Welcome to Maine Windjammer Cruises
The Original Windjammer Fleet
EXPLORE OUR OVERNIGHT CRUISE SCHEDULES & PLAN YOUR TRIP TODAY!
QUESTIONS? (800) 736-7981
The intimate 6-passenger Swift offers the joys of sailing and socializing in a smaller modern setting.
2025 Swift Schedule
Our online reservation system is ready for your reservations, but we can also take reservations by phone. We love speaking with our passengers!
This year we have revised our schedule based on passenger feedback from our past two seasons. We now offer three, four night and weekend trips in addition to full-boat charters. Our season begins June 1 and runs through early October.
Charters are popular, so please contact us early if you are interested in a custom trip designed just for you! They are arranged on an individual basis for any length of time.
Reservations are processed in the order they are received. Please be patient as we take care of all of our eager passengers. Bookings made over the weekend sometimes cause a little delay, but rest assured that you will receive confirmation via email and regular mail once your reservation is fully processed.
2025 Sailing Schedule
Cruise Options
Weekly Trips Throughout the Season – We Have a Cruise That’s Right For You!
Our Windjammer vacations are all-inclusive.
A $300 per person deposit is due when you make your reservation; the trip balance is due in full 6 weeks prior to your trip. We understand that personal circumstances sometimes change, and you may find it necessary to cancel your trip. Seven Corners Insurance specializes in sailing vacation coverage.
Cancellations must be made in writing prior to 8 weeks ahead of your trip. A 10% per person handling fee of the total fare price will be retained and credited toward a future trip on a space available basis.
Cancellations made less than 8 weeks ahead of your trip can not be refunded unless we are able to rebook your cabin(s). We do have a wait list, or you are welcome to find someone to take your place. In the event we are able to re-book your berth, we will refund all but a 10% per person fare price handling fee.
Charter deposits are non-refundable.
PRE-SEASON
THREE, FOUR NIGHT or WEEKEND CRUISE.
Off-season rates, coupled with long days and uncrowded anchorages mean you will see more for less.
In June, crew and passengers are anxious to get started on a new season, and the windjammers are often the only vessels on the bay. The sailing is great and enthusiasm is high.
THREE and FOUR Night Cruises
These cruises are an excellent introduction to the world of windjamming. This can be a grand change of pace or the highlight of a longer Maine vacation. A Lobster Feast is included on all three and four night cruises.
FIRST HALF (3 and 4 NIGHT TRIPS)
Board Sunday evening at 5:30 PM and meet your new shipmates. You will be on your own for dinner in town, but will sleep aboard your vessel.
After a hearty breakfast Monday, we get underway for our short adventure exploring the islands of Maine. You will return to Camden Harbor between 10 a.m. and Noon Wednesday or Thursday. Often, people who take the first half cruise have such a good time, they ask to stay on for the second half. IF SPACE ALLOWS, you can extend your trip or come back for a weekend trip, both available at a discounted price.
SECOND HALF (3-Night Cruise)
The usual boarding time is 5:30 PM on Wednesday, but we may ask you to be in the area earlier and check in with us by phone. In either case, you will return by 10 am on Saturday.
WEEKEND CRUISE
These trips are perfect for people with limited time to spend on the water, but who want a taste of Penobscot Bay’s scenic beauty. They are also ideal for small family or group celebrations. Board Friday afternoon and return Sunday at 10:00 AM.
SUMMER SAILING
The same options as above, but in high season with slightly warmer temperatures for swimmers!
FALL FOLIAGE CRUISES
This is a very special time of the year. Our reduced fares make these trips the perfect time to vacation in Maine.
The beauty of the fall colors adds a new dimension to already breathtaking scenery. Crisp, clear days with brisk winds offer the best sailing of the season. Trips board Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays as above.
Windjammer Events
Great Schooner Race July 4, 2025
Hailed as “the largest annual gathering of traditional schooners in America,” this will be the 47th year of racing excitement and viewing.Annual Photo Cruise, TBA
Vermont photographer Robert Jenks offers tutorials, tips and techniques to improve your camera skills. Phones and traditional cameras are welcome. Bob’s trips are usually sold out, and participants always enjoy sharing their work.Annual Music Cruise, August Date TBD
Denny Breau often sails with us to offer concerts, composition and performance tips, and of course, lead our jams.Bring your own small instruments and join in!
