This morning was just a little different for Camden Harbor Master Steve Pixley, who delightfully recounted a visit from two legendary sailors.

 

After finishing an early routine harbor check out in  Sherman’s Cove area he received a call on the VHF marine radio that the vessel Ancient Mariners II, a 42-foot power boat, was heading down to Camden from Belfast.

 

He promptly went out to greet the vessel and the sailors on board, escorting them into Camden Harbor. He waved to the Captain and his first mate – Herb and Ruth Weiss — who were readying the fenders and lines. Pixley saluted the Skipper, who was inside the helm station, and in turn, was treated to, “a great big smile,” he said.

 

“The Harbor Master gets lots of smiles from lots of people and I love them all, but…,” said Pixley, “this one sent a powerful wash of emotion over me.”

 

Likewise, those at the town dock also understood just how important this visiting ship, and its Captain and crew, were. Other boat captains and dock attendees bustled into action, ready to help tie up the Ancient Mariners II.

 

“You see,” said Pixley. “Captain Herb Weiss is 103 years old and his wife, Ruth, is 96. Nimble, proud, happy and fit, they arrived for the second year to us and the Camden Harbor department is in love with this amazing set of Mariners.”

 

The Weisses have been avid sailors their whole life and have sailed the Maine waters since the early 1970s. 

 

When Herb turned 96 they decided to leave the sailing to the younger generation and they turned in the sails for diesel.  These days, they winter in South Florida but come May, they take to the sea and start their summer cruising.

 

Aug. 9 was Camden’s lucky day, when the Weisses sailed the west side of Penobscot Bay to visit with their Camden friends.