Crusing the Schooner J & E Riggin

There is no higher manner to absorb the breathtaking great thing about coastal Maine than on windjammer cruises.

A visit aboard a historic Maine windjammer is to solid apart set itineraries and journey the place the wind takes you. You may cruise by uninhabited islands, lighthouses, and small cities solely accessible by boat.

Not too long ago, I launched into an exciting Maine crusing trip aboard the Schooner J & E Riggin out of Rockland.

From the second I stepped aboard the J & E Riggin, with its two tall masts and crisp sails, I used to be in one other world. The language and customs of crusing dominated, and I had a lot to be taught.

My windjammer cruise in Penobscot Bay, Maine, was greater than only a pleasure trip—it was an opportunity to attach with nature, historical past, wildlife, and a neighborhood of like-minded vacationers.

From the fun of hoisting the sails to the serenity of anchoring in secluded coves, I will take you thru life’s every day joys on an almost 100-year-old sailboat.

You may uncover the distinctive allure of a schooner just like the J & E Riggin (a Nationwide Historic Landmark), the crew’s camaraderie, and the culinary delights ready within the cookhouse.

So seize your sea legs and are available aboard as we sail on a Maine windjammer cruise that is positive to encourage your subsequent journey!

Intro to Windjamming

However wait, what’s windjamming? I used to be questioning the identical factor after I obtained the beneficiant invitation from the Maine Windjammer Affiliation.

Windjammers are industrial sailboats with a number of masts which can be used to move cargo.

For instance, the J & E Riggin is a two-masted schooner in-built 1927 to operate as an oyster dredger. It was named after its first Captain, Charles Riggin, and his two sons, Jacob and Edward.

As crusing gave approach to extra environment friendly technique of powering cargo vessels, some conventional schooners have been rebuilt to accommodate in a single day visitors.

Nevertheless, the 120-foot-long, 61-ton J & E Riggin nonetheless has no inboard engine. It continues to depend on wind energy, as initially supposed.

When there is no wind, a 16-foot yawl boat with a diesel-powered engine pushes and navigates the schooner out and in of harbors.

This small however mighty motorboat additionally transports visitors to and from land as wanted.

Maine Windjammer Affiliation

The Maine Windjammer Affiliation represents “the biggest fleet of conventional tall ships within the Americas.”

Whereas every of the ships is “independently owned and operated,” all homeowners work collectively to advertise windjamming in Maine.

The fleet options 9 windjammers working out of two residence ports (Rockland Harbor and Camden Harbor) in Midcoast Maine:

• Schooner American Eagle (Rockland)
• Schooner Grace Bailey (Rockland)
• Schooner Heritage (Rockland)
• Schooner J & E Riggin (Rockland)
• Schooner Ladona (Rockland)
• Schooner Stephen Taber (Rockland)
• Windjammer Angelique (Camden)
• Schooner Lewis R. French (Camden)
• Schooner Mary Day (Camden)

A tenth, the three-masted Victory Chimes, was decommissioned in 2022 and bought at public sale in 2023.

It was acquired by two brothers in New York Metropolis who’ve constructed a enterprise on turning previous boats into floating eating places.

Arriving in Rockland

Due to the Maine Workplace of Tourism, I used to be afforded a snug evening on the LimeRock Inn, a stunning B&B inside strolling distance from the city heart.

Cruise passengers are requested to reach on the J & E Riggin, docked at Windjammer Wharf, between 5 and 6 p.m. on the primary day.

I used my free time beforehand to discover Rockland’s museums and harbor. I additionally picked up last-minute objects at Maine Sport Outfitters, together with binoculars and rain gear.

Downtown Rockland is walkable, which is useful as a result of rideshare providers do not function there. Nevertheless, two native taxi corporations can be found in case you need assistance.

Maine Sip & Sail Cruise

Most Maine windjammer cruises provide themed excursions. I would be becoming a member of the J & E Riggin for his or her first Sip & Sail Cruise that includes craft beers of Maine.

All through the cruise, we might be sampling craft beers and ciders made within the state and stopping at two native breweries.

