Midcoast Maine, USA--Adventure can be found around every rocky turn of the Maine coast aboard the eight ships in the Maine Windjammer Association fleet.  For three to ten days, guests experience a simpler life in which technology is replaced with age-old sailing and navigation skills.  Instead of transporting cargoes of fish and lumber from port to port, common a century ago, these venerable old ships, now outfitted with comfort and safety in mind, retrace their coasting routes with passengers.

Unlike cruise ships with packaged itineraries and cruise directors, shipboard life on a Maine windjammer is entirely unstructured.  Each day’s voyage is based on the weather and captain’s whim.  Since there are more than 3,000 islands dotting the coast of Maine, there are unlimited overnight anchorages.

From picturesque Rockland and Camden harbors in mid-coast Maine, the fleet sets sail on voyages full of adventure and relaxation along the rocky coast.  Once you’ve stepped aboard, you can forget your watch and credit cards, and prepare for a dramatic change of pace and scenery.  There’s not a care in the world for the seafaring traveler.

Windjammer days begin at the break of dawn when the galley cook stokes the fire in the woodstove to brew fresh coffee and bake delicious muffins and pastries for early-rising guests.  As passengers make their way on deck, they may spend a few quiet moments gazing out at stately white pines and spruces cloaked with an unearthly mist rising off the bay.

Around 10 a.m., once a full breakfast has been served and the wind freshens, the windjammers set sail on Penobscot Bay.  With hundreds of islands protecting Maine's inner bays and harbors, Penobscot Bay offers some of the best sailing in the world.  In addition to great sailing, guests get a peek at wildlife at its finest - eagles swoop and call, while seals and porpoises frolic nearby.

A hearty lunch is served underway and usually consists of fresh-made chowders, salads and home-made breads.  Guests have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of running the ship or they might choose to simply curl up with a good book.  Without a rigid itinerary, windjamming provides surprises at every turn.

In the afternoon, windjammers set their anchors either off uninhabited islands or tiny fishing villages.  At this point, guests are free to disembark and explore.  Tucked away off the beaten path, Maine's coastal villages offer a variety of boutiques, museums, galleries and shops.  Supper is served family-style with “good food and plenty of it.”  Roasts, lasagnas, and seafood are all made with the freshest ingredients and most cruises feature a lobster bake, complete with steamers and corn-on-the-cob.

As night falls, quiet voices tell stories, recite poems, sing songs and erupt into laughter.  Some passengers gather around the woodstove for a hand of gin rummy or to read while others might enjoy the millions of stars reflected in the still evening waters.  Phosphorescent creatures inspire the imagination during any moonlit row.  Finally, guests snuggle into their bunks as the quiet creaking of their magnificent traditional sailing vessel gently lulls them to sleep.

SIDE BAR: IF YOU GO:

 The Maine Windjammer season lasts from mid-May to mid-October.  June cruises feature long days while “leaf peepers” can enjoy sailing in late September when the foliage turns flame-colored.

Each windjammer carries between 16 to 40 guests and four to ten crew members.  Accommodations are simple, consisting of single and double cabins, all with comfortable mattresses, fresh linens and plenty of warm blankets. All of the vessels offer hot showers. Windjammer cruises are for people of all ages except small children although, if you charter an entire vessel, you can bring anyone you like.

Prices average $200 per person per day including all meals, which are delicious and bountiful for even the heartiest appetites.

For more information, contact the Maine Windjammer Association at 207-832-0801 or check out the website at www.sailmainecoast.com.