Returning from Acadia National Park one summer with the family, we wisely timed our return drive to coincide with the annual Camden Windjammer Festival the last weekend in August. More than 20 tall ships arrive in the picturesque harbor to take part in the festivities. We enjoyed an all-you-can-eat lobster feast on the deck of a schooner and then watched a talent show as crews sing sea shanties. A firework show tops off the night.

 

This summer, there will be six gatherings of the schooner fleet. It’s a festive time to be aboard one of the schooners:

 

June 9 Schooner Gam 

To kick off the summer season, the entire windjammer fleet ties up together in Penobscot Bay to enjoy live music and take walking tours of each vessel. 

 

June 25 Windjammer Days

The grand sail parade enters picturesque Boothbay Harbor, where you’ll enjoy

concerts, crafts, and fireworks. 

 

July 4 Great Schooner Race

North America’s largest annual gathering of tall ships race from Islesboro to Rockland. After the award ceremony, enjoy live music. 

 

July 11 Maine Windjammer Parade

This time the grand parade of sails heads past the mile-long Rockland Breakwater, providing spectators with stunning, close-up views.

 

Aug 39-31 Camden Windjammer Festival

Festivities include a parade of sail, maritime heritage fair, fireworks, chowder challenge, schooner crew talent show, family scavenger hunt, outdoor movies and more.

 

September 9 Wooden Boat Sail-in

The last gathering of the fleet takes place in Brooklin, Maine, the headquarters

of WoodenBoat Magazine and WoodenBoat School. Expect live music and boat school tours. 

 

I want to thank the Maine Windjammer Association for allowing me to rekindle fond memories of past sails this week. I’m excited to return this summer!