Barbara Dyer: Hurricanes and Camden Harbor
There is not much to worry about in Camden for weather, except for a long winter sometimes.
But the yachtsmen do have a concern about hurricanes. They are not yet ready to give up their yachting for the summer and yet it becomes a necessity to haul boats in.
The waters begin to look rough. The marine weather channel tells of a hurricane on its way. It is moving very fast, so reluctantly they head to the outer harbor to bring them in to safe harbor.
Most owners are away and Wayfarer, or whoever, is watching their customers head out in the tug boat Barbie D to bring them in.
The large sailing yachts are rafted alongside of the dock and each other, maybe three or four yachts together. Out again to bring the others from their outer mooring to the inner harbor. The workmen are decked out in their foul weather gear and go out, again and again.
The telephone is ringing off the hook. "Go get my yacht!"
The owner hears, "We have it in and secured."
It is getting worse and then people who have no one call and say," Please get my yacht. It is moored in the outer harbor!"
The workmen are moving as fast as possible. Windjammers are buttoning down the hatches and all one can see is four weather gear and a great deal of activity in the harbor.
Some think their yacht can ride out the storm, but when it is too late, they frantically call.
It is no longer safe to go out and there is no room at the wharves. Then all one can do is watch a frightening scene. Although there are no people aboard, it is terrifying to watch yachts smashing up on the ledges and other harborfront land.
One of Camden's worst storms was August 30, 1954 (Hurricane Carol); previously the 1938 hurricane held our record. Hurricane Bob was quite notable in Camden in August 1991.
Barbara F. Dyer has lived in Camden all her life, so far.
More Barbara Dyer
