Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Opportunities for wildlife watching are numerous; you might see seals,
puffins, eagles, ospreys, and even an occasional whale. You'll also have
great views of many historic lighthouses. Be sure to bring along your bin-
oculars.
Finding Your Sea Legs
Seasickness is seldom a problem on the windjammer cruises, due
to the easy motion of the vessels and the protected waters they
cruise. Still, if you're prone to seasickness you might want to ob-
tain prescription medication from your doctor in case you feel
queasy; although usually just staying on deck, keeping busy, and
keeping your eyes on the horizon will help you feel better.
The
Maine Windjammer Association
, with 13 member vessels, repre-
sents the largest fleet of merchant ships operating under sail in America.
More than half of them are National Historic Landmarks and were built
around the turn of the century, when these tall sailing ships were the pri-
mary method of transporting lumber and other cargo along the North-
east coast. These individually owned vessels have experienced captains
and all ships are impeccably maintained. The oldest vessel in the fleet is
the
Lewis R. French
, launched in 1871 at Christmas Cove, Maine. The
64-foot schooner carries 22 passengers. The
Victory Chimes
, at 132 feet,
is the last three-masted schooner on the East Coast, and the largest pas-
senger sailing vessel under the US flag. Built in 1900 in Bethel, Dela-
ware, the ship carried lumber along the Chesapeake Bay. She now
accommodates 40 passengers. The 92-foot schooner
American Eagle
car-
ries 28 passengers. She was built in Gloucester, Massachusetts in 1930,
and was a working member of the famed Gloucester fishing fleet for 53
years. All three of these vessels are designated National Historic Land-
marks. Contact the association for a complete packet of brochures on all
of their member vessels.
Maine Windjammer Association, PO Box 1144, Blue Hill, ME 04614.
800-807-WIND. Website www.sailmainecoast.com. Member vessels:
American Eagle, Angelique, Grace Bailey, Heritage, Isaac H. Evans, J. &
E. Riggin, Lewis R. French, Mary Day, Mercantile, Nathaniel Bowditch,
Stephen Taber Timberwind, Victory Chimes.
