Dear Editor:

Kudos to this year's 60th Windjammer Days Committee for celebrating Women on the Working Waterfront. Special kudos for paying homage to co-founder, Captain Marion Dash, as a female role model in our community.

Captain Marion was certainly a Renaissance lady. Not only was she Maine's first female boat captain, but in her late forties, she was one of the first women of her age group to successfully complete the rigorous Outward Bound/Hurricane Island survival course. One of the skills learned was repelling down the sheer rock walls of that island abandon quarries, jumping off the dock for an invigorating swim before breakfast. Her final test was to survive alone on a deserted island for three days/two nights living off of what she could find. Her basic equipment was a tarp, sleeping bag, and water. During her stay, she was to complete her journal reflecting on what the program did for her. What she wrote would be her final evaluation by her instructors. For safety she was given three different colored flags to fly a particular color per day indicating her well-being. A spotter boat checked from afar each day. Captain Marion loved to sing so she co-founded the Lincoln Arts Chorus, which then evolved into the popular Lincoln Arts Festival. Adding to this, she was an accomplished artist whose paintings were on display at various art shows of her time.

On a more personal note, she and husband, Captain David Dash (the other co-founder of WJD), were dear friends. We shared many stories with much laughter. Though we were not not related, Captain Marion always referred to me as her "Cuz." What an honor.

In ending, a quick insight to Captain David. During World War 2, when the German u-boats were sinking so many ships with lives lost along the East Coast, an unorthodox branch of the Coast Guard known as Hooligan's Navy (Google it) was an early responder to the u-boat menace. Captain David had some fascinating stories about being a "Hooligan." One thing for sure, the two of them dearly loved the Harbor and all who lived here.

Best wishes and many thanks to one and all who are bringing us this 60th Windjammer Days celebration.

Howie Wright Sr.

East Boothbay