Summertime in coastal Maine evokes images of searching for the perfect lobster roll, exploring tide pools along the rock strewn beaches and sailing among bays and summer isles. Verdant hills tumble into the deep blue of the Atlantic forming over 3,000 miles of rocky coastline and to properly experience it you must take to the water. On a gorgeous 75 degree day filled with sunshine and gentle breezes we made our way down to Camden’s postcard worthy harbor to sort out our seafaring options. Kayak? Not a great option for us this time with Steve’s mom in tow. Motorized catamaran? Eh, not feeling it. A four-sailed, beautifully restored historic schooner? Now we’re talking.
The Surprise was originally built in 1918 as a racing and cruising yacht and sailed in a number of races until the original owner’s death in 1959. This beautiful schooner has undergone several restorations in recent years and was even recognized on the National Register of Historic Places as an important part of United States maritime history. Ownership of the Surprise has recently changed hands to Nicole and Ramiro de Avecedo Ramos; but we had the pleasure of sailing with the boat’s previous owners, Captain Jack and his first mate Barbara, a lovely couple in their 70s who have been sailing the Surprise for almost 30 years and still help out on occasion. Their love of sailing was evident as they shared the history of the ship and their future sailing plans. They even encouraged visitors to pitch in by helping to raise the sails and my inner sailor came out as I got a turn at the helm!
After leaving shore we made our way past dozens of sailboats, yachts and windjammers from around the world who have decided to port in this secluded harbor along coastal Maine. As we left the harbor we passed by the Curtis Island Light, one of the iconic lighthouses that dot the shores of mid-coast Maine. Depending on the day’s winds the boat may hug the coast while heading down to the town of Rockport but the gentle breezes we had were perfect for a leisurely out and back trip to the island of Isleboro. Sun and bright blue skies above and the crisp sea breezes running through my hair I started to understand the lure of life on the water. I began to day dream about getting my own boat and spending my winters exploring the Caribbean and summers along the beautiful New England shore. I’d love to further explore Maine’s coast on a four day Maine Windjammer cruise.
My daydream ended as we turned the corner and Camden’s incredibly picturesque harbor came into view and my thoughts turned to Maine’s other must-do activity, finding the perfect lobster roll. (More thorough research is needed on my part but I can highly recommend the lobster roll at Graffam Brothers Seafood in Rockport). You’ll find boat tours in most of Maine’s coastal towns but if you visit Camden and want to sail on the Schooner Surprise (and I really think you should), then you’ll find the following information helpful.
Website
Schedule
SUMMER
(July 1 to Sept. 15)
10am, 12:30pm, 3pm, 5:15pm, 7:15 (sunset sail most days till August 3rd)
SPRING and FALL
(May to June and Sep 16 to Oct 15)
10:30am, 1:30pm, 4:30pm
Prices
$39 per person
$29 children under 12
Axelle says
Another jewel to add to my list! Great article and lovely photos 🙂
Brianna says
Thanks, Camden really is a hidden gem on Maine’s coast.
Raphael Alexander Zoren says
Sailing during the summer is always a god idea, nice photos! 😀
Brianna says
It was a fantastic afternoon out on the water, thanks for stopping by!
Els says
I’m going sailing in 2 weeks in Greece! Well actually, my partner’s going to sail, I will just sit on the boat and enjoy the sun 🙂 I’m like you, specializing in helm-holding 🙂
Brianna says
Sailing in Greece sounds amazing, have fun!
Karen Warren says
That sounds like a great day out!
Brianna says
It really was a perfect summer afternoon.
Mindi @ 2foodtrippers says
This looks like a perfect day with the lobster roll being the cherry on top.
Brianna says
You have no idea, the lobster roll was to die for.
Elena (http://gonewiththebackpack.blogspot.com/ ) says
Lovely photos! And you got your sailor t-shirt too :)))
Brianna says
I was feeling quite nautical that day 🙂
Natasha Amar says
Lovely photos!
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Brianna says
It was a lovely afternoon, thanks for stopping by!
Jessi says
I’ve been dying to get up to Maine! I love the bits of New England that I’ve seen (Mass and New Hampshire, mostly), and am planning on doing a road trip throughout the area sometime in the near future. A sailing trip would be even more fun!
Brianna says
We absolutely loved Maine, especially the small coastal towns.
Lauren says
Lovely photos! It really is a beautiful setting, what a great day you must have had out on the water!
Brianna says
It was absolutely perfect!
Lauren says
Definitely on my list of places to visit. Also, thank you for linking up with #WeekendWanderlust!
Milosz Zak says
This is definitely the good life. The East Coast of the United States is always home to these high-class pastimes. Many Canadians drive through Maine to get to the Maritime provinces, but there really is so much to see in that State.
Brianna says
It was such a relaxing trip, sailing made for a perfect summer day!
