Maine Coast Windjamming

Welcome to Bass Harbor Maine

2007-08-02T18:53:00.001-04:00

On the "other" side of Mt. Desert Island

Gimbel's Department Store: Boothbay Branch

2007-08-02T18:44:00.000-04:00

This location is still open.

Shore Boat from Schooner Nathaniel Bowditch

2007-08-02T18:36:00.000-04:00

Beached at Calderwood Island Lobster Bake

Reading Central

2007-07-31T23:15:00.000-04:00

A Small Lobster Boat Near Stonington

2007-07-31T23:10:00.000-04:00

Evening Offshore of North Haven Maine

2007-07-31T23:02:00.000-04:00

Schooner Nathaniel Bowditch is anchored at far left.

At Ease Off of Sorrento

2007-07-29T21:22:00.000-04:00

This long sailing day ends with Bowditch anchored off the Mainland
N. E. of Acadia National Park.
We watch the fading sun.

Open Water Down East

2007-07-29T21:13:00.000-04:00

From the Stern of Schooner Bowditch
as we sail N. E. of Mt. Desert Island

Sailing the East side

2007-07-27T22:28:00.000-04:00

The Bar Harbor Area
Mt. Desert Island
June 19, 2007

Early 20th Century meets Post Modern

2007-07-27T22:21:00.000-04:00

"The Cat" ferry from Nova Scotia zooms by our 1922 sailing vessel.

Heading Down East

2007-07-27T22:10:00.000-04:00

Skirting the southern shore of Mt. Desert Island
June 19, 2007

Isaac H. Evans Maneuvers into Line

2007-07-25T19:50:00.000-04:00

A capacity crowd on Brenda's Schooner

Fashionably Late

2007-07-25T19:46:00.000-04:00

Grace Bailey Arrives

FURLING Head Sails

2007-07-25T19:40:00.000-04:00

Crew on Schooner Heritage
Schooner Gam
June 18

Much More Clear

2007-07-23T19:52:00.000-04:00

Bowditch is rafted right alongside Angelique a few hours later
off Hell's Half Acre. Note Angelique's unique rounded stern.

SIGHTING

2007-07-23T19:46:00.000-04:00

Ketch Angelique Hull Up in the Haze
Midday June 18, 2007

UNDERWAY

2007-07-23T19:34:00.000-04:00

Sailing Before a SW Breeze Toward the Schooner Gam
at Hell's Half Acre in Merchants Row
June 18, 2007

Acadia: Mount Desert Island

2007-07-19T21:04:00.000-04:00

The ship with red sails dwarfed by the mountains is the
four masted schooner Margaret Todd
leaving Bar Harbor on a day trip

Small Boats

2007-07-19T20:53:00.001-04:00

June's Schooner Gam

H. M. S. Bounty Under Restoration

2007-07-19T20:48:00.001-04:00

Boothbay Harbor Shipyard

Maine Windjamming Moment

2007-07-16T22:33:00.000-04:00

Sun sets over Tenants Harbor, Maine.
June 24 of this year.
Deck of Schooner Nathaniel Bowditch

Nathaniel Bowditch Rigging and Sky

2007-07-16T22:28:00.000-04:00

Town of North Haven

2007-07-16T22:21:00.000-04:00

Mid Day

Schooner Chase

2007-07-14T22:49:00.000-04:00

American Eagle to the left
Stephen Taber to the right
(Note Taber's Fab New Sails)

Maine Windjamming Perfection

2007-07-14T22:43:00.000-04:00

Bowditch Under Sail with
Perfect Angle Seating

Nathaniel Bowditch at Sunset

2007-07-14T22:39:00.000-04:00

Return

2007-07-09T17:49:00.000-04:00

Congrats to 2007 Schooner Race Winners:

Grace Bailey (Coaster and Overall)
Mary Day (Leeward)
Nathaniel Bowditch (Windward)

