Where is....?

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.

Buck's Harbor Map

Buck's Harbor

Windjamming East Map

Map of Mt. Desert and Swan's Islands
for the post below.

Windjammer Destinations: Blue Hill Bay

On longer sails windjammer captains often head north into Blue Hill Bay.

The secluded upper section off Blue Hill and East Blue Hill is popular.

This bay often has warmer, more pleasant conditions during rougher weather. It's also a good area to watch other sailboats tacking around in the more sheltered waters.

On the eastern shore is the west coast of Mt. Desert Island, while North Brooklin and other nice coastal spots lies to the west.

Blue Hill Bay is a good reason to try a longer windjammer sailing trip.

Windjammer Cruising Overview Map

Here is a topo map view of the overall maximum Maine windjammer sailing area. Most cruises keep to Penobscot and Blue Hill bays.


On longer sails you may get to Frenchman Bay if the wind is strong and favorable.

The farthest port of call, Boothbay, is off this map to the southwest past South Bristol.

Most windjammers do not venture much south and west of Owl's Head regularly due to the usual prevailing conditions which require beating into the wind.

You can also see some of the surrounding inland area to get an idea where towns are located.

Windjammer Cruising Area: Merchant's Row

Just south and east of Stonington on Deer Isle is a group of small islands.

They are known as Merchant's Row, and when you have your lobster bake there's a good chance it will be on one of these little islands.

All are pretty and largely deserted. The schooners try to stay out of each others' way to provide a secluded atmosphere.

Rocky shores are the norm, but the captain's know where the sandy beaches can be found. There is some hiking opportunity on most of the isles.

Windjammer Cruising Area: Pulpit Harbor

Pulpit Harbor is the most popular windjammer anchorage. Located on North Haven Island, Pulpit is very close to home ports. This makes it reachable on any length cruise and it is quite well protected from the elements.

The harbor is named after the rock that guards it. Atop the stone is a giant Osprey nest that has been continuously inhabited by the hunting birds for at least 400 years. The nest is now protected by environmental law.

Pulpit Harbor's greatest feature is its views of the western sky. It is most people's favorite "sunset" harbor. Along with the sunset you can get a clear view of the mainland.

There is also a good chance to go ashore and walk around on the small roads that surround the harbor. A few of these run along other bodies of water on the island.

The main complication at Pulpit occurs in late July and August when many yachts crowd in to see with the big schooners that frequent the anchorage. Sometimes there are so many smaller boats that the windjammers can't get in to the harbor!

Windjammer Cruising Area : Part 2

Just to the east of the Maine Windjammers' home ports are North Haven and Vinalhaven Islands. Both are named after the largest towns. This is one of the most cruised areas of Penobscot Bay because of its close proximity to the mainland..

The channel between the two islands, called "Fox Island Thoroughfare," provides a shortcut past the islands and a protected passage for cruising and working boats.

Ferries from Rockland use the Thoroughfare to bring people and cargo to and from the mainland. Both islands have small year-round populations and have summer houses.

The town of Vinalhaven is still one of the largest lobster fishing centers in the world and is home port for hundreds of active fishing boats.

Maine Windjammer Home Base

Here is a map view of the Windjammer's home ports on Penobscot Bay. Click on the map for a larger view.