Day 1: Boarding the J & E Riggin

A couple of minutes earlier than 5 p.m., I rolled my baggage from the B&B to Windjammer Wharf. Given the small cabins, a duffel bag or backpack is the popular alternative for crusing.

However I needed to pack for a marriage in Boston, so that they weren’t an possibility. Having a carry-on dimension piece of baggage was manageable, however I would keep away from it.

Quickly after I arrived, Captain Justin Schaefer pulled into the parking zone. We might met just a few months earlier in Portland at AdventureELEVATE, a journey convention I attended.

He launched me to his spouse, and co-owner of the J & E Riggin, Captain Jocelyn Schmidt. They every have a 100-ton captain’s license. Nevertheless, Jocelyn’s main function now’s that of chef.

Captain Justin carried my baggage down the dock, and I boarded my first windjammer cruise in Maine.

My Cabin

I used to be proven to cabin #3 within the entrance third of the boat. Getting all the way down to all of the cabins requires stepping backward down a near-vertical ladder. Baggage is finest handed down from one individual to a different.

Inside my cabin have been two single beds with mattresses, clear sheets, blankets, quilts, and towels. There was one ceiling gentle and a small window that may very well be opened just a few inches.

Each cabin has its personal sink with recent water. The cabins within the entrance of the boat have plumbing that requires visitors to faucet on a plastic pedal on the ground to empty water.

It is a bit laborious, although it inspired me to make use of the clear water effectively to brush my tooth and wash my face. A shelf supplies house for toiletries, and there is a little mirror on the wall.

Every bunk has a studying gentle and shelf for storage. Since Kel could not be part of me for the cruise, I used the additional mattress to put out my garments.

Two USB ports can be found to cost digital units like cell telephones, and a 12V outlet is useful for CPAP machines (for visitors with sleep apnea).

If you happen to’re a CPAP consumer like me, it’s essential to purchase a 12V adapter to work with the outlet. I paid $40 for one on Amazon.com, and it labored effective.

Extra objects offered in every cabin embrace a small LED flashlight and a padded, stadium-style seat to be used on the primary deck.

The tight quarters are part of the windjamming expertise. The schooner is anchored within the evenings, so you are not making an attempt to sleep whereas on the transfer.

Now that you’ve got seen the place I slept for 4 nights, you is likely to be questioning concerning the lavatory state of affairs.

Loos

The J & E Riggin has two bogs. They’re known as “heads” in crusing communicate. Each heads are on the primary deck, adjoining to one another. These small bogs characteristic bogs that require a little bit handbook labor.

First, you do your small business. Then shut the lid and pump the lever 10-12 instances till it hisses. Elevate the highest, and if every thing is gone, your work is completed. If not, it’s important to repeat the method.

If, after a number of tries, it is nonetheless not clear, you are inspired to inform a crew member, who, a lot to their credit score, will maintain it. Moreover, the heads are cleaned thrice a day.

The bathroom paper is skinny since these sailboat bogs are a bit delicate. And also you’re requested solely to make use of 6-8 squares to scale back the percentages of them clogging.

One of many heads additionally incorporates a handheld bathe. Showers can solely be taken whereas the boat is anchored, which is to say after breakfast however earlier than setting sail or after it is anchored (up till 10 p.m.).

Crew members made sizzling water out there for these wanting a bathe. I did not hassle, selecting to scrub my face often and double up on deodorant as an alternative. Chalk it as much as this distinctive journey expertise.

You will not be alone, and no person on windjammer cruises in Maine will decide you for it.

Dinette and Galley

Climate allowing, most meals are served on the primary deck. However there’s additionally a galley and eating space beneath deck.

Fortunately, we solely had one meal on this room (lunch on the primary day because it was drizzling). It was a good squeeze, and also you instantly missed the views and breeze.

Outdated pictures of the J & E Riggin, and more moderen plaques from pleasant races with the opposite Maine windjammers, beautify the house. Some books about crusing and Maine can be found as nicely.

Anchoring the kitchen is a big, black wood-burning range named Lucy. It seems to be formidable, and I used to be shocked to be taught there’s all the time a fireplace burning, even whereas crusing and typically in a single day.

