Maine Sailing Vacation Ideas

Here are several different Maine sailing vacation ideas. Maine and sailing have been a partnership from the time New England was settled. Every sailing cruise in Maine includes breath taking views of the rugged Maine coast along with the native wildlife including seals, porpoise, ospreys, or perhaps an eagle.

The Maine coast is a series of bays bordered by peninsulas and scattered islands. The waters are calm, the winds fair, and the landscape diverse and breathtaking.

One way to enjoy a Maine sailing vacation is at a sailing school. You can enhance your sailing vacation by combining the fun of sailing with quality instruction. The Maine Sailing School, in Falmouth, offers instruction and sailing fun for an hour or up to a full week of live-board sailing. During the winter they will take you on a learning cruise to the Caribbean.

The Abbot Fletcher Sailing School, located on Orr's Island, Maine offers courses for all ages. They concentrate on providing a safe and fun experience learning the skills of sailing.

You can take the whole family out on a day cruise on the sailboat Rachel B. Jackson. Sailing out of Bar Harbor, this 67-foot gaff rigged topsail schooner is an authentic replica of an 1890’s ship. Here you can get the full sailing experience as hands-on sailing is encouraged. The ship is also made available for overnight stays in the harbor. It’s a fantastic alternative to the typical hotel on land.

If you’re looking for the exciting experience of ocean racing, look into Bellatrix Sailing in Kennebunkport, ME. The 37’ racing yacht, Bellatrix will give you an excellent view of Maine’s breathtaking natural coastline plus the feel of ocean spray on your face. You’ll see Porpoise Lighthouse as many rugged seaman saw it decades ago as they returned from a whaling trip. Experience trimming the sails and taking the helm.

Every sailing enthusiast should experience at least one Maine sailing vacation on a windjammer cruise. Sailing out of Camden, The Mary Day is built perfect for windjammer cruises with its spacious decks and cozy cabins. Enjoy sailing the wild Maine coast and their famous "all you can eat" lobster picnic.

Eastport Windjammers of Eastport, Maine offers a great Maine sailing vacation idea. Cruise on out to the whale feeding grounds off Eastport, Maine on the schooner Sylvina W. Beal. They offer two cruises each day including an afternoon whale watching cruise out through Head Harbor Passage past East Quoddy Lighthouse. Evening sunset cruises are also available.

You’ll want to check out the Schooner Ellida operated by Even Keel Inc. in Rockland, Maine. They offer 2 days to 2 weeks windjammer cruises and sailing charters along the coast of Maine. You can even have your wedding at sea. Enjoy the spectacular views of Maine's rugged coast under the canvas sails and tall wooden masts of a classic Maine Windjammer. Rockland holds the distinction of being the schooner capital of the world. The area plays host to a constant display of tall traditional ships.