CALLING ALL SAILORS!

CALLING ALL 2018 SAILORS! 

At the beginning of March there were still small patches of snow on the ground and we had great hopes that winter was coming to an end.  Since then we have been treated to a couple of whopping nor'easters leaving Camden a winter wonderland.  This week's event alone gave us almost two feet of heavy snow.  Spring arrives Tuesday, March 20th and we're watching yet another storm headed up the coast.  While Mother Nature seems to be having  difficulty moving into spring, we are not.  It's not too early to plan for summer sailing adventures!

Here at Maine Windjammer Cruises we're doing our part to get ready for the season.  Ob has been busy between storms, servicing blocks and heads, working on the Whitehall and yawl boats.  The crew will start to arrive next week and full Spring fit-out will begin in earnest. We will have one of the Schooners ready for the yearly haul out at the shipyard by April 4th.  Capt. Ray has not yet made the decision as to whether it will be the Grace Bailey or the Mercantile, but whichever one he chooses, it will be no small feat to get the yawl boat ready, covers off and push our way to the rail yard in Rockland.  Rest assured that Capt. Ray and crew will meet the challenge.  Either the Grace Bailey or the Mercantile will be ready on May 18th to greet passengers and sail them out onto the bay to begin 2018's great sailing adventures!

We'll be ready - now it's time for you to do your part. We hope to see you aboard this season.  If you haven't already selected your cruise here are some fun options you may want to consider.  (reminder to Old Salts - You have until April 1st to reserve your cruise and receive a discount up to 15%)

SHAKEDOWN: May 18th Weekend - First sail of the season!  After a long winter and a busy Spring getting ready for the season ahead, the Schooners are sparkling and the crew is anxious to get out on the bay for the first time since last season. Always a high spirited event..........Join us for the fun!

SCHOONER GAM: June 10th, 6 Day & 3 Day Cruises - Monday's radio chatter includes discussion about what might be the best anchorage where the fleet can converge. Some secluded harbor will be transformed with tall masts and wooden sailing ships, crowding the port much as they did 100 years ago or more. This is an opportunity to see close up, and perhaps even board, all of the area windjammers.

GREAT SCHOONER RACE: Participate in this exciting annual race from Islesboro to Rockland, followed by a festive Awards Ceremony/Party with live music. Mercantile July 4th, Grace Bailey July 1st & July 6th. Passengers on the The Grace Bailey July 1st cruise should be prepared to remain on board until after the completion of the race, ( late afternoon on Friday),  & Passengers on the Grace Bailey July 6th weekend cruise should be prepared to arrive early 8:00 - 8:30 am to get to the starting line in time for the race.  Mistress contact us to schedule.    

PHOTO CRUISE: July 15th, Grace Bailey, 5-Day Cruise -  Join photographer Robert "Bob" Jenks on the Schooner Grace Bailey for a five day cruise. Not only is Bob a master photographer, he's a lot of fun to sail with!   Master light, focus & composition or make the most of your digital camera.  Bob's there to help you capture your Maine sailing adventure!  Professional Photographers & Amateurs welcome. 

MUSIC WEEK: July 29th, Grace Bailey, 5-Day Cruise - Music is a tradition on our schooners.  Denny Breau will be on board again this year to lead the celebration. Bring your instruments and enthusiasm for a week of music. Join in or just sit back and enjoy!

WINDJAMMER FESTIVAL: Always on Labor Day weekend. Celebrate Camden's rich maritime heritage as our schooners take part in the weekend festivities!

WOODEN BOAT SAIL IN: September 9th, Grace Bailey 5-Day Cruise - Midcoast windjammers converge on Brooklin, Maine home of Wooden Boat School & magazine. Refreshments, live entertainment and tours of the grounds & school. Be sure to bring your cameras and be ready for a great time!

FOR THE STAR GAZERS: Skies out on the water are always beautiful. With little light pollution the stars pop and the full moon becomes a beacon sparkling across the water. The annual Perseid Meteor Showers provide a spectacular light show which in 2013 produced up to 30 shooting stars an hour. At its peak it can produce up to 100. To enjoy natures fireworks choose sails that encompass the dates below.

FULL MOON DATES:  MAY 29TH, JUNE 28TH, JULY 27TH, AUGUST 26TH & SEPTEMBER 24TH

BEST STAR GAZING: NEW MOON DATES: JUNE 13TH, JULY 12TH, AUGUST 11TH & SEPTEMBER 9TH

PERSEID METEOR SHOWER: JULY 17TH TO AUGUST 24TH: PEAK AUGUST 12TH

SCHOONER MISTRESS: Most of the above Special Cruises are also available on the Mistress. Please call to confirm availability. 800-736-7981

SEE YOU ALL ABOARD!