American Eagle at Anchor

2007-05-16T18:53:00.000-04:00

Rockport Harbor: Early June 2006

2007-05-16T18:41:00.000-04:00

Ships of the Line

2007-05-14T00:40:00.000-04:00

Coffee in Pulpit Harbor

2007-05-14T00:27:00.000-04:00

Penobscot Bay Sunset Replay

2007-05-12T21:57:00.000-04:00

Deck of Schooner Isaac H. Evans
June 12, 2006

Windjammer Greatest Hits 2006 #6

2007-05-12T21:49:00.000-04:00

Days and Nights of Isaac H. Evans

Windjammer Greatest Hits 2006 #5

2007-05-12T21:40:00.000-04:00

Schooner Riggin in Castine after the 2006 Schooner Race

Submerged Wizard's Tower Of The Havens

2007-05-10T23:45:00.000-04:00

Relax

2007-05-10T23:32:00.000-04:00

Windjammer Greatest Hits 2006 #4

2007-05-09T20:09:00.000-04:00

Seen from Schooner Timberwind

Stealth Schooner Photography

2007-05-09T19:56:00.000-04:00

Boo!
I Surprise Annie Mahle

Windjamming Greatest Hits 2006 #3

2007-05-09T19:48:00.000-04:00

Timberwind in Rockport

Faster Than a Speeding Schooner

2007-05-08T20:48:00.000-04:00

Lobster Cruiser "Man O' War"
at North End Shipyard

Windjamming Greatest Hits 2006 #2

2007-05-08T20:41:00.000-04:00

More American Eagle

Windjamming Greatest Hits 2006

2007-05-08T20:35:00.000-04:00

American Eagle

Good Night Zach

2007-05-07T22:08:00.000-04:00

Rockport Harbor

2007-05-07T18:43:00.000-04:00

Rockland Refreshment

2007-05-07T18:29:00.000-04:00

Room 7 at Old Granite Inn

2007-05-07T18:22:00.000-04:00

Good Night Rockland

2007-05-05T22:10:00.000-04:00

Oars, Spars, Barrels

2007-05-05T22:01:00.000-04:00

Season Start Dates

2007-05-05T21:31:00.000-04:00

Here are the dates for the opening sailings for the '07 season:

Timberwind 5/26 (3 days)
MWC *Grace Bailey, Mercantile, Mistress* 5/18 (Weekend)
J&E Riggin 6/2 (4 Days)
Nathaniel Bowditch 5/25 (3 Days)
Stephen Taber 5/25 (3 Days)
Isaac H. Evans 6/3 (4 Days)
American Eagle 5/26 (4 Days)
Angelique 5/26 (3 Days)
Heritage 6/4 (6 Days)
Lewis R. French 5/24 (4 Days)
Mary Day 5/26 (3 Days)
Victory Chimes 6/2 (Weekend)

Some boats use the sailing day and others the boarding day(previous evening.)

Isaac Evans Preparations: On Shore

2007-05-04T14:57:00.000-04:00

Isaac Evans Preparations: On Deck

2007-05-04T14:52:00.000-04:00

Maine Windjammer Reflections

2007-05-04T14:41:00.000-04:00

Music of the Sea...
http://www.mainesailsblog.com/blog/2007/05/rainy_day_with_.html

Isaac Evans Spring Outfitting Details...
http://schoonerevans.blogspot.com/2007/04/spring-outfitting.html

good night

2007-05-02T22:13:00.000-04:00

North End Shipyard
Rockland

Schooner Timberwind Update

2007-05-02T18:53:00.000-04:00

Timberwind 's crew successfully hauled out for bottom painting at North End Shipyard and is back in Rockport completing preseason finish work.

Captain Tassi has a new crew this year and an all new suite of sails. Dawn Tassi has added a full time galley mate to assist with meal preparation

You can be one of the first to try out the new sails by joining the Timberwind Memorial Day Weekend Cruise. Or, join me when I sail on Timberwind for the Schooner Gam on the third week of June.

Windjammer Nathaniel Bowditch Under Way

2007-05-01T18:44:00.000-04:00

Nathaniel Bowditch Update

2007-05-01T18:10:00.000-04:00

Racing schooner Nathaniel Bowditch is well into its spring fit out. Bowditch wintered on the Camden waterfront where it will reside until moving back to its Rockland slip.

Hard at work are Capt. Owen Dorr and brother Paul , along with their new crew of three. Cathie Dorr (the captain's wife,) is busy running the business side of the operation.

The Bowditch team is in the process of securing National Historic recognition for the 1922 racing yacht/windjammer.

Every cruise booked on this classic vessel helps the Dorr's move a step further in their dream of restoring this spectacular sailing Ferrari to her 1920's glory.