For security causes, a crew member is all the time awake on the boat, together with within the wee hours of the morning. As you may quickly see, the galley crew can create some epic meals right here.

Captain’s Name

At 6 p.m., there was a Captain’s Name after all of the visitors loaded their baggage on the schooner.

He launched himself, Jocelyn, and their skilled crew, which included:

• Alex, the First Mate (a supervisory function)
• Elias, the Deckhand (who does what Alex asks)
• Keegan, the Galley Hand (who assists Jocelyn with the cooking)
• Nancy, an Apprentice (who was a passenger the earlier yr)
• Jenny, the Social Media Supervisor (and who helps with different duties as wanted)

We discovered tips on how to use the heads and after we may bathe. And visitors have been requested to maintain noise ranges down from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Then, Justin set us free to seize dinner in Rockland. We might return afterward and spend our first evening aboard the J & E Riggin at Windjammer Wharf.

Day 2: Crusing to New Haven

Breakfast

The subsequent day, I used to be up at 6:30 a.m. The espresso and sizzling water for tea and sizzling chocolate have been set out for visitors on the primary deck. It was 63 F and chilly, with gentle rain and heavy fog blanketing the harbor.

At 8:15 a.m., a bell on the primary deck rang, indicating that breakfast was prepared.

Buttermilk pancakes with Maine maple syrup, blueberry syrup, whipped cream, lemon curd, and fruit toppings have been out there. Plus, bacon, selfmade granola, Greek yogurt, and recent fruits.

As this primary breakfast would attest, we would not go hungry on this cruise. There would all the time be scrumptious meals, and normally, sufficient for visitors to get seconds.

After breakfast, visitors made last-minute purchases on the town. Then, these with automobiles paid $20 every for parking passes.

The First Mate, Alex, gave a security presentation at 10:45 a.m. the place she identified the place to search out life preservers, life rings for anybody who falls overboard, and hearth extinguishers.

Leaving Rockland Harbor

The schooners depart the harbor as they’re prepared. Captains talk after they’re heading out, however there aren’t any particular instances for every ship to go away.

One after the other, they slipped away from the dock. First, the Stephen Taber. Then Grace Bailey. She was adopted by the white-hulled Ladona, which has a motor.

Round 11 a.m., the J & E Riggin departed, too. Our yawl boat was used like a mini-tugboat to drag the normal schooner away from the dock, flip it round, after which push it out of Rockland Harbor.

Given the low visibility, I used to be amazed at our Captain’s skill to steer the 61-ton schooner out of the harbor. Dozens of anchored sailboats have been barely seen amid the thick haze.

After we handed the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, we may barely see it. The mile-long breakwater constructed to attach it with land disappeared within the mist.

Elevating the Sails

It was 11:30 a.m. after we handed the lighthouse, and the decision was given for volunteers to assist increase the mainsail. Company of all ages lined up on the schooner’s port (left facet) and starboard (proper facet).

The crew members known as instructions as either side pulled the rope to lift the 1.5-ton (3,000-pound) mainsail and prime beam.

The variety of folks serving to and the built-in mechanical benefits make it doable. Serving to out is voluntary, however usually visitors get pleasure from this facet of their Maine windjammer cruises. I did.

As soon as the mainsail was raised, the crew and visitors raised the three different sails, every requiring much less effort and folks than the one earlier than it.

Regardless of enjoying a small half in elevating these sails, I felt proud each time I checked out them.

As we started crusing, I requested the Captain concerning the gear he used to navigate. He walked me by means of all of it, declaring the radar and radios.

One machine I discovered attention-grabbing notifies him of the closest vessel and the way lengthy it might take for the J & E Riggin to intersect with it if each boats remained on the identical pace and heading.

Lunch

Not lengthy after the sails have been raised, we went beneath deck to the dinette for our first lunch collectively.

Jocelyn and her Galley Hand, Keegan, had ready New England clam chowder and strawberry and goat cheese salads.

Contemporary-baked biscuits have been served with salted butter and honey from Jocelyn’s apiary (bee hives). And scrumptious candied ginger shortbread was served for dessert.

