Mark Stover invited me to go out with him (on his boat) for this year's Windjammer Days.

Mark keeps his boat, Red Hook, at the Tugboat Marina, where he encourages small gatherings of fans for singalongs on days when his boat is not working.

I mean, the boat works fine, but when it's not chartered for fishing or sightseeing, he works the crowds at the marina.

Mark's an old friend. We didn't grow up together, but we may as well have. I have engine envy for his two British Lehman red diesel boat engines with upside down oil filters.

As Mark might say, “They don't go fast but they go long.” Nice to have two engines – good to have a spare.

This Windjammer day was special. Mark is generous to fault and always opens his boat to family and friends. This year everyone showed up; we had a boat full.

And as we tooted around the harbor, it became apparent to me that lots of other “locals” had boats full too – a big family outing!

I saw families together all over the place. It was great. Windjammer Days had created a subculture. It wasn't just about an impressive flock of sailboats, it was about dinghies and canoes and kayaks and bigger boats with families aboard waving, kibitzing, laughing and sipping ginger ale.

Douglas Carter was right in the middle of it all with his family, directing traffic.

Windjammer Days is a local holiday and Mark missed a golden opportunity to perform for his hometown fans … but we had a nice date!