Ashley @ A Southern Gypsy says
This sounds like a wonderful idea – I’d love to go sailing, and I’d DEFINITELY love the lobster roll at the end 🙂
Brianna says
I had to reward myself for all the hard work I did steering
Stacey Veikalas says
This looks like so much fun. My kids and I took sailing lessons in Spain last year and now we need to practice. This looks beautiful and a ton of fun – the Perfect day!
Brianna says
I’m sure sailing in Spain is amazing, especially if you head back to shore and refuel with some tasty tapas.
Dave Cole says
Beautiful shots of the water, Brianna! I can’t imagine a better way to spend a summer day. New England has so much to offer in terms of natural beauty, especially in July in August. Thanks for taking me back there.
Brianna says
Thanks Dave!I was really surpirsed at how much I enjoyed Maine, no wonder its called “Vacationland”.
Claudia says
Spectacular views. But, I am afraid, after having attempted to sail San Blas in Panama, I am never setting foot again on a sailboat!
Brianna says
Sounds like there’s a good story behind that…..
Emily says
The trouble with reading your blog, is that my to do list just grows and grows. I’d love to do a boating holiday. I think sailing has to get in line behind the canals though! 🙂
Brianna says
Are you heading to Venice?
Julie (The Red Headed Traveler) says
My experience with New England is so limited (just visits to Rhode Island and Connecticut) but posts like these really make me want to visit. Last year I did see the Tall Ships so that was cool but sailing on one would even be cooler. And on a random note, I actually know of Camden as I read a book years go entitled “That Camden Summer.” It seems like a charming town!
Brianna says
I will have to check that book out! We had a fantastic time in New England, I’d love to explore it further.
Tracie Howe says
What a fantastic way to see such a lovely part of New England. I’m envious!
Brianna says
It was gorgeous and really a perfect summer day!
Adelina | PackMeTo says
What a cool sounding experience! That schooner looks like it would have been a lot of fun to explore and sail on.
Brianna says
The schooner was beautifully restored and the couple sailing it were just lovely.
Urska says
Wow this looks lovely! And so beautiful!
Brianna says
It was just a perfect summer day in Maine, I loved it!
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} says
I have very fond memories of my own trip to coastal Maine a few years ago. I would adore going back some time. Sailing on a schooner seems like quite an adventure. Getting to help raise the sails and taking a turn at the helm must have been so exciting. I’d like to try it , too.
Brianna says
I didn’t expect to love it so much, I’ll definitely have to go back!
Anne Klien says
I love sailing, cruised 🙂
Marie-Carmen says
Oh that looks great! Sailing near Camden… Definitively in my list! It’s a perfect relaxing activity in summer!
Brianna says
It couldn’t have been better!
Em says
Wow, looks great. Some nice photos 🙂 might have to visit
Brianna says
Camden was a hidden gem.
Eimear {www.cutetravels.com} says
Ahh, I didn’t think boats could be pretty before I saw this one. Wonder if I will ever make it to this corner of the world…
Brianna says
It’s definitely worth a visit if you ever make it to New England
Hannah says
Wow that looks gorgeous! And the price is definitely less than I would have expected. I’ve never been on a sail boat but I love boats and I love everything water related so I think I’d love it 🙂
Brianna says
There’s no way not to love it!
Bob R says
Even though I live far away now, I still find New England coasts –especially those in Maine– some of the most evocative in the world. This looks like a terrific trip.
Brianna says
I thought Maine had some of the most stunning shores on the East Coast and I was surprise how much I loved it.
Sumit Surai says
What nice views! And sailing on a historic Schooner with someone to share the history, i bet it was a great experience.
Brianna says
It was a perfect summer afternoon, I loved it!
Bianca @itsallbee says
Beautiful pictures. I have read and heard so much about Maine but have yet to visit such a stunning place. Looks like you had a great day out on the water.
Brianna says
Maine is a perfect summer destination, the sailing was the icing on the cake!
jen says
Great post! I’m from Maine and you reminded me how fun it was to sail there and camp on the islands. I actually just recently visited – http://www.venturists.net for more information about Southern Maine.
Happy Travels!
Brianna says
I loved mid coast Maine, it really was a hidden gem!
Esther says
I just went sailing in Turkey for a week and absolutely LOVED it 🙂
Found you through #weekendwanderer
Brianna says
The turkish coast would be a phenomenal place to go sailing, lucky you!
Katie says
I have yet to make it up to Maine, so thanks for sharing these lovely photos! And the price of this boat tour is not bad, whenever I get to Maine, I will have to check out Camden.
Thanks,
Katie
Brianna says
Camden was the sleeper hit for us, we didn’t expect to love it so much.
Carmen (CarmensTravelTips) says
Sailing around the coast of Maine must of been wonderful. I haven’t been up in that area for quite some time. Makes me want to go just for the Maine Lobster 🙂 Thanks for linking up to #WeekendWanderlust this week.
Kevin Young says
Fabulous Share!
Sailing a yacht is really an amazing experience, I usually go for it in summer season along with my family and love to enjoy our holidays at the beach of a sea. Which makes such memories that stay forever in our heart
Brianna says
I had a great time sailing the coast of Maine!