel” became depleted, the dinghies departed the camaraderie of the “raft-up” for a Captain’s Choice dinner.

Friday was the final leg of the Cruise. A 17 nm cruise to Northeast Harbor which ended with a Cocktail Party at the home of Bob and Cindy Roberson. The trusty “Woody Wagon” added to the festivities as it found its way to Kimball Lane .

Turtle Tavern was the site for the final event of the Cruise, the always highly anticipated “Awards Dinner”. A choice of crab stuffed haddock, rib-eye or chicken alfredo followed by blueberry pie and ice cream was the perfect beginning to the awards and roasts!

Despite the dire weather predictions, the days were beautifully sublime. Judging by the precision planning involved in the two nights that we were onboard and the endless compliments of all the Cruise members, I am happy to report that the entire “2019 Cruise” was a resounding success!

Many thanks to the literary contributors of this article; Carol Claridge, Brenda Blake, Terri Tsongalis, Commodore Steve Arkley, Paula Wheeler, Anne George, Jean McKay, P/C Susan Pope and Jane Mulholland. Next events in August are the “Day Trippers”, the Burnt Island Picnic and the “Mini-Cruise.”