Our Sailing Season is in Full Swing!

Schooner Olad and Cutter Owl’s sailing season is in full swing!

Summer has decided to come a little early to Camden, Maine and the Midcoast, and the temperatures are rising throughout the state. This past weekend was just gorgeous, and many people beat the heat with us while sailing the beautiful waters of Penobscot Bay.  There’s no better way to cool off and relax than with a breeze in your face and our crew regaling you about the sights you see while sailing on a vintage sailing yacht.  Add a glass of rose in your hand and someone to share it with, and you’ve just stepped into our happy place.

We’re looking forward to quite a few special events coming up this summer. We’ll be kicking it all off with a Solstice Sunrise Sail aboard Schooner Olad, June 20, 2021.  We’ll sail out of Camden Harbor before the crack of dawn to watch the sun come up over the islands of Penobscot Bay on the longest day of the year.  We’ll keep you awake to watch the natural beauty with coffee, tea, and pastries...you deserve a treat for getting up so early, and it is so worth it!

For other special events coming up this summer, please visit our special events page for days and details. From all day schooner races to full day lighthouse tours, we’ve got a sailing trip for everyone. And if a public sail doesn’t float your boat, we’re very happy to offer personalized private charters as well.  
Where would you like to sail in Penobscot Bay?

Happy sailing, everyone!

Schooner Olad and Cutter Owl Sail from Camden Harbor again!

Schooner Olad and Cutter Owl Sail from beautiful Camden Harbor!

The Cutter Owl floats again! With the assistance of Rockport Marine and many others, the Owl is once again ready to sail Penobscot Bay.  We love sailing aboard Owl for all its intimate charms and lively feel. Families and friends love Owl as well, and find it to be the perfect sailing vessel for a private getaway upon Penobscot Bay.

Cutter Owl begins sailing this Memorial Weekend, and we’re looking forward to taking both new and familiar guests sailing to share the experience.  If you’re around before the weekend and would like to go explore the bay, come join us aboard Schooner Olad, running daily from the Public Landing in Camden, Maine. Our season will soon be in full swing as summer arrives, and this is a great time to find plenty of room on our sailing vessels and fresh breezes out on the bay.

Let’s go sailing!

Schooner Olad is sailing in less than a week!

Schooner Olad sailing in less than a week!

We are excited to announce that Schooner Olad will begin it’s sailing season with our soft opening weekend this Saturday May 15th and Sunday the 16th. 2 hours sails will be offered this coming weekend.  The crew has been hard at work getting the boats ready, and they can’t wait to sail with you!  To book, please visit our website or give us a call.

Olad will officially begin daily trips on May 20, 2021 with sails daily out of Camden Harbor. 

Cutter Owl will begin sailing with guests Memorial Day Weekend, May 
29th -31st with 2 and 3 hour sails available.

Look for Owl to begin it’s regular season with sails daily, June 3rd from the Camden Public Landing as well.

We’re looking forward to sailing with our wonderful guests off the Maine coast this season.  We hope you’re able to join us!

 

Special Events and Sailing in 2021

We are excited to announce some of our upcoming special events for our 2021 sailing season!  

Schooner Olad is scheduled to begin sailing out of Camden Harbor on May 15th with special events happening throughout our sailing season. Cutter Owl will also be competing in some races this summer, and will offer intimate and personal private charters throughout the season, as will Olad.  
There will be many opportunities for some great sailing in 2021!

Schooner Olad Special Events 2021

Solstice Sunrise Sail on the Schooner Olad 

Sunday, June 20, 2021 - 4:15am to 6:15am

Start the summer off right. Watch the sun rise over the islands of Penobscot Bay on the longest day of the year.

 

Full Moon Sail on the Schooner Olad 

Thursday, June 24, 2021 - 7:15pm to 9:15pm

Watch the sun go down behind the mountains of Camden Hills State
Park; then turn seaward and watch the moonrise over the islands of
Penobscot Bay.

 

Full Moon Sail on the Schooner Olad 

Monday, July 24, 2021 - 7:15pm to 9:15pm

Watch the sun go down behind the mountains of Camden Hills State
Park; then turn seaward and watch the moonrise over the islands of
Penobscot Bay. 

 

Great Schooner Race on the Schooner Olad 

Friday, July 9, 2021 - 9:00am to 6:00pm

The Schooner Olad will join more than two dozen tall ships gather for an exciting all-day race in which guests may participate. This year marks the 44th anniversary of the Great Schooner Race, North America's largest annual gathering of tall ships! The Schooner Olad won this race in 2016 with the assistance of our wonderful passengers.  Come help us do it again!  Raft-Up! 