Good Day

2007-05-01T08:06:00.000-04:00

Schooner Mistress With Her Bigger Sisters Behind Her
Camden Harbor in Late April

Good Night

2007-04-30T22:46:00.000-04:00

Artistic Rockland Night Scene

From the Windjammers...

2007-04-30T22:28:00.000-04:00

From Riggin
http://www.mainesailsblog.com/blog/2007/04/the_wee_little_.html

From Isaac H. Evans... Noreaster
http://schoonerevans.blogspot.com/2007/04/spring-noreaster.html

From Mary Day... Chadwick Launch
http://www.mainewindjammerblog.com/2007/04/launching-chadwick.html

One Month More...

2007-04-30T22:14:00.000-04:00

Very soon Jenny Norman and friends

will ply the waters of Penobscot Bay

once again.

Good Day

2007-04-30T08:47:00.000-04:00

Schooner Heritage at North End Shipyard
Isaac H Evans is lying alongside

"Don't Walk in to That!"

2007-04-29T13:26:00.000-04:00

A great source of pride was not damaging anything valuable while working in the Riggin Shop,

This was almost not so.

While chatting with Capt. Finger on my last day about the supreme difficulties with varnishing, I nearly grazed the boats most prized bright finished item.

The ship's wheel (seen lower left) had just been finished by the captain and hung to dry. Gesturing with my hands in my finest "ethnic" style, I stepped back for effect and heard the words inscribed as the title of this post.

I had no idea what "that" meant. It was a terribly vague statement If included in a rhetorical argument or set on paper I would have been quite critical of its likely effect. In this context, however, it was very effective at freezing me in place before looking around and then leaping away into open space, which is what Capt. Finger may have intended.

Another example of results achieved with "efficiency and economy" in the Maine rhetorical style.

I still maintain that I wasn't that close to that wheel but I was certainly much farther away 15 seconds later.

Good Day

2007-04-29T08:04:00.000-04:00

Windjammers in Camden Harbor
Still Wrapped Up for Winter

Good Night

2007-04-27T20:47:00.000-04:00

Schooner J&E Riggin Lies Peacefully at its Rockland Slip on a Fine Evening
The Wind Stopped Howling Only a Few Days Earlier

At the Inn...

2007-04-27T20:22:00.000-04:00

I stayed at Old Granite Inn during my April visit.

The inn/B&B was bought by Edwin and Joan Hantz last August and they extended great hospitality to myself and the new crew of J&E Riggin who were staying there as well.

Old Granite Inn is a fine stone and wood structure right on Main St. in Rockland. It used to be the old Elk's club headquarters way back when.

The Inn has a large comfortable living room and a nice big dining room, as well as several excellent bedrooms. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed as seen in this photo of part of the living room.

Riggin Work Week part 2: At the Shop

2007-04-27T18:27:00.000-04:00

The barn/garage at the Finger/Mahle house in Rockland is the site of a good deal of fit out work.

Many parts on the schooner are stored here or moved here for repair and refinishing.

This photo shows the blocks which facilitate sail handling on a traditional sailing vessel.

They have been repaired as needed and are now being given a new coat of White paint.

All the windjammers have a similar type of on-shore shop area.

Most of the schooners were working on shore early in the week due to the giant storm that effected the Northeast.

Good Morning

2007-04-27T07:14:00.000-04:00

Schooners at North End Shipyard
American Eagle is in the foreground.
Isaac Evans is hidden by Heritage in the distance.

Riggin Work Week part 1: My Skylight

2007-04-26T13:41:00.000-04:00

You are looking at my main contribution of volunteer work for J&E Riggin.

I spent my first 8 hours prepping this hatch/skylight for varnish. This piece and its windows(removed) is fitted forward over the Captain's Cabin.

This may have taken an actual crew person half the time, but these were 8 hours they could spend on other work.

There is some satisfaction in knowing that you worked on a part of the schooner that will be both observed and working for an entire sailing season.

Good Morning

2007-04-26T07:38:00.000-04:00

Back From Maine Windjammer Central

2007-04-25T14:22:00.000-04:00

I have returned from Rockland after a 10 plus day visit. There are many pictures to show and some good stories to relate. First, some links from my sponsors...

