If you’re craving an unforgettable getaway that blends adventure, relaxation, and timeless maritime charm, sailing aboard the Maine Windjammer Angelique should be at the top of your list. This historic tall ship offers more than just a scenic cruise. It’s a chance to disconnect from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with nature, community and yourself. From the salty sea breeze and dazzling night skies to lobster bakes on uninhabited islands and helping hoist the sails, every moment on Angelique feels like stepping into a simpler, more soul-stirring way of life.
1. Breathe in the Fresh Maine Air
Ahhhhh! It may sound simple, but when was the last time you spent hours outdoors inhaling pure, fresh air? There’s nothing as refreshing as breathing the unpolluted Maine air while on the deck of a sailboat. After being away from it for so long, I had forgotten just how amazing it feels to take in a deep breath of fresh air. Sailing on a Maine Windjammer – exhilarating.
2. Become an Awe-Filled Stargazer
The night sky over Maine is nothing short of magical. I was awestruck by the number of stars visible on a dark night. We were lucky enough to plan our trip during a new moon, making the stargazing even more spectacular. Sailing under a full moon or half-moon is just as mesmerizing. I often found myself waking up to admire the sky, spotting constellations as I lay in awe.
3. Learn to Help Sail a Tall Ship
Sailing is the core of the Windjammer experience. While assisting isn’t mandatory, it’s an amazing opportunity to learn the ropes (literally!) and feel like you are part of the crew. Each day, the sails are hoisted with the help of 8 to 10 passengers, and we all shout in unison, “Ready!” as we pull together. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about working together with fellow guests, whether it’s hauling up the sails or furling them at sunset. One of the oldest passengers, after watching the crew work the anchor chain, took his turn and completed the task to cheers from everyone.
4. Feel Like Part of History
As you relish the simple life of sailing on the Angelique, I thought about the people, particularly my Danish grandfather, who sailed on a vessel like this one to cross the Atlantic Ocean. This ketch is two-masted, has a powerful engine, and was fashioned after the North Sea’s 19th-century working Brixham Trawlers
5. Savor 3 Home-Cooked Meals Every Day
Cook Bradley creates New England style comfort food that satisfies the soul after sailing all day. Appetizers like Mediterranean cheeses, pork sliders, crudités with buttermilk ranch, pigs in a blanket, and steak chili are all served on deck. Breakfasts like French toast with Maine maple syrup and sausages to cheesy eggs and bacon. Coffee is served on deck by seven along with freshly baked pastries. I promise you will never be hungry. Passengers keep their favorite beverages in large on-deck coolers. Guests are welcome to have their meals down below in the mess hall where there are three tables, but nobody ever did. However, this was a special spot for late night Scrabble and card playing.
6. Relax in the Spacious Deck House
The large deck house, which sits atop the ship and houses both the galley and salon, is a cozy retreat for guests. Surrounded by windowed walls, it offers a perfect spot for reading, enjoying a cup of tea or snacking on fresh fruit. If you forgot to bring a book, the ship’s collection includes historical texts about the Maine coast, lighthouses and children’s books like Blueberries for Sal. There’s even a piano for impromptu music sessions and the evenings often feature musical performances either on deck or in the salon.
7. Explore Uninhabited Islands
Maine’s coastline is dotted with uninhabited islands and quaint harbors. You’ll visit beautiful places like Babson’s Nature Preserve, Pulpit Harbor and Buck’s Harbor, the summer home of author Robert McCloskey. Each night, the ship docks in a peaceful harbor where the only sounds are the calls of seagulls or perhaps a guest strumming a guitar.
8. The Lobster Bake!!!
The lobster bake is the highlight of every Maine Windjammer cruise. Ours took place on a small uninhabited island where the crew prepared a feast while passengers explored or swam on private beaches. There was corn on the cob, potatoes and plenty of lobster. Some guests devoured more than three lobsters each! The atmosphere was perfect, with clear skies and warm weather making for a memorable evening.
9. Enjoy Your New “Sailing Family”
The Angelique is 130 feet long with 95 feet of deck space with lots of nooks and crannies to hang out, but honestly making new friends is part of the joy of windjamming. This was my seventh Maine Windjammer experience and I have always enjoyed the friendly laid-back people that are attracted by this sort of vacation. I guess you can say I am a sailing groupie! The cabins are cozy, most with two bunks per cabin, a small sink, mirror and standing headroom. This boat has three companionways which hold 8 passengers and each has its own below-deck head and shower. Bring soft zipper-topped canvas bags for easy stowing.
10. Enjoy the Abundance of Wildlife
One night I went up on deck to view the stars while everyone was sleeping (except for the night-watch girl) and heard a creature swimming by the boat. ‘Twas a playful seal that lives in the cool waters of Penobscot Bay. Imagine being on deck alone and hearing something swimming. Earlier I saw two bald eagles on top of an abandoned osprey nest. The ospreys had left for the season and this particular mass of nest material atop a rock island has been documented by sailors for over 500 years. Dolphins danced the waves and seemed to like to swim with the boat, adding to the magic of this natural, wildlife-filled adventure.
11. Go on a Journey with No Destination
On a Windjammer cruise, the journey is the destination. Under the guidance of our knowledgeable captain, Dennis, we sailed past picturesque lighthouses with names like Pumpkin Island, Brown’s Head, and Curtis Island. Autumn foliage painted the coastline in rich hues of green and gold, set against the calm, teal waters of Penobscot Bay that calmed my mind and soothed my soul. It was the perfect escape, just what an authentic Maine vacation should be.
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