Our Season begins in just a little over a month!

Submitted by Susie Cooke on

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!

Submitted by Susie Cooke on

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!

Submitted by Abbie Smith on

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

Submitted by Susie Cooke on

 

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

Submitted by Susie Cooke on

 

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

Submitted by Susie Cooke on

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!

Sailing into Beautiful Fall Weather

Submitted by Susie Cooke on

 

 

 

 

 

 

As we're wishing a fond farewell to August and entering September, we're saying hello to the beautiful fall weather settling into Camden, Maine. Penobscot Bay embraces autumn with a warm welcome after some amazing summer weather. The leaves aren't turning colors quite yet, but the clean, crisp air is starting as well as the great breezes that come with it. With that said, we recommend to guests to bring their own blankets or appropriate layers, so that they are comfortable and able to enjoy the trip to its fullest.

Private charters are still the name of the game this season and it doesn't look like that's going to change in September. September is the last month of sailing for the Cutter Owl, so if you've been thinking about going out, now is the time to plan it!

This Summer’s Trend: Private Charters

Submitted by Susie Cooke on

This Summer’s Trend: Private Charters

 

One trend that’s clear this summer in Camden, Maine is private charters! Both the Schooner Olad and Cutter Owl have been steadily booking up with private charters this season. Due to Covid-19 regulations we are sailing with fewer people these days, which allows us to get more creative and flexible with our charters.

Our classic 2-hour charters are more popular than ever this year. Guests have also been booking more 4- or 6-hour sailing excursions to explore Penobscot Bay with their families and loved ones. 4-hour charters are perfect for people looking to spend a half-day sailing the bay, but want the rest of the day to explore Mid-Coast Maine on their own. On a 6-hour trip, there’s the opportunity to get off the boat at an island and eat lunch!

The Cutter Owl is happy to take a maximum of 6 people. For groups larger than 6, the Schooner Olad is the perfect choice. Private charters allow a group quarantining together to safely sail Penobscot Bay. Whether it’s their first time or a seasoned local, we are prepared and happy to take your groups out with the comfort of knowing we are following Covid-19 regulations and doing our best to keep them safe.

Schooner Sailing in 2020

Submitted by Susie Cooke on

Dear friends of the Olad and Owl,

We extend our very best wishes to you and your family in these uncertain times.  As

spring unfolds all around us, we hope you are healthy and well.  With the ups and downs

of the pandemic, we have been very, very happy to get back to the boatyard.  And, good

news!  Just a little more paint and then the boats will Splash!  As you can imagine, we’ve

also been hard at work developing new safety guidelines for our re-opening.  With

confidence and care, we look forward to a wonderful sailing season with you.

 

Cutter Owl will open on June 16 for “guided boating” under the Governor’s plan

to restart the economy.  This will allow families and friends who have quarantined

together to charter the boat and get out on the bay.  Schooner Olad will open on

July 1, with reduced passenger capacity to allow more space for everyone.  As always,

Olad will be available for charters.

 

Together, with the other day-sailing boats and the State of Maine, we are creating a

COVID-19 prevention checklist for sailing trips.  As always, your safety is our top priority,

and this year that means even more.  We will post the passenger safety guidelines on

our website as soon as possible.  Thank you in advance for your flexibility, patience, and

cooperation.

 

As we look ahead to sailing with you, we are delighted to offer a $10 off  per passenger ‘Spring Has

Sprung’ Discount for online ticket purchases (code 20Ticket10) and 25% off gift certificate purchases

(code SailOlad25) made through July 1st.  Visit www.maineschooners.com and use the

provided codes at check-out.  As we work to keep our sails full as a small business, we

are forever and always grateful for your ongoing support.

 

Please be in touch to discuss a charter, sign up for trip, or buy a gift certificate.  We look

forward to hearing from you, and we will keep you posted with updates.

In this unusual time, we feel lucky that we can count on Penobscot Bay for its stunning

beauty and refreshing breezes.  Now more than ever, we all deserve a relaxing sail on

the bay.

 

Wishing you all health and happiness. See you soon.

 

Aaron Lincoln, Owner and Captain

Susie Cooke, Business Manager

Give the gift of Sailing!

Submitted by Susie Cooke on

It's that wonderful time of the year!

When looking for the perfect gift for the sailing enthusiast in your life, search no further!  We have the perfect gift for them.  Give the gift of a two hour sail on one of our beautiful wooden vessels this holiday season.  Your loved ones will be so happy you did.

