Time: 6/24–28 2025
Position: At Anchor, Beal Island, Harpswell
Weather: Heavy rain, cooler temperatures

Evening Captain’s Report

Good evening from the Bowdoin,

It’s hard to believe that just a few days ago we were sailing under sunny skies with temperatures in the 90s and now we sit at anchor in Harpswell with a downpour pounding Bowdoin’s deck above. Still, the rain provides a quiet moment to reflect on what has been a truly memorable week.

Yesterday, we got underway from Boothbay under cooler skies, a welcome relief given the lack of air conditioning aboard. After a few hours of good sailing, we stopped at Seguin Island for a brief stop, but a meaningful one. The crew had the chance to explore the island’s rich history, from its lighthouse (the tallest beacon in Maine due to the height of the island, not the tallest lighthouse) to the War of 1812 battle between the Boxer and Enterprise that played out just offshore. Interestingly, a young Henry Wadsworth Longfellow witnessed that battle and later wrote My Lost Youth about it. Many thanks to the Schooner Harvey Gamage and Friends of Seguin for making that visit possible and by providing Maine’s first “Bravo” Mooring. A specially engineered mooring for its ability to absorb shock on a relatively short scope.

From there, we made our way to our current anchorage just off Beal Island. But it’s worth looking back a bit further to our time in Boothbay, a highlight of the trip so far. We joined 16 other traditional-rigged vessels, mostly schooners, for a gathering that celebrated both sailing, maritime heritage, honoring the USCG, and of course all of the camaraderie. Our time began with a harbor sail for friends and family, one of those picture-perfect sails that you don’t forget. The next day, we cruised around the corner to Cabbage Island, where crews gathered ashore for yard games, storytelling, and a classic Maine lobster bake. For some of our crew, it was their first time eating Maine Lobster!

As dusk fell, we made our way back to Boothbay. A parade of running lights formed an informal flotilla returning to the harbor. The next day was full of energy, but also restful. The crew got to explore Boothbay enjoying ice cream, learning about the town’s connection to Bowdoin’s origins, and touring other vessels in the fleet.

On parade day, the harbor was buzzing, and our crew did a great job sailing off the dock! The parade itself had no formal structure, and that’s what made it so special. It was all about seamanship, judgment, and tradition, a dance of sails, lines, and teamwork.

Today’s rain has kept us aboard, but it’s been a good day for rest, reading, and reflection. A quieter pace, but a welcome one after such an eventful stretch. We plan on departing for the first offshore leg of this trip on Monday afternoon for Nova Scotia.

Many Thanks to the Family and friends who have assisted with provisioning, car runs, and much more. Also hats off and thank you to Carousel Marina for their unbelievable hospitality another year in a row.

Sincerely,
Capt. Peacock

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