Windjammer Cruises Along Maine's Coastline
Maine's Historic Tall-Masted Windjammers Sail the Coast
Feb 22, 2009
Each of the traditionally-built sailing ships is individually owned and operated by US Coast Guard licensed captains. Ranging from 42 feet to 132 feet long; the ships carry between 6 and 40 guests and between 2 and 10 crew.
A Maine windjamming cruise is not a typical sailing vacation: It's an active adventure, with guests invited to hoist sails, take a turn at the wheel, navigate, or help in the galley.
What to Do and See on a Maine Windjammer Cruise
Windjammer cruises are also all about relaxing. Watching the picturesque coast go by is so hypnotic that entire hours can disappear into a fog of relaxation and contentment.
Bring cameras and binoculars for photographing and watching islands and lobstermen, seals and porpoises, an incredible variety of bird life, and picturesque small towns.
Each night the sloops anchor in a harbor and allow guests to go ashore. On some of the larger ships, kayaks are available for guests to paddle around in, and a brave few sometimes try their mettle by jumping into the frigid Maine waters (not recommended for the faint of heart; the water is rarely above 60- degrees) .
Most ships have a small library (reflecting the diverse and unpredictable tastes of former staff and visitors) and games, and musicians are warmly invited to bring their instruments.
The Main Windjammer Fleet
The fleet ranges from the 132-foot Victory Chimes, a national historic monument that was pictured on the Maine state quarter, to the newly-built Mistress, which hosts only 6 passengers at a time, in double rooms, each with its own "head.”
The Louis R. French and the Stephen Tabor are the oldest ships in the fleet, both launched as cargo ships in 1871. The Mary Day, Angelique, Mistress, and Heritage were built more recently, following historical ship building specifications, but designed for passenger comfort. Also noteworthy is the 1930-built American Eagle, which was once part of the Gloucester fishing fleet.
The ships are docked either in Camden or Rockland in central Maine; both towns are accessible via public transportation (bus and rail) from nearby airports.
The vessels sail from late May to mid-October. Prices range from $400 to $1100 per person, all inclusive, for trips ranging from 2 to 6 days,
Practicalities for a Maine Windjamming Cruise
Sailing on a Windjammer is a bit like camping on the water. The rooms are very small (singles, doubles, or triples, in various configurations depending on the ship), bathrooms are usually shared, and hot water and electricity are limited (as are Internet access and cell phone service). It's not exactly "roughing it" but tourists looking for pampering won't find it here.
- Seasickness is rarely an issue due to the gentle sailing motion and the protected waters, but bring motion sickness medicine just in case. Bring ear plugs, too: Some of the cabins have thin walls, and often at night, the sounds of snoring slumber can be heard echoing down the corridor.
- Bring sun screen, sunglasses, a hat (preferable with a chin strap so it doesn't blow away), and insect repellent (mostly needed on shore excursions)., as well as small travel soaps, shampoos, and lotions.
- Hearty and delicious meals are home-cooked on board, and served family style, featuring lots of fresh seafood, salads, chowders and homemade breads. All six-day cruises feature a lobster-bake (some of the shorter cruises have them, as well).
In short, a trip on a Maine Windjammer combines the history of seamanship with the natural beauty of one of the world's highlight sailing destinations, spiced with gracious captions and crews, a few tall tales and sea chanties,and fantastic food.
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