Given the theme of our windjammer cruise was Maine craft beers, everybody may strive two beers with each lunch and dinner for all the journey. On just a few events, a cider was supplied as an alternative of a beer.

For our first tasting, we tried Salad Days, a pale, dry lager by Bunker Brewing Firm, and a darker Bar Harbor Actual Ale by Atlantic Brewing Firm. Between the 2, I most well-liked the latter.

As soon as lunch wrapped up, I returned to the primary deck, the place I caught a glimpse of the darkish purple sails of the Windjammer Angelique off the port facet.

By 2:30 p.m., we have been passing alongside the north coast of Vinalhaven Island, the place we may see Browns Head Mild Station and lobster boats at work.

Fifteen minutes later, the crew dropped the iron anchor off the port facet. The one on the starboard facet, we have been informed, was a “storm anchor” and isn’t routinely used.

North Haven Brewing Co.

Captain Justin started ferrying us to North Haven Island utilizing the yawl boat. It was solely a minute’s stroll from the dock to Calderwood Corridor, a neighborhood heart residence to North Haven Brewing Co.

The Maine microbrewery opened in 2017 after associates Ben Lovell and Jesse Davisson took their homebrewing interest to the following degree. Ben’s sister, Elizabeth, is a co-owner.

Ben and Jesse are fishermen, and their curiosity in beermaking happened after they had downtime each winter in the course of the low season.

As a part of our Sips and Sails-themed cruise, every visitor on the J & E Riggin was entitled to a beer flight.

The brewers invited us every to choose three of the 4 beers we wished to pattern, with the fourth being their signature Keeper IPA.

I appreciated the Keeper and Swell beers. The Spark Plug had sturdy espresso and chocolate flavors. And the Barrel Range was my least favourite.

North Haven Brewing Co.’s beers are solely out there on the brewery, which they stated supplies sufficient demand to maintain them busy. A ferry from Rockland presents common service to the island.

Dinner

Again on the J & E Riggin, we have been welcomed with iced oysters from John’s River.

4 salt choices have been offered, a mignonette, a sliced French baguette from Atlantic Baking Firm (Rockland), and three sorts of compound butter.

Dinner adopted an hour later, at 6:30 p.m. Lemon and white wine poached Atlantic salmon was served with lemon risotto, butternut squash, tomatoes, and roasted garlic scapes. The fish was glorious.

However wait, there’s extra! Selfmade strawberry rhubarb pie with hand-whipped cream was offered for dessert. What’s a little bit rain and fog if you’re fed like royalty?

Day 3: Crusing to Waterman Level

I awoke a number of instances on my second evening aboard the J & E Riggin. Nevertheless, I used to be all the time capable of drift off shortly once more. At 7:30 a.m., it was time to rise and shine. I bought dressed and climbed as much as the primary deck.

I made sizzling chocolate and indulged in a second serving to of strawberry rhubarb pie.

Jocelyn informed me visitors are likelier to eat the leftover dessert when positioned out the next day. And he or she was proper!

A North African tomato-based dish known as shakshuka was served with avocados, olives, capers, and Greek yogurt for breakfast. A tasty rosemary focaccia and lemon poppy seed muffins have been additionally out there.

Elevating the Anchor

At 9 a.m., the crew started eradicating the tarp over the primary deck. A visitor identified a harbor seal swimming by means of the calm waters. Quickly, the fog would clear, and visibility would enhance.

We raised the mainsail and second one as nicely. Then, the crew, with the assistance of some volunteers, labored collectively to drag up the 500-pound iron anchor, a strenuous job.

For instance, one individual’s job was to put the heavy iron chain again within the storage field in an organized vogue.

As soon as the anchor was up, the J & E Riggin glided ahead because the crew secured the anchor to the boat’s port facet and raised the smaller sails.

Crusing

We noticed blue skies for the primary time since boarding the J & E Riggin, and everybody was appreciative. My priorities modified from staying heat and dry to sporting sufficient sunblock.

Since we sailed out of the channel separating North Haven and Vinalhaven islands the identical manner we might entered the day earlier than, we bought a greater have a look at the surroundings.

