Sails, Stars, & the Soul of Maine
Step aboard the historic Schooner J&E Riggin and leave the world behind. This all-inclusive sailing adventure, ranging from three to six nights, begins in Rockland, Maine, and unfolds along the rugged coastline of Penobscot Bay. For couples, families, or solo travelers, it’s a chance to trade schedules for sea breezes and screens for starlight.
Why We Chose This Journey
We weren’t just looking for a vacation — we were chasing something rare. A true adventure. The Schooner J&E Riggin, a national landmark nearly 100 years old, provides an opportunity to sail Maine’s coastline on a historic vessel. No cruise ship could compare.
Our Days At Sea
Daily, we glided quietly across the water, we saw spruce-lined shores, seaside villages, and the quiet thrill of discovery. Each hour is shaped by the wind and tide, offering uninterrupted views of Maine’s legendary coastline.
We spotted harbor seals lounging on sun-warmed rocks, porpoises dancing in our wake, and osprey wheeling overhead. Bald eagles perched like sentinels in the pines, and sea birds skimmed the surface in elegant arcs. In mid to late summer, whales sometimes grace the journey. Each sighting was a reminder of how rich and untamed this corner of the world remains.
Rafted in Tradition: A Night at the Wooden Boat Rendezvous
The Wooden Boat Rendezvous is an annual celebration of Maine’s wooden windjammers —it’s a living tribute to craftsmanship, community, and the enduring beauty of wooden boats. This gathering has drawn boat lovers from near and far, each vessel a floating story.
Rafting up overnight with a flotilla of nine classic wooden windjammer boats, their varnished hulls glowing in the twilight, was a highlight. As the stars emerged, sea shanties echoed across the water—voices rising in harmony, laughter spilling into the night. It was where history met camaraderie and the spirit of Maine’s maritime legacy came alive. A memory we will treasure forever.
Aboard the J&E Riggin
Our voyage aboard the historic schooner J. & E. Riggin was a feast for the senses. We dined alfresco on deck—breakfast, lunch, and dinner served with sweeping views of Maine’s rugged coastline. A traditional Maine lobster bake on an uninhabited island at sunset was our favorite meal. With the schooner anchored in the background, we watched as lobsters were boiled in seawater and blanketed with seaweed gathered from the shore—a method the Riggin has honored for over 60 years. It was more than a meal—it was a quintessential Maine experience.
Exceptional Hosts
Captains Justin and Jocelyn, the husband-and-wife team behind the 1927 wooden schooner J. & E. Riggin and their hard-working crew, were nothing short of extraordinary. As co-captains and gracious hosts, they infused every moment with warmth, expertise, and a deep love for the sea. From navigating Maine’s coastal waters to sharing meals and laughter on deck, they made our voyage unforgettable.
