Points East this year launched a new flotilla, the Massachusetts to Maine (shortened to MA-ME or "Mommy") Flotilla. The idea was to introduce boaters from Massachusetts and points south to the joys of the Gulf of Maine. Below are some stories written by cruisers of their experience.

Mike Pothier
Dragonfly
Goffstown, N.H.
The porpoises constantly crossing our path or frolicking just off the beam, or the whales that apparently fell in love with our keel, or the bald eagles and osprey wheeling and soaring over and around us were more than enough to make up for the headaches and stress of the dreaded three letter word "FOG".

Yes, we had more than our share of fog, sometimes so thick you could not see the bow clearly, but when it cleared, the spectacular Maine cruising scenes more than made up for it. Maybe it was the passage down Eggemoggin Reach under sparkling skies and over painted blue waters. Perhaps it was tacking back and forth on the New Meadows and Sheepscot rivers with Tom and Chris on Monday Morning trying to get the most out of a great sailing day. Or the multitude of fascinating lighthouses of every shape, size and description that left a memory that even the fog couldn't erase.

I think of several days after the Points East MA-ME Flotilla had ended and we were beating our way slowly southwestward from Mt. Desert Island and Somes Sound. Extremely foggy conditions persisted until we arrived at Merchants Row, where the fog miraculously lifted, the sun was brilliant, and the incredible tableau of the archipelago was breathtakingly exposed to us. Upon exiting Merchants Row, the fog returned and stayed alarmingly thick until we arrived at the Fox Island Thorofare, where once again, as if on cue, the sun came out.

The sailors, in their shorts and T-shirts, on the passing boats looked at this strange skipper in full foul-weather gear like I was from another planet. I was! I had just come from the planet FOG and Rain, and I was an alien being on the planet Sunshine. We stopped off in Perry Creek on Vinalhaven, Port Clyde for fuel and supplies and a rest from the fog, and Boothbay Harbor for a touch of civilization and a replacement fuel filter. From Casco Bay south the weather was sunny and fair, and after one more stop at Biddeford Pool it made the long beat home a lot more enjoyable.

The pleasure of sharing all this with other boaters in the flotilla only made it more enjoyable. All the women helping to organize a birthday party for my son, Derek, at the restaurant at Sebasco Harbor Resort, the crew of Paragon (Ashley and Hanna especially) making the world's best chocolate cake and handmade birthday cards, delivered by John and Dave Roper via dinghy in the rain no less! Liz and Judy were always going out of their way to entertain Derek whenever possible. Not to mention the gift of a jug of Ipswich Ale from Cary aboard Avocet. And, of course, Mark and Diana from Semi-Local, taking the time to photograph all the boats. These are just some of the memories that made the trip special



John and Barbara Stellenwerf
Nugget
Haddam, Conn.
There will remain several lasting impressions of our flotilla cruise aboard Nugget. We visited harbors of special interest at which various educational features were planned for us, giving us a better perspective of the area. All these programs were enriching, with a real taste of Maine.

The lighthouse at Goat Island with its uniques history left a lasting impression. Eleven boats made the run from Portsmouth, N.H. to Stage Island Harbor in pea soup fog. Very dramatic! Soon after our anchors were set the fog lifted and there it was — this charming and remote gunkhole. Our tour of the lighthouse in clear skies was fascinating.

All the harbors had their individual charm and interest. It's hard to rate a number one, but Sebasco Harbor Resort stands out as a memorable spot. A distinctive harbor seal allowed us to take close-up photos as he sunned on the rocks; a fun happy hour aboard Think Twice, great kayaking, a four-star dinner at the resort restaurant and birthday wishes for "Big D," a favorite crew member, all contributed to fond memories at Sebasco.

And not to be neglected was our illustrious mother hen, Dave Roper, who guided us through thick and thin. His salty air and love for the "real Maine" certainly lent color and comfort in our travels. Dave and his old faithful Independence 31 Elsa Marie played a major role in helping to make this flotilla an experience we shall treasure always.



Richard Gilman
Think Twice
Stonington, Conn.
The first night in Gloucester,

the 5th of July, was quite a show,

the very next morning, MOST of us were ready to go.

The boats were all anchored, when our radios came alive —

it was our fearless leader, Dave, with instructions, at 8:05!

The engines were started, the mooring lines released

while captains' and crews' smiles surely increased.



The trip was filled with many well-chartered tours

and there was great food as well,

cocktail hours on the boats and docks,

and occasionally on the trip, there were just a few CLOSE rocks!



There was very little fog, usually gone in the morn',

a newfound respect for Maine's pioneer sailors

(and for Dave, who led many boats without radar)

was inevitably born.



The majority of the trip, the weather was great.

Most mornings we started out by half-past eight

(Thanks A LOT, Dave!)

The friendly marinas and harbors, locals and lobstermen

made the trip such a thrill,

sooooo much of Maine, we want to see still.



The very last night, we were down to four boats,

Elsa Marie, Paragon, Nugget and Think Twice.

The newly forged friendships won't soon be forgotten.

And for the record, Dave, you were right —

the trip home was "snotty" and the weather was rotten!



To anyone reading, who hasn't been to Maine by sea,

just remember, we did it, with the great Flotilla of 2003.

I recommend it to all, but a few words of advice:

RADAR, RADAR, RADAR, proper anchor equipment,

then you won't have to "think twice."