Real Maine Boats

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

More Spring in Maine

Who Are These Five People?

Good Night

Yet Another Windjammer Sunset
Courtesy of Schooner Nathaniel Bowditch

Real Maine Boats

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

It's Spring in Maine!

Springtime at the Mary Day Headquarters

From the Schooners...

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

Bio

April in Maine

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...

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

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

Spring Fit Out Begins...

Good Night

June Cruises

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

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