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Swift’s three cabins are double-occupancy, with one that can accommodate 3 twin beds. Singles wishing to sail on the Swift would need to pay the full cabin price unless another single is available to share the cabin. We do have a wait list for persons wishing to travel alone. Windjammer accommodations are rustic by cruise ship standards. The warm glow of varnished wood and unique features of each cabin offer an atmosphere of comfort far different from a luxury liner.
Each Day is an Adventure
Showers can only be taken while the boat is anchored, which is to say after breakfast but before setting sail or after it's anchored (up until 10 p.m.). Crew members made hot water available for those wanting a shower. I didn't bother, choosing to wash my face regularly and double up on deodorant instead. You won't be alone, and nobody on windjammer cruises in Maine will judge you for it. I liked the prospect of sleeping on a boat, especially under the stars, and brought a sleeping bag to try it.
On a Maine windjammer, feasts of food, scenery and conversation - The Washington Post
On a Maine windjammer, feasts of food, scenery and conversation.
Posted: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Things To Know Before Taking A Windjammer Cruise
Wildlife can appear at any time, and it’s usually when you least expect it. I found that just looking out at the water was the best method. Seals and porpoises are constantly popping up, sometimes fairly close to the boat. If you stay patient and keep your eyes open, you’ll almost certainly be rewarded with some Maine wildlife sightings. Together, we all stood on the port and starboard sides of the deck and pulled the ropes hand-over-hand to lift those incredible, huge sails.
You’ll Get Used to Everything Very Quickly
The remainder of the time, let the sea be your natural cleanser! You can also pack some essentials like dry shampoo and baby wipes—more on that later. It’s amazing how quickly a person can adjust to a new environment and a new routine.
Swift is a very special vessel designed in 1935 by Murray Peterson, a masterful naval architect famous for his coaster designs. Originally intended as a luxury yacht, she was launched in 1983 after nearly twenty years of love and dedication to build her. We suggest that you reserve your space as soon as you decide on a preferred ship and sail date. We can also provide a trip appropriate for a funeral service or memorial gathering. We look forward to helping you or your organization plan your special event. We work with college alumni and other nonprofit groups to create fundraisers and unique travel opportunities.
After a hearty breakfast Monday, we get underway for our short adventure exploring the islands of Maine. Often, people who take the first half pre-season 3-day cruise have such a good time, they ask to stay on for the second half. IF SPACE ALLOWS, you can stay for the second half of the cruise, at an additional discounted fee. Check out this year's sailing dates aboard the J & E Riggin, or plan for next year. Before we set sail from Waterman's Point, the crew set up the ship's chandlery, aka the gift shop.
Day 1: Boarding the J & E Riggin
It was rewarding work and it really makes you appreciate just how many “hands on deck” are necessary to help keep a boat afloat. Nearly all your time awake is spent up on deck relaxing, chatting, dining, and sailing. I have mentioned that I was slightly nervous my first night aboard the boat.
Gather with your shipmates in the galley for an amazing home-cooked meal prepared on our wood fired stove. We arrive back in Rockland before noon on the day of your trip's end date. The crew dropped anchor and began prepping the Savannah, a cat ketch rig carried by the J & E Riggin. When we arrived, the cove was empty except for a larger sailboat already anchored there. Within an hour, though, the Schooner Stephen Taber joined us. Lunch on this lovely day consisted of lobster bisque made with leftover lobster from the previous night, rolls, salad, and luscious lemon bars.
Our Sailing Cruise on a Maine Windjammer, The Lewis R French
It’s about gorgeous scenery, human connection, soul-nourishing meals, and taking time for both adventure and reflection. Our playground is the sparkling sea and the spruce-clad granite islands that rise from it. Wake up to the quiet solitude of Maine’s coast, find renewal in the wind and sun, and surprise yourself as you help steer the ship. Aboard our vessels, with itineraries tossed to the wind, our guests find both a spark of adventure and time to reflect.
The yawl boat is used for runs to shore and when there’s no wind. When we hit the doldrums, the Riggin used its 16-foot diesel yawl boat to push the schooner along. When there was a strong wind, we sailed around 9 miles per hour, or 8 knots, which was a thrill. Taking my first (of hopefully many) windjammer cruises in Maine was the adventure at sea that I didn't know I needed. As we entered Rockland Harbor, the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, shrouded in fog at the start of our trip, was visible. The tight quarters are a part of the windjamming experience.
We will offer three and six-night trips, boarding either on Sundays or Wednesdays. Our season begins June 2 and runs through early October. Plenty of steamed lobster and steak cooked just the way you like them! Weekend & three-day cruises enjoy our Surf & Turf Bar-B-Q onboard your schooner. Don’t forget your binoculars- Nature is all around you on the bay. Curious harbor seals watch as they sun themselves on rocky island points and graceful porpoises arch through the water.
It truly is an elegant form of camping as the ship is an antique. The berths are cozy and include a small sink and window. The room allows for rest and storage, and you are meant to spend your time up top admiring the gorgeous scenery.
The Riggin was built in 1927 as an oyster dredger in the Delaware Bay. She was built by Charles Riggin in Dorchester, New Jersey and named for his sons Jacob and Edward. The Riggin finished first ahead of all the other oyster-schooners in the only formal race ever held in 1929. She was registered as a National Historic Landmark Vessel in 1991. There’s a plaque on the deck commemorating her status.
Hear about the islands, vessels and people of Mid-Coast Maine as well as the many lighthouses we see. Wildlife abounds with birds both ashore and at sea as well as marine mammals. Best of all you can enjoy sailing aboard a schooner built with your comfort in mind. Reduced fares make these trips the perfect time to vacation in Maine. The beauty of the fall colors adds a new dimension to already breathtaking scenery. Crisp, clear days with brisk winds offer the best sailing of the season.
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