We sailed aboard Schooner Alert last night and learned that Schooner Fest is about more than just schooners. It’s about caring for all the creatures on Earth. The captain (Perry) noticed a juvenile gull struggling in the water and it was determined it was stuck in a fishing lure. The crew (Bethany) jumped into action and the gull was rescued. With the assistance of passengers, the lure was removed and the gull was released. We were all happy to see it fly off safely. These videos aren’t the best cinematic effort, but things moved quickly and it was tight quarters. Cheers to the Schooner Alert who managed to give even more meaning to this wonderful weekend by being kind humans.

When the schooners come to town for Schooner Fest, I like to book as many sails as I can fit in. I like to select schooners I haven’t yet experienced so my first sail this year was aboard the American Eagle. Intermittent storms cancelled our scheduled sail on Friday, but we were offered an alternate trip Saturday morning for a 4 hour sail. And I jumped on it. It was a lovely sail that took us out almost to Salem. The winds were in our favor, the sun was shining and the crew was outstanding. We even got a yummy lunch.

Launched out of Gloucester in 1930, it was the last fishing schooner built here. Its home port now is Rockland ME under an enthusiastic Captain Tyler King. I thoroughly enjoyed my sail and look forward to seeing American Eagle return to Gloucester.

If you would like pictures, here is our entry for tonight: “Kraken”. Last year we made “The Piranha”. Thanks for doing this. It is very fun. (designed and built by my husband,Chris Williams, our daughter Arianna Laverdiere and me (Seyrel WiIliams)!

𝓣𝓸𝓭𝓪𝔂’𝓼 𝓢𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓲𝓪𝓵𝓼
🍕Buy any 18” Pizza get an 18” Cheese for $5
🍕Buy any 16” Pizza get a 16” Cheese for $5

🎉Additional Specials for today!
🦞$16.99 Lobster Rolls
🍔 $4.99 cheeseburgers w/ Chips & Pickles

AUGUST 27, 2025 ~ GLOUCESTER MARINE GENOMICS INSTITUTE ~ 

As part of Gloucester’s Stand Up for Art & Science Initiative, GMGI is excited to host an Open House & Art Unveiling at our research institute on the harbor!

Join us on Tuesday, September 16th, from 5p – 7p to explore our waterfront campus, chat with GMGI scientists about their research, and learn more about their groundbreaking work at the intersection of science and the sea.

This special evening will also feature the unveiling of a temporary sea urchin sculpture by local artist Rebecca Nagle and assisted by Sinikka Nogelo, who will speak about their artistic vision and process.

Guests are invited to join us for light refreshments and experience how art and science come together at GMGI.

Click here to register for this free event!

I went to 44 Main St and found a lovely little gift on the doorstep. It’s very beautiful but I don’t know where it came from! We plan to give it away as a podcast prize and we’d love to credit the artist/giver if you’ll give a us a clue!

Good Sign…

On Point…

𝓣𝓸𝓭𝓪𝔂’𝓼 𝓢𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓲𝓪𝓵𝓼
🍕Buy any 18” Pizza get an 18” Cheese for $5
🍕Buy any 16” Pizza get a 16” Cheese for $5

🎉Additional Specials for today!
🦞$16.99 Lobster Rolls
🍔 $4.99 cheeseburgers w/ Chips & Pickles

The Block Party is regrettably cancelled for tonight but the shop at 44 Main St will be open until at least 1 p.m. today; tomorrow Saturday 11-3; Sunday following Parade of Sail until 3; and Labor Day 11-3. Enjoy this festive weekend!

We’ll be reopening on Saturday, September 6th and Sunday, September 7th at 1 Whistlestop Mall in Rockport. 😊

BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS

Sat. August 30, be there by 7pm

BOATERS

Check in and assemble at Jones Creek at 6:45pm-7pm,

Optional – post a selfie with your crew on the Facebook page with a description of your boat theme!

Please monitor VHF Channel 6 so we can stay in touch.

Judges will be on the Hurricane II off the Coast Guard Station, pass them twice. Awards will be announced by the Judges on Channel 6 after the parade.

Please stay on the Parade route and be sure to go into each inlet for all our restaurants, visiting schooners and spectators to see.

The Blynman Bridge will stay open, unless there is an emergency, keep moving along so we can get through quickly. Bridge tenders are on VHF Channel 13. BE SAFE, HAVE FUN!

Make sure to pass the judge’s boat both times

facebook.com/boatparadeoflights

Thank you for your support!

As summer winds down, it seems the sunsets remind us how spectacular summer has been! This was from Plum Cove last week.