We are available for the purchase of Olad and Owl gift certificates for sailing by calling 207-236-2323, or 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 next day, so you'll have your items well in hand before Christmas.

We hope you enjoy a great holiday season with your family and loved ones!

One More Month of Sailing!

Submitted by Susie Cooke on

Question of the day:  When will your last day of sailing be?

We have just one more month of sailing in our 2019 sailing season!  Cutter Owl will be sailing through the end of September, and Schooner Olad's last day is scheduled for 20th of October.

We are looking forward to sailing some great conditions and fair winds through the rest of our season.  Fall breezes are some of the best out in Penobscot Bay, and the leaves are just starting to make their change to full fall splendor.  Wear your woolies and come out to see the beautiful views.

We would like to thank everyone who came sailing with us the season and in years past.  We are fortunate to have such wonderful guests and to live in such a beautiful place for people to visit from near and far.  Thank you all for making it truly great.

We look forward to sailing with you through the rest of our 2019 season and beyond in beautiful Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay.

Cheers!

 

Windjammer Festival Weekend is upon us!

Submitted by Susie Cooke on

Come take part in the festivities of the Camden Windjammer Festival during Labor Day Weekend!  There will be lobster crate races, a nautical dog show, live music, fireworks, and much more.  Vendors will also be selling locally made goods at the Camden Public Landing all weekend, and there's even a pancake breakfast on Saturday.  Come to enjoy the day in Camden with us, and get in some great sailing amid the beautiful windjammer fleet of Penobscot Bay as they make their way in for all of the festivities.

Don't forget to book a sailing excursion aboard the Schooner Olad or Cutter Owl to enjoy the weekend from the water.  The harbor and Bay will be full of majestic sailing vessels, and it'll be a great weekend out on the water.

Cheers!

Tis' the Season for Half Day Sails & Lobster Bakes

Submitted by Susie Cooke on

Island Lobster Bake Season has arrived!

Along with the private lobster bakes that businesses and families have booked this summer, we're also offering 4 public lobster bakes during the months of July and August.

Join us as we sail to Warren Island throught the archipelago of Islesboro from Camden Harbor.  We'll dock at Warren Island State park, and while you're exploying the island we'll prepare a traditional Maine lobster bake for you.  On the way back to Camden enjoy the beauty of a relaxing sunset sail back to our home port.

We're offering public lobster bakes in July on the 18th and 25th, and in August on the 15th and 22nd.  We depart Camden Harbor at 2:30pm and return at 8:30pm.  BYOB.

To book please visit our booking page, call 207-236-2323, or stop by our desk on the dock or our shop on Main St. in Camden.

We hope you'll be able to join us!

Schooner Racing in July aboard the Olad!

Submitted by Susie Cooke on

Who want to join us for some schooner racing?!

Coming up in July, we'll have some fantastic opportunities for some great sailing and racing in Penobscot Bay, and you're invited to join in on the fun!

The Great Schooner Race is in it's 43rd year, and we're lucky to be participating along with many other historic schooners on July 5th, departing the Camden Harbor at 9am.  Make sure you have plenty of room in your camera for all the photos you'll be taking.  This full day sail will have lunch provided, and a return coach ride from Rockland back to Camden at the end of the day.  BYOB $140

Join us for the 1st Annual Daysailer Fleet Regatta organized by the Camden Classics Cup racing committee.  This will be a great day to join in some racing fun and to view all of the beautiful sailing yachts participating in the race series over the weekend.  On July 26th we will head out from Camden Harbor at 12pm to join the rest of the Camden daysailer fleet at the starting line for this half day sailing excursion.  We are excited for the chance to race some of our fellow daysailers, and have some good natured competition to see who will win out the day.  No sailing experience necessary, but a sense of adventure is always recommended.  BYOB $90

We hope you're able to join us for a great day of racing!

Our Sailing Season is about to begin!

Submitted by Susie Cooke on

Join us as we start our 2019 sailing season Mother's Day weekend!

The Schooner Olad will be starting her sailing season on May 11th!  To celebrate the start of our season, Mother's Day, Camden is Blooming weekend, and all things spring we are offering discounted sailing tickets on all of our public sails the weekend of May 11th and 12th aboard the Schooner Olad.  Come sail with us on any of the 6 two hour sails offered over the weekend and save over half off the regular ticket price!

Come welcome in spring and the sailing season with us!  More information on all of the Camden is Blooming weekend events below.

Cheers!

 

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