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The Riggin was given the Environmental Leadership in Hospitality award by the State of Maine —the first and only windjammer to be given the honor. We were welcomed to select a mug for the trip, ours to wash and use for the journey. Each passenger washed plates and utensils in dedicated buckets on deck. Paper plates were used during our beach lobster bake, but composting was implemented, stainless utensils were washed, and paper products recycled. Also referred to as tall ships, windjammers are commercial sailing ships with multiple masts. They have no engines and are powered by the wind and tides.
What Do You Do on a Maine Windjammer Cruise?
The crew threw ropes to secure the schooner as we slid along the dock. The disembarkation happened quickly, signaling the end of the trip. The crew also had their work cut out for them, as they needed to turn over the sailboat in 24 hours. It was a short and bittersweet ride back to Windjammer Wharf in Rockland Harbor. I'd spent my first Maine cruise making new friends, learning sailing vocabulary, and being fed like a King.
Sail Away...
It’s their independent business, and they take pride in making sure you have the best experience possible. To pick the appropriate boat for your vacation, you should review the description of each windjammer and the layout of the cabins. The overall experience is the same; expect a relaxing cruise in and around the waters of coastal Maine. Each cruise serves a lobster bake either on a beach or in the galley of the boat. Some cruises offer different options for entertainment, crafts, photography, or stargazing. It’s important to know who you are sailing with and to feel comfortable with their credentials.
Day 3: Sailing to Waterman Point
When we sailed, it was owned by Captains (and husband-and-wife duo extraordinaire) Jon Finger and Anne Mahle but as of 2020, they’ve sold the J&E Riggin to new ownership. It was originally constructed in 1927 as a New Jersey oyster schooner, converted for passenger sailing in 1977, and then designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1991. Like with most cruises, you pay an initial deposit to secure your spot and then pay the remaining balance 6-8 weeks before setting sail. Many schooners offer an “early bird” promotion that discounts the ticket price (usually by 5%) if you book early, usually by February 1 or March 1. The most common Maine schooner tours last 3, 4, or 6 days.
Day 5: Return to Rockland
The Tumbledown Red, an Irish Red Ale by Tumbledown Brewing, was one of my favorites from the windjammer cruise in Maine. I also enjoyed a taste of Freedom's Edge Cider with lunch. Given the low visibility, I was amazed at our Captain's ability to steer the 61-ton schooner out of the harbor.
We saw blue skies for the first time since boarding the J & E Riggin, and everyone was appreciative. My priorities changed from staying warm and dry to wearing enough sunblock. North Haven Brewing Co.'s beers are only available at the brewery, which they said provides enough demand to keep them busy.
How is the Food?
He said they begin to take the sails down at 12 knots (13.8 miles per hour). Not long after the sails were raised, we went below deck to the dinette for our first lunch together. Jocelyn and her Galley Hand, Keegan, had prepared New England clam chowder and strawberry and goat cheese salads. Fresh-baked biscuits were served with salted butter and honey from Jocelyn's apiary (bee hives).
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Today, this provides a relaxing sailing experience with no real destination. When you sail, you go where the wind takes you around Maine’s rocky coast. If there’s no wind (the doldrums) there’s a yawl boat, a small gas-powered boat rigged or tugged behind the sailboat for assistance.
Consider a Maine Windjammer Trip for a Change of Pace - AARP
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What Are Windjammers, Anyway?
We learned how to use the heads and when we could shower. Guests were asked to keep noise levels down from 10 p.m. We'd return afterward and spend our first night aboard the J & E Riggin at Windjammer Wharf. Then close the lid and pump the lever times until it hisses. Lift the top, and if everything is gone, your work is done.
I read that hoisting the sails and sailing the historic schooner is part of the experience on Maine windjammer cruises. The first mate gave us a lesson on how to help raise the sails and split guests into two groups. One group helped raise the throat on one side, and one group helped raise the peak on the other. Our crew yelled out, “Heave,” and we called back, “Ho,” and as the sails were raised, the Riggin was underway. Other passengers volunteered to hoist the anchor (a demanding job).
The Riggin is 90 feet long on deck, 120 feet overall, and 23 feet wide with a large galley. There are two bathrooms on deck, and one has a shower. It’s a smaller vessel and usually accommodates 24 passengers, but for our sail, we had 14. The crew kept it spick-and-span, shining the brass and swabbing the deck.
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See where the thousands of workers aboard the new world's largest cruise ship will spend their free time.
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Some of the youngest passengers watered the anchor chain or raised the American flag. If you don’t want to assist, that’s up to you, but on a smaller boat, it’s all-hands-on-deck. The Riggin‘s crew needed help, and guests jumped in to support. Every passenger agreed they enjoyed this aspect of windjamming.
There are lots of great Maine beers, ciders, and wines you could choose from if you want something local. We had pastries for breakfast, homemade pancakes with a choice of three flavorful syrups (Maine blueberry available of course) and a hearty vanilla oatmeal one morning. Dinners ranged from Asian inspired rice bowls to hearty beef rubbed with herbs de Provence. Incredible deserts every evening, including peach cobbler, creme brulee, and a chocolate tart.
The language and customs of sailing ruled, and I had much to learn. Save a lot on high season 12-night Explorer cruises, save even more on 12-night Captain’s Specials. Extended sailings are perfect for those who prefer a schedule ruled by the sun, moon and tides. Each day will bring a new destination – a perfect little island present, wrapped in palm trees, white sands, and turquoise waters. The Lewis R. French has 6 double bed cabins, 2 bunkbed cabins, and 4 single cabins.
The whole group heads ashore to cook up some fresh-as-can-be Maine lobster. Along with corn on the cob, paella, fresh fruit, and s’mores for dessert, it’s the perfect summer meal. Before departing on our Maine windjammer cruise, we heard multiple times how fantastic the food was going to be.
You might be interested in a cruise with multi-generational opportunities. Check with the boat of your choice to make sure children are permitted. I think one of the most special things about a schooner cruise is the people you meet. There were passengers from all over the US, and it was a joy to chat with each of them.
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