Beyond the South End

A Maine Maritime Vacation

If you enjoy being on the water, it’s not too early to plan your Maine maritime vacation. If you would like to experience how it was to travel by windjammer in the old days, the Maine Windjammer Association invites you to consider a trip on one of their vessels. The windjammer here, the Victory Chimes, is one of the ten ships in the Association’s fleet. Please visit the MWA site for more details: www.sailmainecoast.com.

The fleet includes ten traditional Maine tall ships from 46-136 feet on deck. Seven are National Historic Landmarks. All are privately owned and operated. They can carry from 20-40 passengers with a crew from 4-10. Cruises are appropriate for all ages. If you are able-bodied, you can even help sail the ship. Cruises are from 1 and 3 day trips to 6-day trips.

The ships are based in Rockland, Rockport and Camden in mid-coast Maine. Here’s a list of the ships and a number to call to book a trip to remember sailing on the Maine coast.

American Eagle, 800-648-4544

Angelique, 800-282-9989

Heritage, 800-648-4544

Issac H. Evans, 877-238-1325

Lewis R. French, 800-469-4635

Mary Day, 800-922-7245

Nathaniel Bowditch, 800-288-4098

Stephen Taber, 800-899-7352

Timberwind, 800-759-9250

Victory Chimes, 800-745-5651

If you have your own sailing ship or other sea-worthy ship, we invite you to moor at any of our beautiful mooring spots. We hope you will consider our broad Rockland Harbor from Jameson Point to the South End. The picture above is of South End moorings. Here’s a list of the top 6 mooring spots according to Maine magazine.

Top 6 Mooring Places in Maine

1)    Jewell Island, Portland

At the island, anchor in Cocktail Cove, the appropriately named hangout for sailors and cruisers alike. Follow wooded trails and climb one of the World War I-era towers for incredible watercolor views, stretching from Cape Small to Cape Elizabeth.

2)    Tenants Harbor, St. George

If you ask Harbormaster Dave Schmanska about his favorite place to tie up, he'll answer without hesitation: "Smack dab in the middle of Tenants Harbor—it's beauty at its finest." If you can, visit for St. George Days in July to take in a stunning fireworks display over the inner harbor. While you're there, be sure to look for Southern Island Light, the lighthouse painted by the Wyeths.

3)    Upper and Lower Torry Islands, Brooklin

President of Brooklin Boat Yard, Steve White, is partial to a small, unnamed harbor, located just down the road from his business. "There's a spot I love, between Upper and Lower Torry islands," says White. "The islands are connected by a sandbar at about half tide—a perfect view for a beautiful moonset." Private and secluded, you'll rarely find anyone else around.

4)    Jameson Point, Rockland

Rockland Harbor's charm lies in its size and accessibility, its buzz of activity. If you anchor off in the lee of Jameson Point, you can watch it all at a distance—the barges, ferries, cruise ships, and fishing boats weaving in and out. Harbormaster Ed Glaser agrees: "There's no better sight than a windjamming schooner skimming the horizon past the breakwater and the lighthouse."

5)    Ellsworth Harbor, Ellsworth

This pocket harbor is as quaint as the town of Ellsworth. Mooring here is best enjoyed at sunset, when the water reflects the inky silhouettes of pine trees and bobbing docks. Harbormaster Randy Heckman likes to anchor in the waterfront's outer edges. "If you get out farther," Heckman says, "that's where the eagles are. It's pretty neat to have an eagle for a neighbor."

6)    York Harbor, York

The York Harbor shoreline is a microcosm of historic architecture. Commodore of the Agamenticus Yacht Club, Doug Tuttle, prefers to moor underneath it all by the marina docks. "From this vantage point," says Tuttle, "you have a front-row view. For a grand vista, row ashore and follow the Cliff Walk, a beach rose-lined path high above the surf.