You will have plenty of free time between feedings to relax with a book, nap on or below deck, play board games, or chat with fellow sailors and crew. Roy, a self-named “old, old salt” has been sailing with Windjammer at least twice a year for about 20 years. We were lucky to enjoy time shooting the breeze in a crisp wind hearing Roy’s tales, hardly any of them tall, often about Mattie, a frequent passenger whose many trips aboard started in 1939. Now in her 90s, she is an icon of the fleet, and old salts like Roy and the crew will gladly tell you about her days spent happily riding along, straddling the bowsprit.

 While enjoying your pastime of choice, keep at least an occasional eye or ear open for porpoise or osprey sightings, lonely lighthouses on islands, and slippery seals sliding silently toward shore. If you want something to do, you can always chop veggies, wash dishes, or learn to navigate the charts. Or you can relearn to do nothing at all . . . you may find, as we did, that simply gazing gently out at the horizon, alternated with losing focus and thoughts into the passing black waters, to be the best choice of entertainment and release. 

 You will receive a packet of information on ‘what to bring’ when you sign up for your cruise, including the invitation to BYOB, but not your hairdryer. There are no electrical outlets in cabins, the toilets are basic pump-flush, there are sinks in some cabins and shared hot showers are available.  Linens and washbasins are also provided. Ear plugs for the easily disturbed sleeper are recommended, and claustrophobic types may not be comfortable, as cabin wall thickness and sleeping quarter space are minimal. Think of it as comfortable camping at sea. Bring your binoculars, your sense of fun, and your sailor’s soul along for the adventure -- surely you will have a great old yarn to spin of your own by trip’s end. 

After Sailing

When your sailing adventure comes to an end, consider planning extra days to discover both the quaint coastal towns of Maine and inland treasures. The port town of Camden and the marshmallow fluff down bed at the Windward House B & B there were a perfect post-sail haven for us.

The proprietors of the Windward House,  Kristen & Jesse Bifulco were a gracious and helpful couple keeping what was once a boarding house for lobsterman a welcome rest spot for old (or new) salts or for wedding parties.

Rooms are unique, comfortable, and tastefully decorated and come with menu-order breakfast in the dining room. We highly recommend the rum-soaked banana French toast – divine! Learn more about Windward House at http://www.windwardhouse.com

Camden

The charming port town of Camden is a short, easy stroll from the Windward House. A picturesque park overlooks the small harbor along the way. Enjoy a day or two of seafood and shopping here. We ate well at Cappy’s Chowder House on the main drag. Don’t miss the many local artist boutiques or the flower-filled bridge stroll over the river. To learn more about events in Camden visit http://www.camdenme.org

To make the most of our trip to Maine, we decided to spend a few days inland and explore the mountains as well. We stopped for a tour of Maple Hill Farm, a B & B as well as event and conference center that has led the way in the state campaign to go green. The first organization to earn the Environmental Leader Certification and Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence, Maple Hill generates 1/3 of its power from solar panels and wind power. To get there take the 5-minute drive outside the artist enclave of Hollowell near Augusta.  http://www.maplebb.com/

Bethel

Our final destination was the mountain town of Bethel. www.bethelmaine.com   A confluence of healers, artists, dreamers and idealists have come here for over 100 years, and you can partake in any number of healing treatments here.  We stayed at the Gideon Hastings House http://www.gideonhastingshouse.com  and dined well in their upscale yet welcoming Italian restaurant.  Bethel also has other great eateries such as Cafe Dicocoa’s Market and Bakery as well as a vegan restaurant in town. If you have a chance to visit Mt. Mann Jewelers shop you can see some amazing gems and minerals that have been collected by Jim Mann. Although we didn’t get a chance to visit the local mines we understand it is a fascinating stop. www.mtmann.com

Getting There