More gardening preparation amidst the ice....
Fun with Maple syrup and snow...
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Friday, March 16, 2007
From the Schooners...
Seal Release Update from Capt. Brenda Walker.
Fit Out and Sail Training from Mary Day.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Schooner Isaac H. Evans Begins E-Newsletter
Capt. Brenda Walker has begun preliminary work on a regular Isaac H. Evans E- Newsletter.
Those interested in hearing from this really cool windjammer can sign up for the future publication at the Evans Home Page. The captain is accepting suggestions about content and scheduling of the newsletter. Write if you have ideas.
From the Schooners....
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Windjammer vs. Windjammer part 1
The first big difference between Maine Windjammers and the Caribbean boats is the format of the cruises.
Barefoot windjammers are structured like a big cruise ship vacation. The boats mostly sail at night and anchor during the day. The island destinations are the main focus. There are cruise ship-like shore excursions. Most importantly, there is a definite schedule of stops at specific ports. These boats spend a good deal of time with their engines running. Much of your waking time is spent with the boat at rest. I should say that night sailing is very enjoyable, but many people won't be awake.
In contrast, the Maine fleet emphasizes the sailing experience itself and its connection to the natural elements. The fleet sails during the day and into the evening and anchors overnight. Motoring is done as little as possible. This results in an unpredictable itinerary. There is no certain destination. Traveling is largely done with the wind and weather. You will almost certainly go ashore at least once every day at a different beautiful place, but will not know where for certain. The overall direction the ship takes each day is a secret held by nature and your captain.
The two fleets present clearly different vacation formats.
From the Schooners...
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Two sides of the same schooner picture
Schooner Bowditch recently posted the top photo of Capt. Dorr serving lobsters at a bake. I just realized that the two people in the backround look real familiar.
Yes, that's me with the giant hat and head to toe covering taking the lower photo of the same scene at the same time! The tall kid behind me is my nephew Jesse. The other photog is Bowditch crew person Martha. The time was race week 2006.
Barefoot Maine Windjammers?
One of the biggest items of confusion at the New York Times Travel Show was the wide spread belief that the Maine Windjammer fleet is associated with the more well known Caribbean windjammers. Further, many thought that the two are the same experience in different locations.
This, of course, is not the case. The two fleets are separate and quite different. So, over the next few days I will contrast the two fleets for your information and amusement. First up shortly.... Cruise Format.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Windjammer Layouts: Lewis R. French
Lewis R. French is the smallest "big" schooner in the Maine fleet. However, because it is a keel boat there is good room inside.
The French carries 22 people and has a wide range of bunk types, including 4 singles. 8 are housed in the aft main cabin and 14 more amidships in two more sections.
French's galley.saloon is forward and can seat the whole company. Heads are on deck level.
Click the photo for a bigger view. Lewis R.French sails from Camden. A link is in the windjammer list.
Plush Camden Inns
A combination of Windjamming and a night or two at a fine inn or B&B is very appealing. Here are three of Camden's finest ...
Windward House
Hartstone Inn
Blue Harbor House
Parenting on Schooners
From Anne Mahle...
LINK
http://www.mainesailsblog.com/blog/2007/03/introducing_ell.html
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Midcoast Daysailing Vacation
Day Schooner Surprise from Camden
(Photo from Surprise Website)
Absolutely don't want to stay overnight on a sailboat? Why not try a holiday of daysailing schooners?
A nice week can easily be created by mixing day sails and land touring in the Midcoast. This type of strategy allows for staying in nice inns or motels and sailing on traditional sailboats.
I have posted a link list on the sidebar of the major area daysailers. I will add more from Portland and Bar Harbor soon.
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