Eco Tourism

Environmentally Friendly Sailing Vacations on the Coast of Maine

We're not sure that Captain Frank Swift had carbon footprints and green sustainable living in mind when he began his Windjammer Cruises back in 1936, but as it turns out, he could be considered a real trend setter for todays environmentally conscious vacationers.

The early 1900's was an era when you worked with what you had. His cruises were powered by the wind. Food was locally grown or harvested from the Bay. Water was carried in barrels on deck and cooking was done on a wood burning cast iron stove in the galley. Passengers explored the islands bringing out only what they brought in, unless they happened upon a patch of ripe Maine blueberries, in which case I'm sure the cook managed to come up with a special desert or there were fresh blueberries for morning cereal.

His Vacations Under Sail provided the opportunity for thousands to share the wonders of our rockbound coast while respecting the pristine qualities of the Bay. It was a natural way of life.

Maine Windjammer Cruises is committed to giving our passengers not only the finest, but also the most genuine traditional sailing experience available today. Following the example of our founder, we rely on the wind to power our schooners, we look to local farmers and fishermen for our food supply, hold to a strict policy of recycling and our passengers join us in treating the islands we visit with respect.

Bill Giordano delivering fresh greens for the Schooner Mistress cruise.

All who adhere to these principles participate in ensuring that our coastline will remain as it is for future generations to enjoy.

Support the environment - Come for one of our Windjammer Cruises and see how much fun you can have being green!