Jamming Up The Maine Coast
— Steve Harris, New Jersey
Our favorite sailing vacation is on a Maine
Windjammer, with a small group of people. My
wife and I have sailed on the Lewis R. French,
an 1871 schooner out of Camden, Maine, in
Penobscot Bay three times. The 64-foot Lewis
R. French is the oldest commercial schooner in
the country and was recently designated
a National Historic Landmark. Last year
was the boat’s 138th summer in Maine.
There are a maximum of 22 passengers.
You don’t go for the accommodations
(they’re sparse), but the sailing is great,
the scenery beautiful, and the food
delicious. On each cruise they include a
lobster bake on a deserted island. You can
help sail the boat by steering, and raising
and lowering the sails, or you can just sit
back and relax with a good book, your
choice. It’s a very relaxing vacation.
na
Steve and Arlene Harris take in
the sights on the Lewis R.French.
Getting There: The windjammer fleet
is based at the ports of Rockland and
Camden in the mid-coast region of Maine.
Transportation is available from the Portland
International Jetport or commuter air service
is available from Boston. Bus and Amtrak
train services run from Boston and Portland.
www.visitmaine.com/region/midcoast/
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Where To Stay: The Maine coast with more
than 3,000 islands is considered one of the best
sailing areas in the world. Maine Windjammer
Association has 12 traditional tall ships, ranging
in size from 46 to 132 feet. Seven are National
Historic Landmarks and all of the vessels are
privately owned and operated. Prices vary from
ship to ship. www.sailmainecoast.com
Ways To Save On Your Next Vacation
With Your BoatU.S. Membership
• Book your next charter vacation through
King Yacht Charters and receive a five percent discount. 800-521-7552; info@sailingcharters.com. www.sailingcharters.com
• Members get special deals when sailing with
Star Clippers. These modern luxury ships visit
ports untouched by larger cruise ships and offer
the amenities and atmosphere of a private yacht.
• BoatU.S. Marine Insurance offers non-owned boat coverage for additional liability protection for members renting or
chartering a boat. Call 800-283-2883
• Still need inspiration? Read other members’ chartering stories, and share yours with
others, by visiting www.BoatUS.com/cruising.
• More Benefits: see page 68 for other great
travel discounts for members.
