Table Of Content
Soon, the clanking of the anchor chain signals that it’s time to leave your serene anchorage and set out on the bay. Guests who wish can lend a hand, and in no time the anchor breaks free, the sails are set and you are underway. Ten minutes later, we cruised with a cool breeze, looking for lighthouses and marine life. The Captain planned to sail south along the rugged Maine coast and east toward Matinicus Island.
Island Windjammers Cruise Schedule and Rates
I asked Captain Justin if I could take a turn at the wheel and was surprised by the power of the schooner. I enjoyed it, and soon many of the guests steered the Riggin. Even though the boats belong to an association of windjammers, each ship is owner-operated.
You Can Sail a Boat
We'd then head north to anchor in a secluded cove on Vinalhaven Island. I experienced my first lobster bake in Portland the week before. The brewery opened on their day off for us and gave their permission to have the lobster bake in their front yard. To cap off our fantastic sunset dinner at an oceanside brewery, the Captain and crew made ooey-gooey s'mores tacos over the campfire.
You’ll Get Used to Everything Very Quickly
Row ashore and stretch your legs in local fishing villages and towns rich with art and culture. In the evenings we will anchor in hidden coves where you’ll enjoy coastal wildlife, spectacular sunsets, and endless stars. Welcome to the Maine Windjammer Association – the largest fleet of traditional tall ships in the Americas.
Portland Tall Ship Cruise on Casco Bay
My experience aboard the J & E Riggin showed me firsthand why these historic ships have so many repeat customers. The windjammer cruises in Maine are a unique opportunity to sail tall ships amid stunning scenery. Each trip we enjoy an all-you-can-eat lobster cookout on a pristine island beach.
We’re not doing any traveling this summer but all the time indoors has gotten me in a reflective mood. One of the most memorable summer vacations we took was a sailing trip along the coast of Maine. Nearly every day gives you a chance to walk ashore, too.
Welcome to Maine Windjammer Cruises
They're covered with kelp found along the beach and steamed for about 20 minutes. As if that wasn't enough, they also grilled two steaks! The Maine microbrewery opened in 2017 after friends Ben Lovell and Jesse Davisson took their homebrewing hobby to the next level. Ben and Jesse are fishermen, and their interest in beermaking developed during their downtime every winter during the off-season. Fifteen minutes later, the crew dropped the iron anchor off the port side. The one on the starboard side, we were told, was a “storm anchor” and is not routinely used.
I’d never had much interest in cruising, until I set sail on an old-fashioned Maine windjammer — with no itinerary - Toronto Star
I’d never had much interest in cruising, until I set sail on an old-fashioned Maine windjammer — with no itinerary.
Posted: Sat, 10 Jul 2021 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Dozens of anchored sailboats were barely visible amid the thick haze. When we passed the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, we could scarcely see it. The mile-long breakwater built to connect it with land disappeared in the mist. The cabins in the front of the boat have plumbing that requires guests to tap on a plastic pedal on the floor to drain water. It's a bit laborious, though it encouraged me to use the clean water efficiently to brush my teeth and wash my face.
The French in the Press
And delicious candied ginger shortbread was served for dessert. Our yawl boat was used like a mini-tugboat to pull the traditional schooner away from the dock, turn it around, and then push it out of Rockland Harbor. Then, on the day of departure, I used my free time to explore Rockland's museums and harbor. I also picked up last-minute items at Maine Sport Outfitters, including binoculars and rain gear. Downtown Rockland is walkable, which is helpful because rideshare services don't operate there.
It was beautiful and sort of haunting, but I could see that every passenger relished the moment. On the last night, Annie, Jon, and their daughter Ella, who was a crew member, entertained us with music and singing. The cruise is BYOB, so bring along your favorite beverages to enjoy while onboard.
Windjammer Barefoot Cruises founder Michael Burke dies at 89 - Skift Travel News
Windjammer Barefoot Cruises founder Michael Burke dies at 89.
Posted: Sat, 25 May 2013 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Given the small cabins, a duffel bag or backpack is the preferred choice for sailing. But I had to pack for a wedding in Boston, so they weren't an option. Having a carry-on size piece of luggage was manageable, but I'd avoid it. From the moment I stepped aboard the J & E Riggin, with its two tall masts and crisp sails, I was in another world.
Every breakfast, lunch, and dinner was out of this world. As you sail on your Maine schooner, you’ll spend a lot of time gazing out at the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The meeting of the sea and sky, interrupted only by the gentle waves and the occasional porpoise or seal surfacing, is a hypnotic and peaceful sight.
I drank a Decadent Decapod by Belleflower Brewing Co. in Portland. And I enjoyed an unfiltered Downeast Cider enough to pour a second glass. First, we passed Sprucehead Island and some large and attractive waterfront homes. I helped raise the mainsail as we passed Whitehead Island Lighthouse. Here, sailing at a leisurely 3 knots, we could hear the ringing of a red buoy that marks the entrance to New Haven harbor. When I asked Captain Justin about top speeds, he said the Riggin hit 10 knots (11.5 miles per hour) during The Great Schooner Race the week before.
I'd gotten the hang of spending days and nights at sea and been spoiled by the appearances of fin whales, porpoises, seals, puffins, and bald eagles. On the fifth and final day of our windjammer cruise off the coast of Maine, the water was so still that it created a near-flawless reflection of the Stephen Taber. Once everything had been packed up, we left the beach and brewery as we'd found it.
But even rainy days can turn into beautiful nights, and in any situation, the crew works hard to keep you comfortable. Honestly, having a bit of a storm at sea can be kind of fun. You can expect to see a lot of the Maine coast and the Penobscot Bay on a schooner trip on the J&E Riggin.
No comments:
Post a Comment