Summer is in Full Swing Sailing

Submitted by Susie Cooke on

Happy summer in Maine everyone!

This summer has been such a whirlwind so far for us here in Camden, Maine.  So many wonderful folks visiting our beautiful region on this rugged coast we call home.  Both the Schooner Olad and Cutter Owl have been very busy with guests from all over the country, and have been rewarded with some wonderful sailing on Penobscot Bay. There’s still lots of time to get out sailing this summer, and September is always an exemplary time to visit Maine and sail with our stronger fall breezes.

 We recommend thinking ahead this year and planning accordingly when visiting our area for a sail.  We are generally prebooking out a few days, though we usually have a couple spots available on sails throughout the day if you call ahead the day before.  We would like to get as many of you out sailing with us as possible, and hate turning people away. Sailing in Penobscot Bay is a treat and a must do when visiting our area.  Visit our website to book in advance or give us a call. We’d be happy to speak with you directly to make it a special trip for you and yours.

Make your sail something to look forward to by planning a picnic onboard or a family event to celebrate an occasion.  Come aboard the Olad for one our sunset sails and bring a blanket for a snuggle with your favorite person…snacks and a bottle of wine and you’ve found our happy place.  If you’re staying in our area at one of the many wonderful  lodging establishments, it’s possible that they may be able to set up a sail for you and can certainly recommend places to get libations for your excursion with us as well.  A sail with us is fun no matter what you bring onboard(but a jacket is always a good idea…it can get chilly out on the water).

Upcoming events include:
 

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. 

As always, 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 our website.

Sailing through the summer!
We hope you’re able to join us!

 

Beautiful Summer Days for Sailing

Submitted by Susie Cooke on

Summer days are here, and the sailing is great out on Penobscot Bay! 

 

The warmer weather and long days are perfect for evening sunset sails out on Penobscot Bay.  Bring along a bottle of wine, some snacks, a cozy blanket and someone to share the evening with and enjoy the relaxing view as the sun sets behind the Camden Hills and downtown.  Early evening is also a great time to see porpoise out on the water, and the wind is usually more tranquil for a more relaxed sail.  We'll be continuing our sunset sails through the end of August on the Schooner Olad, so book yourself a romantic evening with us while the long days last.

​We're looking forward to enjoying the Camden Classics Cup put on by Lyman Morse at the end of this month.  Come out with us on a 2 hour sail and view some beautiful classic sailing yachts, and enjoy the cool breezes out on the bay.  Our crew will be sure to make it a great sail for you whether on the Schooner Olad or Cutter Owl.  The weekend's festivities will include sailing races, a boat parade, and a possible day sailer schooner race…stay tuned!

This summer is shaping up to be a an especially good one on the coast of Maine, and many people are flocking to our part of New England to enjoy all of the activities that it has to offer.  We encourage people to book in advance for one of our 2 hour public sails that we offer daily.  Many families are booking the boats out to enjoy a private sail to celebrate weddings, go on island lobster bakes and other special occasions.  If this sounds like just the thing for your family, please call us to discuss the details of your specialized sail with us.

We'll be seeing you out on the water!

Update: June 23, 2021

Submitted by Abbie Smith on

Happy summer!

 

Things are going well here in Maine. As of last week, I’m happy to report that the Coast Guard is no longer requiring masks while outside on the deck of the boat. We also have been cleared to run at full occupancy. That is twenty two on the Olad and six on the Owl. We will still have masks and hand sanitizer available at all times for those who want them. You will still need a mask if you want to go down below to use the restroom. For that reason, we are still asking people to use the restroom before boarding. 

 

Things are also very busy. The pent-up demand after last year is huge. I only say this because we have been full many of the days in June, and have had to turn people away. So, please book in advance if possible. We want to take as many of you sailing as we possibly can.

 

Also, give yourself enough time to get to the boat. There are a few parking projects going on in Camden which has limited the parking in general. The check in time is 30 minutes before departure.  We will board 15 minutes before departure, and leave the dock at the printed scheduled time. We will not be able to give refunds to people who miss their trips,  but we will always try to reschedule you. Due to sailing's high demand this summer, we may not have as much scheduling flexibility as we have had in the past.

 

As a final note about sailing, we are still not giving out blankets or selling beverages aboard our vessels. We recommend that you bring a blanket or a jacket with you, as it will be cooler on the bay. Also, feel free to bring any food or beverage you would like.

 

Last but not least…Great news!! Today is the first time our retail store has been open in over a year.

 

It has been so great to be back out on the water and have some feeling of normalcy. I’m excited to see everybody and take people sailing, as are the crew and the employees of the Schooner Olad and Cutter Owl. We will see you soon!!

 

Sincerely,

 

Captain Aaron Lincoln, Schooner Olad, Cutter Owl, and Crew

Masks no longer required as of now!

Submitted by Susie Cooke on

Schooner Olad and Cutter Owl
mask requirement update for you all!

We are very excited to announce that we will no longer be required to have our guests or our fully vaccinated staff wear masks when on our sailing vessels per the USCG. We are very much looking forward to seeing everyone’s smiling faces, and be able to talk with everyone without a muffled mess of sound above the breeze. Our sailing capacity aboard the Schooner Olad has also increased to 18 passengers, and we plan to be at full capacity as of July 1st.  
Back to normal never felt so exciting, right?!

This sailing season is gearing up to be absolutely spectacular. Our wonderful crew is ready to show our guests the beauty of the bay on a most excellent sail aboard one of our classic sailing yachts. Experience the tradition of sailing wooden boats that has been a part of our Maine Heritage for over a century.  

Happy sailing, everyone!

Our Sailing Season is in Full Swing!

Submitted by Susie Cooke on

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!

Submitted by Susie Cooke on

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!

Submitted by Susie Cooke on

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

Submitted by Susie Cooke on

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!

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 

 

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