This included Browns Head Mild Station, many stunning trip properties, and Fiddlers Ledge, a pillar that marks the tip of an underwater ledge that juts out from North Haven island.

Right here, crusing at a leisurely 3 knots, we may hear the ringing of a purple buoy that marks the doorway to New Haven harbor.

Once I requested Captain Justin about prime speeds, he stated the Riggin hit 10 knots (11.5 miles per hour) throughout The Nice Schooner Race the week earlier than.

He stated they start to take the sails down at 12 knots (13.8 miles per hour).

As we cruised west throughout West Penobscot Bay towards a brewery on the mainland, the wind died, and we started utilizing the yawl boat to push the mighty schooner. With out the assistance, we would not transfer.

Round midday, we handed Owls Head Lighthouse, at which level we started cruising south down the Japanese Seaboard.

This 30-foot lighthouse was in-built 1825 and will be visited on foot by way of Owls Head State Park.

Lunch was pulled pork shoulder cooked in a single day with scratch-made brioche buns and a housemade BBQ sauce. Gouda and cheddar cheese have been out there as toppings.

The sandwiches have been served with sides of candy potato hash and cole slaw. For dessert, carrot cake cupcakes. Yum!

The Tumbledown Pink, an Irish Pink Ale by Tumbledown Brewing, was one among my favorites from the windjammer cruise. I additionally loved a style of Freedom’s Edge Cider with lunch.

Waterman’s Seaside Brewery

At 2:30 p.m., the crew dropped anchor off Waterman Level, and the Captain started ferrying us to shore for our second brewery go to.

Waterman’s Seaside Brewery is a real Maine unique. Earlier than the constructing housed brewing tools, it was a family-owned lobster shack for 30 years.

In 2001, Waterman’s Seaside Lobster Shack received the America’s Traditional Award from the James Beard Basis.

By 2016, the homeowners have been able to retire. That is when Heath Curtis, a scallop fisherman, got here up with the thought to show his mother’s lobster shack right into a craft brewery.

Three years later, with the assistance of Brad Frost, co-owner and head brewer, and Brad’s spouse Anna, the brewery opened.

Everybody had the possibility to strive 4 beers, so I selected:

• Crown to Coast Kolsch Type Ale
• Loowit Session Ale
• Sonic Temple Pale Ale
• Polka Social gathering (a smoky beer)

My favourite was the Sonic Temple, adopted by Crown to Coast.

Captain Justin introduced we may order not one however two pints of our favourite beer. As my fellow passengers and I have been sampling the beers and having fun with the gorgeous ocean view, the J & E Riggin’s crew ready a lobster bake on the seaside.

I am not an enormous beer drinker, however it wasn’t laborious to maintain up, given the climate and surroundings.

Lobster Bake

First, they set a fireplace and commenced grilling corn on the cob. Potatoes have been wrapped in aluminum foil earlier than being positioned close to the hearth.

Then, the dwell Maine lobsters are added to a metallic bucket with one inch of salt water. They’re coated with kelp discovered alongside the seaside and steamed for about 20 minutes.

As if that wasn’t sufficient, additionally they grilled two steaks! We have been in for an genuine surf ‘n turf dinner.

I skilled my first lobster bake in Portland the week earlier than. Nevertheless, this one was far more intimate.

The brewery opened on their time without work only for us and gave permission to have the lobster bake of their entrance yard. It demonstrated a way of neighborhood amongst Mainers.

To cap off our implausible sundown dinner at an oceanside brewery, the Captain and crew made ooey-gooey s’mores tacos over the campfire.

As soon as every thing had been packed up, we left the seaside and brewery as we might discovered it. Justin shuttled us again to the J & E Riggin, its mainsail glowing within the fading solar.

It could be laborious to beat our third day of the Maine windjammer cruise, however Mom Nature had just a few surprises in retailer for us.

Day 4: Crusing to Vinalhaven

After just a few days at sea, I grew to become accustomed to the schooner’s schedule and routines. Morning espresso, scrumptious breakfast, increase the anchor, increase the sails. It was all feeling extra comfy.

