June
Weeklong festival features antique boat parade, blessing of the fishing fleet, lighted boat parade, and more.
Boothbay Harbor Windjammer Days, June 22-28, marks the kickoff to summer in this stretch of coastal Maine. Introduced in 1962, this festival marks a chance to honor local maritime history and celebrate the vital role it plays in the lives of all who live in the region. The cornerstone of summer traditions in the Boothbay Harbor region, there’s something for everyone at this event.
From the grand gathering of the Windjammer Fleet to a golf tournament, road race, tug-of-war across the harbor, pirate duels, and fireworks, it’s full speed ahead. There’s even a lobster-eating contest, codfish relay, tours of the U.S. Coast Guard Station, maritime tours, haunted history, and a rock-skipping contest—plus plenty of great food and live music. Best of all, most events are free! boothbayharborwindjammerdays.org
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Changes for Claudio’s?
In 2018, Long Island, New York’s Claudio’s Tavern and Grill’s run of 148 years of family ownership came to an end. At the time, it was the oldest family-run restaurant in the nation. Fast-forward to 2025, and Claudio’s complex is getting a makeover. Rebranding by the restaurant’s current management will see more than a buff and polish and should be completed by press time. Claudio’s Tavern and Grill and Claudio’s Pizza, which anchored the property at the end of Main Street, will open as Charlie Boy at Claudio’s, an all-day Italian-American café.
Claudio’s Waterfront, located at the end of Main Street, opened for the season this past spring. Known for its locally sourced seafood and dockside dining on the shores of historic Greenport Harbor, Claudio’s signature dishes include lobster rolls, baked clams, New England clam chowder, and the popular Claudio’s Smash Burger, complemented by favorites like Claudio’s rum punch and frosé cocktails. The rebranding coincides with the recent opening of Claudio’s at the Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas. claudios.com
Great Read
Avid fans of maritime reads would do well to grab a copy of maritime historian Bill Bleyer’s book, The Sinking of the Steamboat Lexington on Long Island Sound. Released in May 2023, it is the story of a 220-foot paddlewheel steamboat that sank on a bitter cold night in January 1840, after a fire broke out and spread throughout the wooden vessel. The lifeboats were swamped before the vessel could be stopped, and no rescue boats were able to respond in time. Only four among the more than 145 on board survived by clinging to cotton bales.
Bleyer details the story of the Lexington from its unique construction to its harrowing demise and current efforts to document the wreck, which was rediscovered by a team of divers in 1983.
The 208-page paperback is available at bookstores and online at Amazon, Walmart, and box stores.
-By Tom Schlichter
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