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What's a Maine Windjammer? |
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A Maine windjammer is a small sailing ship, a schooner or sloop. |
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Maine windjammers are of two types: A schooner is a sailing vessel rigged fore and aft, with at least two masts, of which the foremast is often smaller. A sloop is a single-masted sailing vessel rigged fore and aft, with a short standing bowsprit (if it has a bowsprit at all), and a single headsail set from the forestay. Most Maine windjammers have an auxiliary engine for calm days and/or for maneuvering in port, but the main motive force is by wind and sail. The wind really does move you along, and if there's no wind you go slow, or anchor until the wind rises. Traditional schooners and sloops in Maine windjammer service are relatively small vessels, not large cruise ships. Space is at a premium, and is used with great economy. On a traditional Maine windjammer cruise, voyagers may be asked to help the crew to hoist, lower and furl the sails and other simple tasks requiring many hands. That's part of the fun! For many voyagers, the problem is not that they have to share in the crew's duties, but that they always want to do more. The most exciting duty is to take the helm and steer the vessel, of course. Luckily, voyagers never have to help with kitchen clean-up! |
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Schooner Mary Day at anchor in Penobscot Bay.
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