Exciting Additions to the June Calendar of Cruises for the Maine Windjammer Association Fleet
We asked the captains of the Maine Windjammer Association what makes June a special time for cruises. From “peaceful snug harbors all to ourselves” to “migrating sea birds and “seal pups everywhere”, the captains said the freshening breezes of June and the exhilaration of the new season were all reasons to enjoy a June cruise. “Spring foliage” is the term they use for the 50 shades of green observed on the hundreds of islands explored throughout Penobscot Bay, plus the peaking wildflowers and lilacs to enjoy throughout June. Yet, most of all, it’s the long days of June, allowing for extra time to explore the harbors in one of the boats’ rowing/sailing dinghies, or sailing through dinner to reach an extra special anchorage that make June special, according to the captains of the Maine Windjammer Association. Of course, the annual Gam raft-up of Maine Windjammer Association boats is a great way to usher in the sailing season too. While all of these factors make June an ideal time for a Maine Windjammer Association cruise, when we add in new features and cruises this June, there’s no better time for a Maine Windjammer Association cruise than this June.
What’s new for June’s Maine Windjammer Association cruises?
Aboard Victory Chimes not only will new owner, Sam Sikkema and his partner Cara Lauzon bring a new direction to the ship, but also a new tune. Music is Sam and Cara’s passion, so plan to embrace the music this season on board the Victory Chimes. The new season will find Victory Chimes fit as a fiddle in more ways than one! Look forward to the following performers offering everything from starlight serenades to swan songs! Music will never take second fiddle on Victory Chimes during the 2019 cruise season. In June alone, look forward to these performers joining the trip.
- June 12th – 15th: Hubby Jenkins, a talented multi-instrumentalist who endeavors to share his love and knowledge of old-time American music will perform after a perfect day at sea.
- June 21st – 26th: Nashville Artist, Linda McRae, performing on banjo, guitar and accordion will offer a songwriting workshop onboard (optional and +$100 pp) plus lead jam sessions that everyone is encouraged to join.
- June 27th – 30th: Chicago-born songwriter, Heather Styka, combines the lyrical intricacy of folk with a catchy melodic pop sensibility and the grit of classic country in songs that are smart and disarming after a day of cruising.
Be sure to bring your favorite instrument. You’ll be encouraged to join in!
Aboard Lewis R. French, the annual Lighthouse Cruise on June 16-20, 2019 has an exciting new addition. In addition to the crew, the Penobscot Marine Museum’s curator, Cipperly Good, will join the cruise as an expert lighthouse guide. Before joining the Penobscot Marine Museum Cipperly sailed on tall ships as a deckhand and educator, completed a trans-Atlantic and worked at maritime museums on both coasts making her not only a lighthouse expert, but also an authority on Maine maritime history. Plan to sail past, up-close, and also visit some of Midcoast Maine’s most beautiful lighthouses, offering the perfect photo opportunity. As a bonus, this cruise includes tickets to the Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport too, so guests can enjoy the museum before or after the Lighthouse Cruise.
On board the Schooner American Eagle, there’s a bonus once again this year during the Gam trip. Beyond one of the best raft ups of the year, artist Carol L. Douglas will join the cruise to offer a water color workshop. It’s an excellent opportunity to create that award winning painting or work on your watercolor skills with a wonderful instructor. (Note: The class is a separate charge of $275 and you’ll be instructed on how to sign up directly with the instructor). Not a painter? Not to worry, you’ll enjoy all aspects of cruising with others on board as this trip explores the islands and seaside towns in Penobscot Bay.
Aboard Schooners Stephen Taber and Ladona, foodies will delight in two fabulous gastronomic cruises in June. If the idea of elevated comfort food and classic bistro fare has your mouth watering, then sail with Chef James Tranchemontagne on board the Schooner Stephen Taber June 13-17, 2019. Owner of gastropub Frog and Turtle, Chef James will not only cook for guests but also be on hand to discuss techniques, inspirations, and his passion for house made charcuterie.
Then, June 23–27, 2019 it’s all about Bar Craft and Cocktail Making with Bad Dog Bar Craft on board Ladona with Lara Nixon. Whether it’s a girlfriends getaway or a bartenders June break, come on board to learn the art of cocktail making using fresh and unique ingredients. Lara also loves to create non-alcoholic cocktails (mocktails) so whether with or without spirits, you’ll savor this cruise and go home a master of mixology!
What’s new for Windjammer Angelique this June are shorter cruises. While typically Angelique offers six-night cruises in June, this year they’ve shaken down the schedule to offer two shorter cruises for those who enjoy being unplugged but can’t go that long away from the office or home. Look for two back to back three-night cruises on June 23-26 and June 26-29th.
It’s all about Dads over Father’s Day weekend on board Heritage, where the minimum age is lowered to ten years old to allow fathers and grandfathers to sail with their children and/or grandchildren for the June 13 – 16th cruise. The Victory Chimes also welcomes Dads with kids ten years and up over their Father’s Day cruise (June 16-10). Both Heritage and Victory Chimes offer Dads traveling with a son or daughter (of any age) a special discount in honor of Father’s Day. Ask about the Father’s Day special when you book those cruises.
Aboard the Schooner Mary Day, according to Captain Barry King, “June is all about seeing the migrating season wildlife. Seals pups are everywhere, pelagic species (puffins) return to the bay and offshore islands to nest. Island foliage and wildflowers are peaking, porpoise begin appearing, bald eagles and osprey are nesting close to the shore in some harbor… June feels refreshing… that craving of life renewed is everywhere you look.” It’s the newness of the season that inspires Barry to enjoy sailing so much in June, and we’re sure that June’s spring foliage is sure to inspire a fabulous cruise.
Learn more about the Maine Windjammer Association’s cruises at SailMaineCoast.com. Visit each of the Maine Windjammer Association’s individual vessels online at their websites by clicking below.
Category: Press Releases
