1. American Eagle
City: Rockland, ME
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (207) 594-8007 or (800) 648-45
Address: North End Shipyard
Description: The 92-foot American Eagle was launched in 1930 and was the last fishing schooner in the famous Gloucester fleet. It made its final fishing trip in 1983, was completely rehauled in 1986, and is now a Historic Landmark. Captain John Foss offers primarily three-, four, and six-day cruises, but in 2008 he hosted an epic 11-day exploration of the Gulf of Maine and the Bay of Fundy.
2. Heritage
City: Rockland, ME
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (207) 594-8007 or (800) 648-45
Address: North End Shipyard
Description: Built right in Rockland’s North End Shipyard in 1983, the Heritage was designed along the lines of the coasters of the 19th century. It accommodates 30 people, and Captains Doug and Linda Lee have been gracious hosts for as many years. These days they offer four- and six-day excursions.
3. Isaac H. Evans
City: Rockland, ME
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (877) 238-1325 www.midcoast.co
Address: North End Shipyard
Description: The Isaac H. Evans was built in Mauricetown, New Jersey, in 1886 and spent years in the oystering trade on Delaware Bay. Rebuilt in 1973 to carry passengers, it’s now a Historic Landmark. Captain Brenda Thomas offers three-, four-, and six-day cruises.
4. J&E Riggin
City: Rockland, ME
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (207) 594-1875 or (800) 869-06
Address: 136 Holmes St.
Description: The J&E Riggin is another old oystering vessel, built in Dorchester, New Jersey, in 1927. It is 90 feet long on deck, was granted Historic Landmark status in 1991, and is captained by Jon Finger and Anne Mahle. They provide three- to six-day jaunts and spice things up with sailing concerts and kids’ cruises.
5. Stephen Taber
City: Rockland, ME
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (207) 236-3520 or (800) 999-73
Address: P.O. Box 1050
Description: Built in 1871, the Stephen Taber is the oldest continuously operating sailing vessel in the United States, and it’s another National Landmark. At 68 feet, it accommodates 22 passengers, and it has become famous for its food, with its own cookbook, The Taste of the Taber, and was recently featured in the PBS show Culinary Travels with Dave Eckert.
6. Summertime
City: Rockland, ME
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (800) 562-8290
Address: 115A South Main St.
Description: The only pinkie schooner in the Maine fleet, the Summertime was locally built in 1986 on designs that replicate the classic New England pink. Popular as mackerel fishing vessels, pinks have been in use in the Gulf of Maine since the 1700s and got their name because of their uplifted, or “pinked,” stern. The 53-foot Summertime does a lot of day sails during the summer and heads for multiday excursions, including 10- and 11-day cruises, as well. The ship accommodates seven people.
7. Victory Chimes
City: Rockland, ME
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (207) 594-0755 or (800) 745-56
Address: P.O. Box 1401
Description: Built in Delaware in 1900 as a work vessel, the Victory Chimes is the largest American passenger sailing vessel at 132 feet. It’s the only original three-masted schooner on the East Coast, is now a National Historic Landmark, and it is the schooner pictured on the Maine quarter. (“Tails Never Fails”). Captains Kip Files and Paul DeGaeta will even let you barter for your trip, especially if you have World War II collectibles or a spare MG lying around.
City: Rockland, ME
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 8 Mill St.