WINDJAMMER FESTIVAL, August 29 – September 1, 2025
Always on Labor Day weekend. Celebrate Camden’s rich maritime heritage as our schooners take part in the weekend festivities!
WOODEN BOAT SAIL IN: Mid-September. Windjammers converge on Brooklin, Maine home of Wooden Boat School & Magazine. Refreshments, live entertainment and tours of the grounds & school. Be sure to bring your cameras and be ready for a great time!
FOR THE STAR GAZERS
Skies out on the water are always beautiful. With little light pollution the stars pop and the full moon becomes a beacon sparkling across the water. The annual Perseid Meteor Showers provide a spectacular light show producing up to 30 shooting stars an hour. At its peak it can produce up to 100.
FULL MOON DATES: JUNE 11, JULY 10, AUGUST 9 and & SEPTEMBER 7
BEST STAR GAZING: NEW MOON DATES: JUNE 25, JULY 24, AUGUST 23 & SEPTEMBER 21
PERSEID METEOR SHOWER: AUGUST 11-12 peak
Charter
Special Occasion and Private Sailing Excursions
Let Us Help You Plan Your Event!
WE’LL PUT THE WONDERS OF THE MAINE COAST AT YOUR FINGER TIPS! Our windjammer is available for weddings, reunions, family celebrations and other activities.
“The lobster bake alone was worth the price of admission – but there was more – a friendly, competant crew, a marvelous sailing vessel, plenty of goodies to eat and holding it all together, the bay itself, a great place to sail.” –
WEDDINGS
Is your dream a windjammer wedding? Even if you reside out of state, it’s now simple to get a marriage license in Maine, and our captains can legally perform a wedding ceremony. Would you like to enjoy your wedding reception on Penobscot Bay or offer a trip on our schooner to out-of-town wedding guests?
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
Nonprofit groups have used our boats for fundraising trips, and professional photographers regularly sail with us to take advantage of the special photo ops our cruises provide.
Sea Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Military Units, Summer Campers, foreign exchange students, and specialized travel groups have also enjoyed trips with us.
We work with college alumni and other nonprofit groups to create fundraisers and unique travel opportunities.
Day Charters are sometimes possible on our turn-around days of Wednesday and Saturday. Most day trips are from noon to 4 p.m. We can carry up to 12 guests on the Swift. Please call for availability and prices. 800-736-7981
MORE REASONS TO CHOOSE MWC
Brides and grooms and those renewing their vows aren’t the only ones who look to a New England sailing vacation for a special event. Loved ones will never forget a birthday, anniversary, family reunion, graduation, or surprise party celebrated on a Maine windjammer.
We can also provide a trip appropriate for a funeral service or memorial gathering. We look forward to helping you or your organization plan your special event.
OUR MAINE FARE
Food for your charter can be provided from our standard menu that includes lobster, fish chowder, and other traditional Maine fare, but we are willing to work with you for some adjustments or special requests.
Testimonials
Click to view testimonials given to Maine Windjammer Cruises™ by passengers of some of our chartered cruises.
Contact us for suggestions to make your trip or charter a memorable experience!
RATES
Overnight charters are only available for full-boat capacity (6 passengers). Rates vary with the cruise length and month.
Day charters are generally 4-6 hours long.
Please plan early to reserve your special date, even if our season is already underway.
TERMS
We require one-third of your payment at the time of your confirmed reservation, and the balance 60 days prior to sail date. Rates are all-inclusive.
Charters are nonrefundable, so we recommend trip insurance through a sailing insurance specialist such as Seven Corners.
Weddings
A MAINE WINDJAMMER WEDDING CRUISE
Is your dream a windjammer wedding?
ELABORATE OR SIMPLE – Whether a cruise with friends and family, a reception sail, a quiet sunrise/sunset ceremony as part of your cruise or trips for out of town guests, we are ready to assist in fulfilling your wedding dreams.
“Couldn’t have found a better wedding venue!!! ……Jan Marie
Contact Maine Windjammer Cruises by phone or email to let us help you plan your special day.