What better way to start the new year than with an incredible picture of David Satter’s early-style Mariner WILDFLOWER at anchor in the fall as the sun sets. Known for years as #735 PROXIMUS and featured in this column back in 2016 and again in 2021, David’s complete refurbishment of her is nothing short of absolutely remarkable, and she looks nothing like her former self. Her true hull number is a bit of a mystery as she is missing her identification tag and another Mariner has since turned up with the ID plate of #735. Regardless, her custom mahogany companionway doors, cabin mahogany ceiling strips, rebuilt V-berth, custom tiller, short bowsprit for an anchor, and stunning paint and varnish set her apart from most all other Mariners. Currently for sale, her next owner will be buying not only a fantastic sailboat but a gorgeous showpiece.

Scott Nelson sails #3582 SWEET in the last whispers of wind as the sun sets off Little Cranberry Island, Maine. Scott writes that it was a “beautiful light air day to Isleford, Wabanaki homelands. A month ago we sailed in 30-knot gusts & SWEET handled it beautifully with a double-reefed main. The light air performance with regulation sails was just as impressive. Paddling Sweet into an Acadian sunset was magical. Best boat I've owned.” Located just southeast of Mount Desert Island, both Little Cranberry and Great Cranberry Islands are incredibly picturesque and provide stunning views of Acadia National Park and Cadillac Mountain. Great Cranberry is only about two miles long by one mile wide with around 40 year-round residents, although that number swells to about 300 additional seasonal residents during the summer. Both islands are only accessible by boat, and what better boat to use than a Mariner?