The calendar read Saturday, Aug. 29, the date of last scheduled Downeast Yacht Club “Daytripper Event” of the season.

The day was blessed with light wind, comfortable sun and good visibility. DEYClubbers were inspired to be on the water in a large array of vessels. Powderhorn Island, just north of the mouth of the Sheepscot River, was a perfect place to gather and enjoy the weather, the island and, of course, the camaraderie that is always prominent when DEYClubbers gather.

Jane and I (Dana Mulholland) were guests of P/C Skip and Jane Williams aboard the Cats Meow, a beautiful repowered 1976 26-foot Slickcraft with great gathering space in the open aft cabin.

As we approached the island from the south at about 1100 hours, we witnessed several vessels already anchored around the east and south of the island near Isle of Springs. We rounded the island and approached from the north to join a growing regatta.

Soon to be Past Commodore Dave Quist greeted all vessels from his “command post kayak.” Bill Baghdoyan aboard his 28-foot Albin Northstar and Richard and Betsy Bisson had anchored their 32-foot Bayliner Maine Mover for easy dinghy access to Powderhorn. Terry and Lauren Stockwell, aboard their Fiona M Whaler joined the island group as did kayakers Paul and Louise Cowan and Mike Martin.

The main raft was anchored by the Loon, a gorgeous 37-foot Lord Nelson Tug owned by prospective members Andy and Alice Mutch of Southport. New members, Judy and Lee Krow were their guests. Along the starboard side of the Loon in their own beauty, a 25-foot Rosborough, the Scotia Mist, were Fred and Georgia Beauchemin.

Skip captained the Cats Meow comfortably along the Loon’s port rail just as Paul and Sharon Pinkham tied the Time Out along our portside. Soon Jay Reynolds and Gabe, his trusty best friend, joined the raft in Mi Tyme a 22-foot Mako.

Ed and Melanie Hodgdon and had anchored their Windependence, a 34-foot Catalina, in close proximity and “dinghyed” over to join the festivities. Soon Antoine Atallha and guest joined the group in Skol, his 27-foot Albin.

Troy and Sandi Hersom arrived almost unnoticed in their 27-foot Formula, Gottago while P/C Sandy and Karen Young, aboard their Toy joined the crew. Troy’s “Woody Hat and Visor” were all the rage as many offered new uses for this unique new fashion.

The Cats Meow, the middle of the raft, became the site of most of the action as we shared space, food, drink, stories and laughs in traditional DEYC fashion.

DEYC members joined and departed casually throughout the mid day and most all had bid farewell to a great first year of organized Daytripper Events by 1430 hours.

The DEYC Daytripper Committee welcomes volunteers, ideas and comments for the 2016 season. Thank you to all who participated!