Monday, March 5, 2007
Maine Windjammer Lodging: 7 Mountains Motel
Spending an extra day or two before and/or after a sailing trip is very nice, especially in a great area like the Maine coast. The fancier inns can be pricey, but there are some nice little motels.
7 Mountains is one such place. They have 14 rooms, a heated pool. Their location is right in the midst of the schooners in a quiet location off Rt. 1. and provide a light breakfast.
Two people I met recommended this motel highly. Room prices are from $50 to $90.
7 Mountains Motel is in Rockport Maine; Home to Schooner Timberwind.
From the Captains...
Maine Windjammer Cruising Area: East
Mt Desert Island and Swans Island represent the far eastern boundaries of a typical Maine windjammer trip.
Mt. Desert is famous for Acadia National Park, but also has several excellent anchorages and small towns to visit. Bar Harbor is the most famous, but is also the farthest and most crowded. A visit to Southwest Harbor is more likely.
This is a boat building center. Many fine yachts are constructed at several top builders. The Hinckley Company is based in Southwest Harbor. Also in the area are: Ellis Boat Company, Lee S. Wilbur, John M. Williams and legendary designer/builder Ralph Stanley.
On the extreme SW coast of the island is Bass Harbor. This is a quieter anchorage. Nevertheless, this little fishing town is home to the great sailboat building Morris Yacht Co.
Swan's Island is home to a yearly music festival that most of the vessels attend(July 31-August 2nd, 2007). This island is about as remote as it gets. Reaching here is possible by ferry, but not easy. There are few modern attractions, but Swan's is beautiful and a real treat to see. Few people travel here. LINK
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Maine Windjammer Log: Part One
Deciding to take a full Maine Windjammer sailing trip is a distinct departure from other vacations. You are not only sailing, but are sailing into a time period other than your own.
Re-Creation of the 19th and early 20th centuries on Maine coastal waters is what the fleet of Maine Windjammers provides. Within this context are contained the main characteristics of the unique experience.
You travel with the elements as often as possible and as little against them as necessary.
You combine with other people to accomplish tasks more modern machines now achieve far more easily.
You become immersed in an environment that is drastically unlike what you normally experience on a daily basis.
You become familiar with a maritime setting and culture that few realize has been kept alive today, in America.
Above all, you come in contact with a mix of simplicity and complication that is nearly the reverse of what most people's every day lives now contains.
All this occurs with surprisingly little effort and has a surprisingly grand effect on your psyche.
Windjammer Owner's Thoughts
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