The Old Granite Inn

Maine Adventure Sails
(Schooners Riggin and Timberwind)

Schooner Nathaniel Bowditch

Schooner Isaac H Evans

Good Morning

2007-04-25T07:07:00.000-04:00

Main St. in Rockland Last Week

TV Special

2007-04-20T15:21:00.000-04:00

From J&E Riggin:

"Tonight at 6pm WMTW will air a new piece on Riggin Work Week. If you are in
the area we invite you to join us in watching. If you are not in the area keep
an eye out on the Media page in the next week or so and we will have it up on
line for you to enjoy as well.
We are honored to be able to share
the J& E Riggin with everyone. She is a piece of American history and
belong to us all".

Update from Rockland

2007-04-20T15:00:00.000-04:00

I'm posting today from the desk of Maine Adventure Sails to update every one. We survived the Great Noreaster to accomplish some solid fit out work on J&E Riggin. I will have several posts from Riggin Work Week when I return.

Schooner Timberwind was hauled out for bottom work yesterday. I have some good photos.

All the Windjammers survived quite well and fit out is at full strength on all the schooners.

I have been staying at Old Granite Inn with the Riggin crew and have been well taken care of by the hosts and the Riggin Family over at their home base..

Fit Out Activity

2007-04-11T16:26:00.000-04:00

Most news traffic from the Maine Windjammer community is quieting due to the commencement of Spring Fit-Out. The months of April and May are spent readying the schooners for sailing season.

As many wooden boat fans know, this largely involves sanding and painting every part of a vessel exposed to the elements or wear of most kinds. In addition, there is mechanical work on every system and the repair and preparation of the sailing rigs.

There is also crew training and certifications and provision and meal planning. This is all beside the work of attracting and booking passengers.

The best way to know what's happening is to get a first hand look. I hope to give readers of this site just that in the next few weeks.

Windjamming in June

2007-04-10T23:15:00.000-04:00

You Might See This Live From a Maine Schooner

2007-04-09T21:45:00.000-04:00

American Eagle's Canada Visit

2007-04-09T21:38:00.000-04:00

Read about Captain Foss's annual trip north into the Bay of Fundy.

Not many people get to sail by West Quoddy Head Light.

Carbon Free Cruising in Maine

2007-04-09T21:13:00.000-04:00

Well, almost... Story from MWA Newsletter

These folks are justifiably proud of their energy conservation.

Lobster Boat Fleet at Spruce Head Maine

2007-04-08T23:55:00.000-04:00

Courtesy "The Real Maine"

Main Street Rockland

2007-04-08T23:51:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of "The Real Main"

Where is....?

2007-04-08T23:34:00.000-04:00

The greater part of Rockland Harbor is within this map.
Seven Maine windjammers are docked along the harbor front. Stephen Taber is toward the bottom edge. J&E Riggin, Nathaniel Bowditch and Victory Chimes are in the center.

North End Shipyard hosts American Eagle, Heritage and Isaac Evans. As its name indicates, the yard is at the North end of the harbor.

All are accessible on foot. Taber, which is near the Public Landing to the south, and North End Shipyard are a longer walk.

Real Maine Boats

2007-04-07T20:44:00.000-04:00

New Custom 34' Wooden Sloop
Design by David Ryder-Turner
Built by William Cannell Boatbuilding
of Camden, Me.

More Spring in Maine

2007-04-07T20:41:00.000-04:00

Who Are These Five People?

Good Night

2007-04-06T23:27:00.000-04:00

Yet Another Windjammer Sunset
Courtesy of Schooner Nathaniel Bowditch

Real Maine Boats

2007-04-06T23:18:00.000-04:00

Opposite of a Schooner
but built in Rockland...
Back Cove 29 Power Cruiser by
Back Cove Yachts

It's Spring in Maine!

2007-04-06T19:59:00.000-04:00

Springtime at the Mary Day Headquarters

From the Schooners...

2007-04-06T19:41:00.000-04:00

From Riggin...

April Snow...
http://www.mainesailsblog.com/blog/2007/04/the_morning_com.html

New Ownership at the Old Granite Inn
http://www.mainesailsblog.com/blog/2007/04/old_granite_inn.html

From Mary Day...

Sanding Schooners and ...

