Good Grey Day

Striking Misfit

Angelique is a very noticeable only child in the windjammer fleet. She is the only Ketch ( a higher front mast) and the only ship not built of wood.

She was built in 1980 purposely for passenger service. Her design is a close copy of a traditional classic Northern European fishing vessel. Features include rounded stern (back), a nearly plumb stem (front) and traditional red "Tanbark" sails. Construction is of steel with traditional wooden topsides.

Angelique has twin engines and a deckhouse lounge. Owned by the McHenry family, this windjammer does quite a number of offshore wildlife oriented cruise. She is based in Camden. Angelique is one of the favorite sights to see on the bay. You can spot her from a long way off.

On race week last summer we on Nathaniel Bowditch informally raced Angelique from Castine to Bass Harbor on Mt. Desert Island. (photo is courtesy of Ted Dillard from Angelique's website.)

Boothbay Voyage

Courtesy of Boothbay Chamber of Commerce

Photo by Jeff Sagel


Schooner Nathaniel Bowditch is scheduled to sail to Boothbay for the Windjammer festival in the last week of June. Boothbay Harbor is one of the nicest in Maine, with a strong shipbuilding heritage which continues today. Bowditch was built in East Boothbay in 1922 as the racing yacht Ladona.

Nathaniel Bowditch is ideal for this adventurous run south. She is an excellent up wind sailer and has an inboard engine for greater speed. Many windjammers don't try this trip as there can be more challenging conditions and some uncomfortable seas occasionally. The reward for more intrepid passengers is high. Boothbay is a gem and entering by boat is the best experience for any harbor.

Events in the harbor include a parade of sail, fireworks, and a large multi-windjammer lobster bake on Cabbage island. The other boats scheduled this year are American Eagle, Heritage and Camden's Lewis R. French. French is the only original coasting schooner (1871) to sail down under Capt. Garth Wells. Some ships decide to go down at the last minute if the conditions are very favorable. I am seriously considering this voyage for this year or next.

Fair warning though: If the weather does not cooperate the captains will alter the itinerary, in which case you get a normal "no particular destination" sail. You will still have a great time.