Earlier than we set sail from Waterman’s Level, the crew arrange the ship’s chandlery, aka the reward store.

Since a number of {couples} on the windjammer cruise had sailed with the Riggin earlier than, they might attest to the standard of the clothes.

Impressed by the pricing, I purchased a magenta hat for $22 and a inexperienced embroidered T-shirt for $25. I started sporting the cap instantly.

Elevating the Anchor

At 9:50 a.m., after packing the store and cleansing the breakfast dishes, I helped Nancy and Keegan pull up the anchor.

Utilizing the right method, and throwing your physique weight into the actions, makes an enormous distinction.

I discovered you do not have to be tremendous muscular to do that stuff. The right method, teamwork, and the mechanical benefits of the riggings go a good distance.

Gloves aren’t worn as they will get caught within the ropes. You additionally do not wish to depend on placing gloves on in an emergency. I used to be informed utilizing your naked fingers and constructing calluses is best.

Cruising South

Ten minutes later, we cruised with a cool breeze, searching for lighthouses and marine life.

The Captain deliberate to sail south alongside the rugged Maine coast and east towards Matinicus Island. We might then head north to anchor in a secluded cove on Vinalhaven Island.

First, we handed Sprucehead Island and a few large and engaging waterfront properties. I helped increase the mainsail as we handed Whitehead Island Lighthouse. A harbor seal was noticed popping its head up.

Additional south, we may see Tenants Harbor Lighthouse and the house of Jamie Wyeth on Southern Island.

The island is non-public property, and Jamie Wyeth, an artist like his famend father, the painter Andrew Wyeth, lives there full time.

Minutes later, I noticed a porpoise developing for air off the starboard facet. And an hour later, three porpoises have been seen off the port facet. A bunch of porpoises is named a gam.

Lunch on this beautiful day consisted of lobster bisque made with leftover lobster from the earlier evening, rolls, salad, and luscious lemon bars.

I washed it down with a Decadent Decapod by Belleflower Brewing Co. in Portland. And I loved an unfiltered Downeast Cider sufficient to pour a second glass.

Whale Watching

Throughout lunch, as we cruised east previous Little Inexperienced Island, we noticed the primary of a number of fin whales, the second-largest whale species on Earth.

Their small dorsal fin belies their large dimension. Fin whales can weigh between 40 to 80 tons (80,000 to 160,000 kilos) and develop to 85 toes in size.

To place that in perspective, a median 60-ton fin whale would weigh as a lot as Schooner J & E Riggin.

The fin whale inhabitants suffered vastly throughout a interval of mid-Nineteenth-century whale looking. As we speak, they’re endangered. Their common lifespan is 80 to 90 years.

Everybody on board the J & E Riggin was excited by the recognizing, together with Justin, Jocelyn, and the crew. The Captain instantly known as the staff to make changes and sluggish us down.

I had requested Justin concerning the potential for us to see whales earlier than we bought underway on Day 1. My expectations have been low after listening to whale sightings have been attainable however not routine.

Luke, a passenger with 30 years of expertise on Maine windjammer cruises, stated he’d solely seen whales thrice.

The effective whale(s) we watched surfaced a dozen instances earlier than we continued east previous Giant Inexperienced Island.

For about 45 minutes, we appeared to see all of the wildlife directly. There was a seal recognizing and sufficient fin whales that we have been getting used to their presence.

A child shark close to the schooner led to crew members breaking out in track and dance. And porpoises and a pair of puffins have been additionally seen—my funding in binoculars paid off.

As we approached Matinicus Island, one among Maine’s most distant inhabited islands, we turned north towards Vinalhaven.

We cruised previous Heron Neck Lighthouse on the southern tip of Greens Island and thru Hurricane Sound till we arrived at a quiet cove. The Captain stated we might sailed 30 nautical miles in the course of the day.

Sundown Sail

The crew dropped anchor and commenced prepping the Savannah, a cat ketch rig carried by the J & E Riggin.

We had the cove to ourselves, save for a bigger sailboat already anchored there after we arrived. Inside an hour, although, we have been joined by the Schooner Stephen Taber.