Painting Peapods

The Lee's of Schooner Heritage

2007-04-05T09:23:00.000-04:00

Bio

April in Maine

2007-04-04T18:40:00.000-04:00

I've decided to head north to observe and participate in a week of fit out activity on Schooner J&E Riggin (April 14-21). I also hope to check in on friends with other schooners and see how they are doing. I will be taking pictures and writing for blog posts.

I will try to bring back as many updates as possible on your favorite windjammers. The official sailing season does not begin for over a month more.

Many people have pointed out my lack of concentration on the Camden schooners. I am less familiar with them personally, but I will attempt to visit some during the week. And, yes, that includes Angelique which I am fully aware is a ketch.

I hope the Riggin folks don't ask for any heavy lifting...

While you're there...

2007-04-03T20:33:00.000-04:00

Those interested in transport of all kinds should not miss the Owl's Head Transportation Museum.

This is one of the best collections of 19th and early 20th century transport artifacts in the world.

I'm not big on cars, but the classic vehicles here were a treat to see.

There are also extensive displays for aircraft and boats, as well as the engines that powered them.

Besides the Maine Lighthouse Museum, this place is the best historical attraction near the schooners for people fascinated by human-built machines.

Take a look at their website.

Quick Link to Inns of Rockland

2007-04-02T14:43:00.000-04:00

This link finds the site for six historic Inn/B&B's in Rockland that have combined to offer detailed information. There is an availability database updated pretty frequently where you can input dates and see who has open rooms.

Some of these B&B's have their own sites as well, and you can easily look at many of the interiors and prices. If you are planning to stay on a weekend, now is the time to book. Weekdays are more open into later in the spring and early summer.

From the Schooners

2007-04-02T14:33:00.000-04:00

Spring Fit Out Begins...

Good Night

2007-04-01T22:59:00.000-04:00

June Cruises

2007-04-01T22:49:00.000-04:00

Victory Chimes is offering a Father's Day Cruise June 15-18. Dads get a half price fare.

Chimes is the largest windjammer in Maine and the only one with three masts. She carries 40 passengers and has great space and comfort.

Windjammer Food Section

2007-04-01T18:50:00.000-04:00

On discovering Meyer Lemons (one of my favorites).....
From J & E Riggin Newsletter

"In the middle of the summer, on an evening stroll through the garden, you can be almost overwhelmed by the fresh, floral and herbal scents that drift around you on a gentle breeze. In the late winter however, (which is what we’ve still got here in Maine), while we are still waiting for the first green shoots of crocus, fresh scents are harder to come by and when they are found, become such a delight. I found Meyer lemons at our local grocery store this winter and decided to see what all the fuss was about. I’d been hearing and reading about them for years, but had never used them in a recipe of my own. What a treat! Meyer lemons are more fragrant and sweeter than their counterpart. And did I say “fragrant?” Their scent is really lovely and their skin is thin and bright yellow.

I experimented quite a bit with lemon sorbet, lemonade, lemon tarts and interestingly enough, preserved Meyer lemons. A common ingredient in Mediterranean food, especially Moroccan, they pair well with fish or chicken dishes. I especially like them paired with olives. The process of preserving the lemons takes about 10 days, and is relatively painless. They are wonderful – salty, pungent and milder than when they are fresh. They’ll change color to a more orangey hue and become a little plump, softening over time. I did experiment with regular lemons as well and while they do work and their flavor is interesting and unique, I much prefer the Meyer lemons in this case. Preserving them in this way captures a Meyer lemon’s amazing perfume. They are salty so most of the recipes call for little or no added salt."

Good Day

2007-04-01T10:32:00.000-04:00

Real Maine Boats

2007-03-31T18:33:00.000-04:00

T38 Torpedo Stern Launch
by Rumery's Boat Yard
of Biddeford Me.

From the Schooners...

2007-03-31T15:27:00.000-04:00

More live chicken talk from the Riggin family...
http://www.mainesailsblog.com/blog/2007/03/a_passenger_on_.html

Return of Captain King..
http://www.mainewindjammerblog.com/2007/03/welcome-home.html

Camden Harbor Web Cam

2007-03-31T15:21:00.000-04:00

Take a look at Camden Harbor, home of half the Maine fleet. I admit it is not as exciting this time of year.

Maine Windjammer History: Nathaniel Bowditch

2007-03-31T15:18:00.000-04:00

Brief backround of this elegant vessel...
http://www.windjammervacation.com/history.html