{"id":51797,"date":"2015-08-18T11:14:41","date_gmt":"2015-08-18T15:14:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/?p=51797"},"modified":"2025-09-01T21:37:36","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T01:37:36","slug":"windjammer-maine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/51797\/windjammer-maine\/","title":{"rendered":"A Breathtaking Windjammer Getaway in Maine"},"content":{"rendered":"

3,478 miles of harbors, inlets and bays define Maine\u2019s exceptional coastline. The intermingling of wispy fingers of land and water adds up to a mythical beauty that can be enjoyed from many vantage points. To fully appreciate the majesty of this rugged scenery, you deserve to see it from the water.<\/p>\n

Windjammers are an authentic slice of New England\u2019s maritime heritage and sailing on one is an adventure that has remained much as it was centuries ago. Experience seaside Maine\u2019s salty nautical charm for yourself by booking a Windjammer cruise. Here\u2019s the rundown.<\/p>\n

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The Stephen Taber initially launched in 1871 and is a tribute to 19th\u00a0century craftsmanship. She is the oldest documented sailing vessel in continuous service in the United States. Captain Barnes, the second-generation of the Barnes family to helm her, first sailed aboard the Stephen Taber at the age of seven and has had a crush on her ever since. A talented musician (he\u2019s in a rock band during the off-season), it doesn\u2019t take much to persuade him to serenade passengers by the moonlight.<\/p>\n

The Itinerary
\n<\/b>All cruises depart Rockland<\/a> from May-October and last between three and six days. In keeping with tradition, the course is determined by wind, weather and tides, so there\u2019s no set itinerary. Though unstructured, do expect the breeze to take you to charming fishing villages, lighthouses, secluded swimming coves and several of Maine\u2019s more than 4,000 remote islands. Hike, watch the lobstermen, dip in the chilly waters or collect wild blueberries. You\u2019ll spot wildlife along the way, including porpoises and seals. When darkness falls, you\u2019ll be treated to the night sky in all of its stargazing glory.<\/p>\n

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A Low-Impact Mode of Travel
\n<\/b>If green travel is a priority, Windjammers provide one of the most eco-friendly modes of transportation around. These venerable vessels harness the power of the wind to forge ahead. While some have diesel engines to give them a boost, the Stephen Taber has nothing but a tiny yawl boat to help it maneuver in and out of tight harbors.<\/p>\n

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Dining
\n<\/b>The Stephen Taber is known for its food. Chef Anna Miller turns out three scrumptious meals each day on the galley\u2019s vintage woodstove. Every morsel is sourced from local purveyors and fishermen along the way. Each morning, you\u2019ll awake to the smells of made-from-scratch baked goods accompanied by tasty treats like wild Maine blueberries, farm fresh eggs and flavorful sausage. Lunch is a hot soup, stew or chowder served with just-baked bread and a creative salad. Maine\u2019s clean, cold waters are loaded with gifts from the sea and the lobster bake dinner is sure to be the culinary highlight of your trip.<\/p>\n

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Accommodations
\n<\/b>Cabins are homey but compact. Each no-frills double and single berth has a cozy bed, sink and reading light. You share the two toilets (called heads) and hot shower with your fellow passengers on deck.<\/p>\n

Cost
\n<\/b>The back-to-basics feel of a Windjammer vacation has nothing<\/i> in common with an all-inclusive resort vacation except that everything (meals, wine and excursions) is included in the price. The only extra is a customary tip for the hard working crew at the journey\u2019s end. Cruises start at $618 per person.<\/p>\n

How to get there:\u00a0<\/b>Ride Amtrak or Megabus<\/a> to Boston\u2019s South Station, where you\u2019ll transfer to the Concord Coach<\/a> bus. You\u2019ll arrive at Rockland\u2019s ferry terminal four hours later. Cape A<\/a>ir departs from Boston\u2019s Logan Airport and will have you in neighboring Owls Head in 40 minutes. For more information, go to stephentaber.com<\/a>\u00a0and sailmainecoast.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n