| Organizations |
Choosing the right ship is an essential part of creating a memorable experience. Windjammers can be big and small; old and new. Are you comfortable with larger groups of people or do you prefer a more intimate setting? Are you interested or able to work alongside the crew, assisting in the handling of the ship or would you prefer to sit back and watch the scenery? The following two organizations are well established, and will be happy to help you choose a vessel that is perfect for your vacation.
Maine Island Trail Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the islands in their natural state, while providing an exceptional recreational asset that is maintained and cared for by the people who use it.
Maine Island Trail Association
The Island Institute is a non-profit organization that serves as a voice for the balanced future of the islands and waters of the Gulf of Maine. Their beautiful annual publication "Island Journal" celebrates the diversity of the islands' cultural and national heritage.
The 92' schooner American Eagle was built in Gloucester, Massachusetts in 1930. For 53 years she was a working member of the famed Gloucester fishing fleet.
The J & E Riggin was built in Dorchester, New Jersey in 1927 for the oyster dredging trade. In 1974, the Riggin was extensively rebuilt as a passenger vessel.
The Isaac H. Evans, was built by George Vannaman in Mauricetown, New Jersey in 1886, and she will be celebrating her 114th anniversary this year. To survive that many years, you know she must be an exceptional and well loved vessel. She was built when oystering was the biggest fishing industry in America and spent many years working the Delaware Bay till she came to Maine for a new life. She was completely rebuilt at the Bath Marine Museum and adapted for her new industry.
Launched into Christmas Cove, Maine, on April 28, 1871, the Lewis R. French is the sole survivor of the thousands of coasting schooners built in Maine during the 19th century. The French is the oldest documented vessel in the windjammer fleet and has continuously worked for her living along the coast of Maine. The Lewis R. French began her life as a freighter, carrying cargoes such as lumber, firewood, bricks, granite, lime, and even Christmas trees.
The Schooner Nathaniel Bowditch is a gaff- rigged, two-masted topsail schooner, 82 elegant feet on deck and 108 feet overall. Built of Maine timber in 1922 at East Boothbay, Maine, as a private racing yacht, she competed in the Bermuda races and won in 1927. Later, she was commissioned by the United States Navy as a coastal patrol boat, and then saw service as a fishing vessel.
America's oldest merchant sailing vessel in continuous service since1871 L.O.A. 115 feet. Length on Deck - 68 feet. Beam-22.6 feet. Large galley and dining area, and separate main saloon with library and fireplace.
| Some Favorite Islands |
Isle au Haut was named "High Island by Samuel Champlain in 1604 and lies about seven miles off the Maine coast in Penobscot Bay. Far from being a typical tourist town, it is a working island with few amenities. Electricity came to the island around 1970 but there were no telephones until 1988. About 55 people live on the island all winter.
Vinylhaven lies15 miles off the coast and is the largest of the 14 year-round island towns of Maine. Although the population swells in summer, the year round residents, the fishermen and lobstermen from generations back are still in charge.
Unspoiled and beautiful, Monhegan stands majestically alone,10 miles out to sea,with its own personality and a wonderful sense of remoteness.There is a marvelously old-world feeling in the small town, where dusty footpaths cut between rambling inns and cottages.
Criehaven or "Ragged Island" is the farthest outpost on the coast of Maine. There is no school, no post office, and no place to stay. Walking trails wind through woods and meadows, wildflowers bloom late into the fall, and the birding is excellent.
Although served by several daily ferry trips from the mainland at Bass Harbor, Swans Island is still remote. The year round population is about 350 people and fishing is still the main occupation. It is a large island with about 7000 acres and has three small villages but few of the mainland amenities normally taken for granted.
| Other Area Attractions |
Acadia National Park preserves about 40,000 acres of Atlantic coast shoreline, mixed hardwood and spruce/fir forest, mountains, and lakes, as well as several offshore islands.
For four months every summer, The Wooden Boat School offers boatbuilding classes in the classroom as well as classes aboard the windjammer Lewis R. French where students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the routines of life aboard a traditional sailing vessel.
Outward Bound School at Hurricane Island
Hurricane Island is home of the largest Outward Bound School in the United States, founded in 1964. Its adventures include both sea and land-based expeditions ranging from sailing, sea kayaking, backpacking, rock climbing and canoeing in the spring, summer and fall to dog-sledding, cross-country skiing, ice-climbing and backpacking in the winter. Visitors are welcome on Hurricane Island, and there is much to see from the student activities to the remains of the granite quarries from the days when the islands granite helped build such structures as the New York City Public Library and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The Maine Maritime Museum offers a wide variety of sights and activities for the entire family. The core of the museum is the Percy and Small Shipyard, the only surviving shipyard in the country where large wooden ships were built. There is a collection of classic wooden small craft at the yard, and impressive exhibits on boatbuilding and lobstering.
Owls Head Transportation Museum
The Owls Head Transportation Museum is a non-profit organization founded in 1974.Its purpose is to collect, preserve and exhibit pioneer aircraft, ground vehicles and engines significant to the evolution of transportation and/or the state of Maine.
| Links |
Mystic Seaport is our country's leading maritime museum and champion of the American maritime experience that connects us all.
National Maritime Historical Society
National Maritime Historical Society was formed in 1963 with the goal of raising the maritime awareness of the American people. Its quarterly publication "Sea History" covers topics such as marine art, sail training and the maritime industry.