**Only 3 spots remaining!

 

Camden Classics Cup Fireworks Sail aboard Schooner Olad 

Saturday, July 31, 2021 - 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Watch the sun go down behind the mountains of Camden Hills State Park; then turn seaward and watch from the decks of the Schooner Olad as we celebrate our Camden Classics Cup Weekend with fantastic fireworks over Maine’s most beautiful harbor. 

Camden Classics Cup Fireworks Cruise aboard Cutter Owl 

Saturday, July 31, 2021 - 8:15pm to 9:30pm

Watch the sun go down behind the mountains of Camden Hills State Park; then turn seaward and watch from the decks of the Cutter Owl as we celebrate our Camden Classics Cup Weekend with fantastic fireworks over Maine’s most beautiful harbor. 

 

Full Moon Sail on the Schooner Olad 

Sunday, August 22, 2021 - 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Watch the sun go down behind the mountains of Camden Hills State
Park; then turn seaward and watch the moonrise over the islands of
Penobscot Bay. 

 

Camden Windjammer Festival Sail-in 

Camden Windjammer Festival Fireworks Sail 
 

**The Windjammer Festival has, unfortunately been canceled this year. Look forward to having a very grand affair in 2022.

Full Day Sail and Lighthouse Tour in Penobscot Bay

Saturday, September 18, 2021 - 10:00am to 5:00pm

Celebrate Maine Lighthouse week by taking a Full day sail with us to the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse! Look for the Windjammer Fleet and Lobster boats at work. Enjoy the viewing of 2 other lighthouses on the sail south to Rockland as the captain regales you with information about the local area.  If the tides are right we will tie up to the lighthouse dock and have a walk around the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse.  After our time at the lighthouse we will set our sails for Camden. On the way back, feel free to take some time at the helm or just enjoy the nature and wildlife as the boat sails on. 

All of our sails are B.Y.O.B. , and food and snacks are welcome.
For more information on private sails and special events, please call or visit the special events page.

Sailing soon!

We hope you’re able to join us!

 

Captain Aaron Lincoln and the crew

 

Our Season begins in just a little over a month!

We have confirmed dates for our 2021 sailing season!

We are very excited to announce that Schooner Olad will begin it’s sailing season with our soft opening weekend on Saturday May 15th and Sunday the 16th. 2 hours sails will be offered that weekend, and we can’t wait to get out on Penobscot Bay!  To book, please visit our website or give us a call.
Olad will officially begin daily trips on May 20, 2021 with sails daily out of Camden Harbor. 
Cutter Owl will begin sailing with guests Memorial Day Weekend, May 
29th -31st with 2 and 3 hour sails available.
Look for Owl to begin it’s regular season with sails daily, June 3rd from the Camden Public Landing as well.

We’re looking forward to sailing with our wonderful guests off the Maine coast this season.
We hope you’re able to join us!

We’re looking forward to sailing with you this year!

Sailing and Covid 2021

Happy Spring!

Thanks for staying the course with us through the global pandemic. How crazy to think that, one year ago, COVID was a new reality. We had a great season last summer, and we appreciated everyone’s cooperation so we could sail safely. Thank you! We know that the pandemic has affected us all in different ways, and we offer our understanding for any difficulties the last year may have brought into your life. 

We also offer our excitement for the 2021 sailing season! We all deserve to get out on Penobscot Bay toenjoy the wind, waves, and wildlife. As we look ahead to the season, we are committed to safety precautions to ensure that everyone feels as comfortable and relaxed as possible. We are not out of the woods yet with COVID but things are looking up! With vaccines rolling out and fresh air always on our side, we look forward to a great sailing season with you. 

So, what will the start 2021 look like?

On the Schooner Olad and the Cutter Owl:

• Our captains, crew, and employees will wear masks at all times.

• All passengers will wear masks. As of now, Federal law requires that all passengers wear masks, with the exception of when eating or drinking. We expect that this law may end in May. Stay tuned!

• We will ask all passengers to put on hand sanitizer before boarding the boats.

• We will ask all passengers to use the restroom onshore before the boats depart. (The bathroomonboard will be available for emergencies and longer charters.)

• We will practice social distancing onboard.

• We will sanitize the boats between trips. 

Additionally on the Olad:

We will be limiting passengers to 14 maximum on the Olad for public trips. (For private charters, we canbring 14-22 passengers.)

Additionally on the Owl:

The Owl has a maximum capacity of 6 passengers. We will limit passengers, as needed, if passengers do not know each other.

Charter the boats

2020 was a record year for private charters, and we already have a lot of bookings for 2021. Simply put, charters allow you to choose who you go sailing with, and this helps ensure an enjoyable trip for all. The Owl can take 6 people maximum, and the Olad can take between 14-22 people, depending how your group meets the criteria.

 

Book today!

