Maine Windjammers - Tourism's Best Kept Secret

Windjammer vacations are likely one of tourism’s best kept secrets. Most people that do know about windjammer vacations probably immediately think of the tall ships of the now-defunct company that once carried 100 to 150 passengers at a time on trips in the Caribbean. One needn’t look far online to learn of the many people that sailed several times on these boats...reviews I read stressed rum punch, swizzles, Topless Tuesday, limbo contests, conga lines, and other wild party activities while some touched on relaxing, or helping the crew with the sails.

We have received several requests from people that have experienced a Caribbean windjammer vacation and are now looking for a replacement. It’s important for us to stress the differences and educate these potential travelers that Maine windjammer trips are not at all what they may be used to. Some will look elsewhere for the party atmosphere they prefer, but others will transcend to a whole new level of vacation enjoyment when they discover Maine windjamming.

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When you are welcomed aboard the Schooner Isaac H. Evans, you are shown to your cozy cabin and allowed some time to settle in at your own pace. There are fresh flowers
decorating a buffet of coffee, tea, iced tea, lemonade, cookies, and fresh fruit. What, no rum punch? Alcoholic beverages and soda are not provided, but coolers and ice are, and you are welcome to bring any beverages you choose; moderation is encouraged.

The captain joins everyone for Captain’s Call where guests introduce themselves in a group setting and the important safety rules are covered. The rest of the evening is spent in informal conversation and anticipation of departure the following morning.

Rather than spending all day off the ship at various ports, our days are spent on board sailing. We soak up the sun and relax on deck in awe of the beauty of the Maine coast as we sail by or we blow the fog horn when the weather dictates. There is no loud music to interfere with the sound of the waves lapping against the hull or the wind catching the sails. Our shared stories are full of life experiences, humorous anecdotes, and unique perspectives. With only 22 guests on board, there is ample opportunity to meet everyone and guests often stay in touch with one another long after their Evans experience. Though we don’t stress education, most guests learn about sailing, history, and our local communities just through these moments of quiet conversation.

Our afternoons and evenings at anchor are filled with lobster bakes on remote beaches, island exploration, visits to quaint island towns, board games, sing-a-longs, and quiet contemplation. Unfettered by light pollution, our nights are filled with star gazing and the gentle rocking of the schooner at rest. When you wake in the morning to the smell of the wood stove and you wander the deck with your first mug of hot coffee, you'll think you've stepped back in time to an era when hundreds of schooners graced the waters of Maine.

Instead of midnight buffets, guests enjoy a connection with nature and with friends, new and old, and a sense of place. Folks new to a Maine windjammer cruise, more often than not, discover that it’s the vacation of a lifetime, and an experience they come to look forward to, year after year. Our job is to step back and let everyone take it all in at their own pace.

Of course, one of the high-lights of any Maine windjammer trip is the lobster bake. Everyone goes ashore to an uninhabited island to stretch their legs and explore while the captain and crew prepare a smorgasbord of steamed lobsters, corn on the cob, hamburgers, hot dogs,chips, dips, veggies, and more. The captain and first mate serve you a glass of champagne or sparkling cider while you enjoy your first butter-soaked morsel. Make sure to leave room for s'mores!

For those that need at least one connection to their Caribbean windjammer vacation, join us for our September 12th, six-night adventure. We’ll be sailing to the Wooden Boat School on Tuesday, September 14th, for the last informal gathering of the Maine fleet for the 2010 season where there will be an onshore party complete with a 38-member steel drum band. Tour the WoodenBoat School and store and be treated to an appetizer of steamed mussels with melted butter as well as cheese and crackers. You won’t believe your ears as you are transported thousands of miles away by the distinctive and magical sounds of steel drums; Maine windjamming and the best of both worlds!