Specialty Cruises Combine Sailing Adventures with Specific Interests & Hobbies

Mid-coast, MAINE—The 13 vessels in the Maine Windjammer Association are pleased to offer a wide-range of specialty cruises to capture the heart and mind of any traveler. Now passengers can combine the spectacular experience of windjamming along Maine's rugged coast with their favorite hobby—be it whale watching, wine tasting or knitting, there's a windjammer cruise for everyone. Wine Tasting – Wine neophytes and seasoned oenophiles alike enjoy professionally guided samplings of vintages from around the world. Each glorious day of sailing ends with an informal, professionally conducted tasting. Guests learn to appreciate savoring wine with different parts of the palate while relaxing on deck and enjoying the scenic splendor of the Maine coast. Offered by the schooners Stephen Taber and Mary Day. Pirate Adventure Cruise – Sail away into the legendary world of spirited pirates, scallywags, and undesirables. Swashbucklers may be called upon to defend the ship by sword or cannon, or may be forced to walk the plank as they search for pirate treasure. This is a fun-filled adventure for the would-be buccaneer of any age. Offered by the schooner Isaac H. Evans. Whale, Puffin, and Naturalist Cruises – No one can guarantee a whale's whereabouts, but schooner captains have good luck finding finback, humpback, minke whales, and other marine life. Seals sun themselves on rock outcroppings, pelagic birds and eagles soar overhead; some cruises venture to see puffin colonies. Windjamming is a great vacation choice for the wildlife enthusiast. Offered by the schooners Mary Day, Angelique, Nathaniel Bowditch, American Eagle and Isaac H. Evans.

Sometimes called "sea parrots" or "clowns of the sea," Atlantic Puffins are easily identified by their large brightly colored beaks and feet. Some of the windjammers offer special puffin-scouting cruises that include a sail offshore to a puffin colony. Jane Barnes, co-owner of the schooner Stephen Taber, leads wine-tasting cruises that feature nightly wine tastings and food pairing.

Festivals and Races – Many windjamming cruises coincide with summer celebrations on Maine's coast. See all 13 of Maine's tall ships during the Schooner Gam, Windjammer Days, Great Schooner Race, Windjammer Parade, Windjammer Music Festival, Camden Windjammer weekend and the WoodenBoat Sail-In. Photography – Shutterbugs delight in Maine's picturesque sea coast. Flora and fauna, lighthouses, coastal architecture, spectacular sunsets and tall ships under sail are captured from the unique perspective of the decks of a windjammer. Offered by the Mary Day, Stephen Taber, Angelique, American Eagle, Victory Chimes, Heritage and Isaac H. Evans. Seamanship – This cruise emphasizes hands-on learning, from general seamanship to coastal navigation. The goal for the end of the week is to have students working together to assume operation of the vessel. Offered by the Mary Day and Lewis R. French. Lighthouses – Sparking the imagination of landlubbers and sailors alike, the lighthouses scattered along Maine's coast were a once vital part of maritime life. There's no better way to see them than from the sea; sail with story-telling captains knowledgeable of the histories of various lights. These cruises visit as many as a dozen lights or more! Offered by most of the 13 windjammers in the fleet. Music Cruises – Many windjammers gather for music festivals and special concerts, plus host their own musicians who play everything from folk and bluegrass to blues and drums. When the sun goes down, the instruments come out in force and guests are encouraged to bring their own (acoustic only!). Professional guest musicians featured aboard the Timberwind, Stephen Taber and Victory Chimes. Kids and Family - Some vessels offer cruises catered toward families and young children. Family trips offer guests a nice balance of time together and time alone. There are lots of hands-on learning activities and children and parents get a chance to establish new friendships. Offered by the schooners Isaac H. Evans, Timberwind and Nathaniel Bowditch. Knitters' Weekend - Knitting and sailing have gone hand in hand since the middle ages, when sailors first knitted fishing nets. Guests are encouraged to bring their own projects or to learn to design a gansey sock, a nautical sweater, or a hat from patterns provided by a local knitting expert who sails as shipmate and instructor. Offered by the schooners Isaac H. Evans and Nathaniel Bowditch. Story-Telling Cruises – The windjammer captains are terrific story-tellers; cruises showcase these talents whether the stories are of Maritime History or Down East legends. Offered by Heritage and Victory Chimes. Private Cruises – For friends and family who want to sail away on their own windjammer with just a captain and cook, the schooner Mistress carries 6 guests in 3 private cabins with their own heads (toilets). Longer Cruises, 1 & 2-night Getaways, Seamanship, Hiking and More – There's a windjammer cruise for everyone. The American Eagle offers cruises Downeast and to Maine's offshore islands for those who enjoy the excitement of a longer sailing vacation. Many of the windjammers offer shorter trips for folks who can't get away for an entire week, including 1-night trips offered by the Isaac H. Evans and regular weekend cruises aboard the Grace Bailey and Timberwind. Hands-on activities for adults are featured on Seamanship cruises (Mary Day and Lewis R. French) that offer instruction in navigation and practical skills training. Guests aboard the Isaac H. Evans spend time hiking on Isle au Haut. Chocolate-tasting trips are featured on the Stephen Taber and Isaac H. Evans. Weeklong cruises start at $820 per person and include all meals, accommodations, activities and even a lobster bake. Three-day trips start at $410. The Maine Windjammer Association includes thirteen historic sailing vessels that offer three- to six-day cruises out of Camden, Rockport and Rockland, Maine. For more information, contact MWA at 800-807-WIND or www.sailmainecoast.com.