We recommend that you book early, well in advance of when you would like to sail. Last year, we were often full to capacity a week in advance. We expect to fill up quickly this year. Whether you are booking individual seats on the Olad or Owl, or wishing to charter one of the boats, please reach out to us as soon as possible. Visit the website at www.maineschooners.com or call us today at 207-236-2323 or email [email protected]

We will keep you posted….

We anticipate that with the vaccines out, that restrictions will be removed as the season moves on. We will be keeping up on the latest information, and keep you informed.

We’re excited that things look so promising on the horizon. We’re excited to go sailing with you. We are committed to your safety, and we’re committed to having fun and giving you the best sailing experience possible on Penobscot Bay. 

Thanks again for staying the course with us. We look forward to hearing from you. Remember, book early this year. Call us anytime.

 

See you soon!

Captain Aaron Lincoln 

 

Custom Charters Are In!

Custom Charters Are In!

Custom private charters are the trend of the new year! This week we’ve booked a two-day private charter on the Cutter Owl with an overnight in Stonington and a full-day trip on the Cutter Owl out to North Haven. The Cutter Owl is perfect for small groups of six or less people. If you have more than that, then the Schooner Olad will fit that need! Some of our favorite trips are the custom ones: taking guests on an overnight to one of the beautiful inns or exploring the islands in Penobscot Bay.

Have an idea of what you want to do, but don’t know which island to go to or which hotel to book for an overnight? Let us help you! Whether it’s planning a hotel and restaurant on the mainland after a full-day charter or an excursion out to an island, we can help. We also know local caterers in the area, so your food and beverages can be delivered right to the dock before your trip. Our experience has allowed us to know what will work best for your group and it’d be our pleasure to advice you. A custom private charter like this will be sure to create memories for years to come.

The Gift of Giving

 

The holidays are coming and we're thinking of our 2021 season! Gift certificates are a great way to share experiences with loved ones. Whether they're a sailing enthusiast or a first timer, a two-hour sail on one of our beautiful wooden vessels is the perfect way to see the Maine Coast from the water.

 

We are available for the purchase of Schooner Olad and Cutter Owl gift certificates at 207-236-2323 or on our online store at www.maineschooners.com. Our gift certificates never expire and are good for up to 2 hours of sailing throughout our season. We also have a great selection of t-shirts, hats, sail maker bags, and other sailing-oriented gifts available on our online store for purchase. Orders typically ship the next day, so you'll have your items well in hand before you know it!

 

Thankful For My Employees

 

This year has been full of ups and downs, but I have been so lucky to be surrounded by such a great crew of people. These kind words in a review from passenger Bob Paolino keep us reminded of why we do what we do - the people.

 

It is always nice when you own a company to get a really great review of your employees which also directly reflects how you feel about them. This particular review could’ve been given about any one of my employees and is so accurate about how I feel about all of my employees this year I just wanted to post it. Thanks again for all the support this season.

.....

“Before we even get to the cruise, itself, we want to say hi to GRACE. She was operating (almost said "manning") the company's table dockside when we showed up for our cruise. From her first "Hi, can I help?", she was welcoming, cheerful and helpful. We chatted like we were old friends and she regaled us with stories and information. She is a terrific person to have front of house, although we are sure that she is employed in many other aspects of the operation. Thanks!

 

Captain Devon! A most able seaman, yes I am mixing ranks, but here it's a description, not a rank! Capable, knowledgeable, social and clever. His handling of the Owl seemed effortless. There was not a moment during our 3 hour cruise when the conversation seemed forced or stilted. He even made a joke of the fact that we didn't see any wildlife. And he unintentionally upsold us on the lobster bake cruise for next year, all while piloting the cutter. The company needs to hold on to this man.

 

The 3 hour sail was amazing and we made many great and lasting memories. Thank you to all involved.”

.....

I am so grateful for our wonderful crew and how well they serve our passengers. Thank you to all the guests who take the time to write a review, it does not go unnoticed.

 

 

Aaron Lincoln

Fall Sailing in Camden, Maine

Last Month of Sailing!

As we get closer to October and into foliage season, we are now looking at our last month of beautiful sailing on Penobscot Bay. The colors are really starting to turn here in Camden, Maine.  We are delighted to have a front row view to see the beautiful display of color from the water aboard Schooner Olad and Cutter Owl.  The breeze has been spectacular this September, and it looks like it will continue into the rest of our season! 

 

The Cutter Owl’s last day will be Wednesday, September 30th, and the Schooner Olad will finish mid-October. We are keeping to our regularly scheduled public day sails seven days a week. Both boats are still welcoming private charters and also have the flexibility to do longer trips. So, if you and your group have been looking to get out on the water, now would be a great time to check your calendars for a day to sail out in the bay with us.

Happy Fall from the Schooner Olad and Cutter Owl crew!

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