As appetizers have been delivered to the primary deck, the Captain took just a few passengers out on the Savannah for a sundown sail.

I loved the angle it gave us of the schooner and that it was a quieter trip than the yawl we might used to go to the breweries.

At 6 p.m., a passenger noticed a bald eagle on a tree prime on Turnip Island. The eagle was shut sufficient to see clearly with binoculars, which was thrilling. It was the primary grownup bald eagle I would seen within the wild.

Twenty minutes later, tender beef brisket was served on the primary deck, with polenta and Brussels sprouts.

Because it was our final evening, we bought to decide on what to drink. I picked the Bar Harbor Blueberry Ale by Atlantic Brewing Firm.

Dessert was a wonderful cheesecake with salted caramel drizzle, which we ate whereas watching the colourful sundown.

Captain Justin left the mainsail up in a single day, so we might have much less work to do on our final morning.

Day 5: Return to Rockland

On the fifth and remaining day of our Maine windjammer cruisn. The water was so nonetheless it created a near-flawless reflection of the Stephen Taber.

I felt grateful to have such a ravishing setting to myself, if just for a couple of minutes.

The morning dew coated the seating areas, so I stayed on my toes, gingerly strolling round the primary deck and taking pictures pictures.

At 5:45 a.m., Keegan introduced the espresso and tea out. Jocelyn and Justin have been additionally already at work. I may see just a few folks have been additionally awake on our neighbor, Schooner Stephen Taber.

Jenny’s grandparents beforehand owned the Stephen Taber, and her uncle owns it now.

Round 6:30 p.m., a tray of espresso cake was positioned on the deck. Quickly after, a bald eagle was noticed in a tree on Corridor Island in entrance of us. Utilizing binoculars, I used to be additionally capable of see the eagle’s nest, too.

Breakfast was selfmade NY-style bagels with lox (smoked salmon) and different toppings. Scrambled eggs, cantaloupe, and kiwi have been additionally offered.

Our Closing Sail

The Stephen Taber sailed off earlier than us. I did not thoughts, because it gave me a way of what the J & E Riggin regarded like when cruising. By 8:30 a.m., we have been crusing too.

It was a brief and bittersweet trip again to Windjammer Wharf in Rockland Harbor. I would spent the cruise making new associates, studying crusing vocabulary, and being fed like a King.

I would gotten the hold of spending days and nights at sea and been spoiled by the appearances of fin whales, porpoises, seals, puffins, and bald eagles.

Taking a Maine windjammer cruise was the journey at sea I did not know I wanted. As we entered Rockland Harbor, the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, which was shrouded in fog in the beginning of our journey, was clearly seen.

The Captain switched to utilizing the yawl boat to information the J & E Riggin again to its secure harbor. We glided previous dozens of sailboats that have been barely seen on our first day.

After which we slid alongside the dock, the crew throwing ropes to safe the schooner as soon as once more. The disembarkation occurred shortly, signaling the tip of the journey.

Folks had planes to catch, together with me. The crew had their work lower out for them, needing to show over the sailboat in 24 hours.

The next day at 5 p.m., the J & E Riggin was resulting from depart on a 3-night Children & Household Cruise.

Company have been offered envelopes of their cabins for ideas, and a 5 to 10% gratuity is really useful.

100% of the ideas go to the working crew (everybody apart from the homeowners, Justin and Jocelyn). From every thing I noticed throughout my 4-night windjammer cruise, they deserved it.

Wrapping Up

My expertise aboard the J & E Riggin confirmed me firsthand why these historic ships have so many repeat prospects.

The Maine windjammer cruises are a novel alternative to sail tall ships amid gorgeous surroundings.

Throw in pleasant and approachable homeowners like Captains Justin and Jocelyn, an earnest and skilled crew, and plenty of good meals, and it has the makings for a beautiful trip.

Try this yr’s crusing dates aboard the J & E Riggin, or plan forward for subsequent yr.

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Thanks to the Maine Windjammer Affiliation and J & E Riggin for inviting me to expertise one among their cruises for free of charge. My evening on the LimeRock Inn was organized in partnership with the Maine Workplace of Tourism.