Maine 2018 - Windjammer Cruise on The Angelique

Windjammer Angelique

The Maine Windjammer Cruises was just what I was looking for when I decided to go to Maine. I have a bucket list and one of the items was to take a windjammer cruise. I didn't want to go on a floating resort cruise but one where I really felt I was sailing, and sail I did!

This was more than a cruise, it was the experience of a lifetime. After touring Maine, I drove back to Camden to board The Angelique. It was docked in Camden Harbor. Twenty-seven passengers were expected. I was shown to my cabin. I expected to share one but a couple cancelled due to illness so I luckily got the cabin to myself. One word of caution to anyone interested in sailing on a schooner, do not bring a large suitcase. I didn't think about the accommodations when I packed so I took a big suitcase. I was thinking I needed lots of winter clothes and a large suitcase to hold them all but it was cumbersome in the small cabin. Had I had to share the cabin, it would not have been possible with my big bag.

I boarded the boat in the evening. The first night was spent docked and we sailed on the morning tide. Captain Dennis had a very strict rule, turn off your cell phones. Wow! I was not expecting this either but I now know it was a great rule. Nobody wanted to hear other people's phone ring. Besides there was pretty bad reception out on Penobscot Bay. The destination was Camden. The entire cruise was determined by the wind.

The first night was cold, down in the thirties, and the hatches were open. Two wool blankets and a duvet were provided for warmth. The following morning was fantastic. The breakfast was served below deck but before breakfast, each morning, coffee and baked goods were available. The food was delicious they entire cruise and the staff was accommodating to all the needs of the guests.

We sailed out of the harbor in the fresh morning air. The sun came out to accompany us on our way and warm up the deck. The wind was in ready to take the sail as not only the deck hands but also the guests hoisted the sails, sailing out into Penobscot Bay.  We all waved goodbye to the spectators on shore. The Angelique s a magnificent schooner, impressive, sleek, and perfect.

Curtis Island Light

I can't say where we sailed in Penobscot Bay. I looked at the nautical chart and saw islands, I wouldn't presume to know all the names. The sailing was beautiful, no motor, nothing but the wind to take us where it wished. The bay is dotted with small islands, like big rocks, sticking up out of the water. Some with vegetation, some without, most uninhabited. We sailed all day, enjoying the peace, no cell phones, no television, no computers. Many found a spot on deck to just sit, sip their favorite beverage, read, enjoy the scenery, talk and make friends, and lend a hand when needed.

Day two of the cruise we had a surprise. A lobster bake on the beach! Captain Dennis found a lovely island with a public beach. He set the anchor. We all got into row boats and rowed to the island. I was excited to get to row. It was so much fun. There was a cooler full of live lobster onboard. The crew members went ashore first in the motor boat and took all the provisions, the lobster and sides. A huge fire was built and a metal tub was placed over the flames with a couple of inches of water, then the lobster covered with seaweed and steamed for about forty five minutes. Potato salad and coleslaw was served on the side. I had my first whole lobster, while sitting on a piece of driftwood, drinking a paper cup full of wine. It was delicious.

A cooler full of live lobster ready to be baked

Day three of the cruise the wind kicked up and we really went sailing. Captain Dennis was excited that we had clear skies and a fantastic  wind. This was his final sail of the year and he let The Angelique fill her sails and take us for a ride. Hold on to your hats, this is what we came for! Waves crashed against the sides of the boat as we sliced through the water. The Penobscot Bay was ours. We all felt like we had gone back in time to when schooner were the major mode of transportation along the Eastern Seaboard. The big red sails billowed and snapped but Captain Dennis was in charge and loving it. After a fun day of sailing and dinner on deck, we piled into the deck house for an impromptu  sing along. One deck hand and a passenger played guitars as we sang songs and sipped drinks. The stars were bright, the air fresh, and the company was wonderful. By this time we were all fast friends, almost like a family. One of the passengers had a birthday, so we sang to her and ate cake.

Sunshine and great sailing on The Angelique

Waking up on the last day, we could almost feel the disappointment in the air. Nobody wanted the cruise to end but we were due to sail back to Camden and dock. It was an experience I'll never forget. I might even go back to do it again. I love The Angelique, Captain Dennis and crew, and Penobscot Bay.