It was a magnificent Maine day for the Harbor community and guests, from land and by sea.

Wonderful bluebird sky, painterly puffy clouds, bright sunshine and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, a Windjammer Days tradition. All aboard Captain Mark Stover’s Redhook historic vessel. Who could ask for more!

There were fewer big sailing boats than one might expect for such a perfect day, but we must consider the days prior to the featured special arrival of the great sailing ships. We had some serious windy and rainy weather for two days just before Wednesday’s event. I spoke with some local fishing captains who said there was serious turmoil offshore. Between fog, rain and erratic winds and rolling seas, it’s a wonder any of the passenger ships braved passage to the harbor. It’s happened many times before. The ship arrival day is perfect, but a small number of boats.

“Why aren’t there more boats," visiting guests could be heard asking at the docks. Well, when you have a boat load of paying customers and rough seas, not everyone manages the motion. And a captain’s highest priority is the safety of his or her passengers. If the winds are wrong or the seas too rough, the decision to forgo the trip to Boothbay Harbor, though troubling, is pretty clear. Had the weather been better before heading our way, we’d have seen more boats. Having said that, the day was a treat for those of us who don’t get out on the water regularly during the busy work season or otherwise.

Even more special was the chance to hang out with Captain Stover and some of our family and friends. Indeed, our good friend Cosmin from Romania got a really good taste of our special gift. We could not have asked for a more ideal boat ride. He will never forget this experience or my homemade peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. The only missing ingredient was the Stroehmann Sunbeam white bread of my youth. We had to settle for an upgrade. Despite the obvious lack of nutritional value, the bread soaked up the grape jelly and Jiffy peanut butter to create a sort of angel food cake-like concoction as the ingredients mushed together. Nobody complained but everyone went for the water bottles chilled in Captain Mark’s ice chest. And, to my delight, I came home with some leftovers! Ha!

The one ship that really helps make our celebration most special is the Heritage. In 1983, I photographed the launching of Heritage at North End shipyard in Rockland. I got to know the then owners and builders, Captains Lee, a little bit over the years and have always enjoyed their visits. The ship makes a well-charted entrance, tacking along the shores, gathering every bit of notice possible. Oh, for a nickel for every frame I’ve made over the years. She’s well taken care of and always makes a grand presence with happy passengers aboard. This week’s photo offers a glimpse of our experience, showing the Grace Bailey and the Lewis R. French. Heritage was working offshore in another area.

Thank you Captain Mark and all who work so diligently to give us this special day. We are so fortunate to be where we are. Fair winds, sailing ships. Until next time.