Headed to Ship’s Cove at Fort Williams, paddle-board race competitors take off from Willard Beach. (Staff photo by Gabe Souza.)

The Willard Beach Casino, which opened on June 9, 1986, burned in January 1898. (File photo.)

The shacks at Fisherman’s Point at Willard Beach, with Portland Head Light in the background. (Photo by Carl D. Walsh.)

Scratch Baking Co. in Willard Square is a popular destination. (Photo by Carl D. Walsh.)

The Southern Maine Community College campus, off the north end of Willard Beach. (Photo by Carl D. Walsh.)

The Casco Bay Lines Peaks Island ferry cruises past Spring Point Ledge Light near Willard Beach. (Photo by Carl D. Walsh.)

A cottage festooned with buoys. (Photo by Carl D. Walsh.)

Rosa rugosa at Willard Beach. (Photo by Carl D. Walsh.)

Them’s the rules. And the weather conditions. (Photo by Carl D. Walsh.)

Sailboats off Willard Beach, viewed from the SMCC campus. (Photo by Carl D. Walsh.)

The Peaks Island ferry passes Fort Gorges, on Casco Bay northeast of Willard Beach. (Photo by Carl D. Walsh.)

Treats at Scratch Baking Co. in Willard Square. (Photo by Carl D. Walsh.)

A view of Casco Bay, as seen from Fisherman’s Point at Willard Beach. (Photo by Carl D. Walsh.)

A Simonton Cove scene on a January day. (Staff photo by Ben McCanna.)