Birding on Maine Windjammers

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Windjammers

Maine offers a multitude of ways to venture offshore and see pelagic birds and island nesting species. Whale-watchers, puffin trips, and ferries all have their advantages. Over 30 charter sailing vessels also ply these waters. These "Windjammers" range from sleek, modern schooners built specifically for adventure tourism to historic working boats that have been refitted for comfort and style. Some are listed on the National Historic Register. The hub of this Windjammer fleet is centered around Rockland, Rockport, and Camden and you can find much information at www.sailmainecoast.com.

Tips: Size does matter. Larger vessels offer a more stable platform for viewing. They venture farther offshore where there are more pelagic species. Smaller day-sailors stay closer to the spectacular scenery of islands and bays where harbor seals and porpoises play. Remember that the more thrilling the day for sailing, the more difficulty there may be for viewing. Be prepared for spray and cold. If there is a particular species you desire, be sure to ask whether the boat is going to the appropriate waters. All crews have some experience with the birds they see often. Some captains are bona fide experts, so be sure to ask when you book your cruise.

Port	Vessel	Captains	Specs	Trip styles
Portland	Palawan	Tom Woodruff 888-204-PAL1 palawan@nlis.net	58' Racing Yacht	2 & 3-hour and Full Day Trips into Casco Bay depending on time, tide, and wind. Capacity: 24 guests
Rockland	Ellida	Paul and Kris Williamson 888-807-6921 schoonerff@aol.com	80' long Built: 1922	3,4 and 6 Day Cruises Special Trips Cruises determined by weather conditions mostly around scenic islands and bays. Capacity: 10 guests overnight; 30 by day
Rockland	Issac H. Evans	Brenda Walker 1-877-238-1325 evans@midcoast.com	65' deck 99' overall 19' wide Built: 1887	3,4,5 & 6 Day Cruises Special trips Some cruises enter prime waters for whales and pelagics. Capacity: 22 guests
Rockland	J&E Riggin	Jon Finger & Anne Mahle 800-869-0604 info@riggin.com	89' deck 120' overall 23' wide Built: 1927	3,4,5 & 6 Day Cruises Special trips Cruises determined by weather conditions mostly around scenic islands and bays. Extraordinary cuisine. Capacity: 24 guests
Rockland	Heritage	Doug and Linda Lee 800-648-4544 info@schoonerheritage.com	95' deck 145' overall 24' wide Built: 1983 (modernized replica)	4 & 6 Day Cruises Special trips Larger than most boats and more venturesome offshore. Capacity: 30
Rockland	American Eagle	John C. Foss 800-648-4544 info@schooneramericaneagle.com	92' on deck Built: 1930	4, 6, 10, & 14 day cruises Restored (1986) fishing schooner built for offshore, sometimes cruising down east to Grand Manan and New Brunswick. Capacity: 24+
Rockport	Timberwind	Robert & Dawn Tassi 1-800-759-9250 info@schoonertimberwind.com	70' deck Built: 1931	3,4,& 6 Day Cruises Cruises determined by weather conditions, mostly around scenic islands and bays. Capacity: 20 guests
Camden	Lewis R. French	Garth Wells 1-800-469-4635 captain@schoonerfrench.com	65' deck 19' wide Built: 1871	3,4,5 & 6 Day Cruises Special trips Cruises determined by weather conditions, mostly around scenic islands and bays. Maine's OLDEST windjammer Capacity: 22 guests
Camden	Mary Day	Barry King Jennifer Martin 1-800-992-2218 captains@schoonermaryday.com	90' deck 23' wide Built: 1962	3,4,5 & 6 Day Cruises Special trips, including a Maine Audubon Week. Cruises determined by weather conditions, mostly around scenic islands and bays, but often offshore. Island stops for birding. One of Maine's fastest windjammers Capacity: 30 guests
Belfast	Viva	Don Depoy Martha Hills 207-323-4800 viva@belfastbayschooner.com	Racing Yacht Built: 1939	Hourly, Daily, and multi-day cruises. Cruises determined by weather, but usually journey into Deer-Isle/Stonington archipelago. Overnight guests stay in B&Bs. Capacity: 6 guests
Belfast	Amity	Stephen and Diane O'Connell 207-323-1443 amity@midcoast.com	Friendship Sloop Built: 1901	Hourly and Day cruises Generally limited to Penobscot Bay for excellent day sailing. Friendship sloops were originally designed for lobster-fishing under sail. Capacity: 6 guests
Winterport	Wanderbird	Rick and Karen Miles 1-866-SEA-BIRD info@wanderbirdcruises.com	90' Ketch Built in Holland in 1963	3,4,5,6 and 7 Day Cruises Special Trips Built for heavy-duty with many cruises targeted specifically at offshore birds and whales. Very knowledgeable crew. Capacity: 12
Bar Harbor	Rachel B.Jackson	Andrew and Steven Keblinsky 1-888-405-SAIL downeastsail@acadia.net	67' deck Replica of 1890's coastal schooner	2-hour Day Trips Cruises around Acadia National Park and Cranberry Isles Capacity: 30 guests
Southwest Harbor	Helen Brooks	Karl and Khristyn 207-266-5210 info@downeastfriendshipsloop.com	Friendship sloop of the late 1880's style	Day-sailing charter cruises around Acadia National Park and Cranberry Isles. Good waters for harbor seals and porpoises, ospreys and eagles Capacity: 6 guests
Eastport	Sylvina W. Beal	Butch Harris & Family 207-853-2500 harris@eastportwindjammers.com	84' deck 17' wide Built: 1911	2 and 3-hour Day Trips into Grand Manan Channel, noteworthy for pelagic and alcid species and the possibility of whales Capacity: 50 guests