Filling Fast!
Jul 6 - Jul 10, 20251,399
1,299
Maine
Sail the Maine Coast With Your Grandchild
Program No. 22353RJ
Sail with your grandchild aboard a 95-foot windjammer, and drop anchor each day to explore islands, beaches and lighthouses with expert naturalists! Plus, sleep in bunks below deck!
Enroll with Confidence
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more
Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
Age 12 - 15
ROOMING OPTION PRICING
The figures below indicate the rooming options available.
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Jul 6 - Jul 10, 2025
| - | 1,399 / Adult
1,299 / Child
| 1,499 / Adult
1,299 / Child
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Jul 11 - Jul 15, 2025
1,399 1,299 | ||||
Jul 11 - Jul 15, 2025
| - | 1,399 / Adult
1,299 / Child
| 1,499 / Adult
1,299 / Child
| |
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
5 days
4 nights
11 meals
4B 3L 4D
1
Board Angelique, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Camden, Maine
2
Sailing, Island Exploration, Lobster Bake, Stargazing
Sailing the waters of Penobscot Bay. Anchor in beautiful harbors or off islands of Penobscot Bay.
3
Sailing, Explore a Coastal Village, Evening Activities
Sailing the waters of Penobscot Bay. Anchor in beautiful harbors or off islands of Penobscot Bay.
4
Sailing to Penobscot Bay, Homemade Ice Cream
Sailing the waters of Penobscot Bay. Anchor in beautiful harbors or off islands of Penobscot Bay.
5
Homeward Bound, Program Concludes
Camden, Maine
At a Glance
Climb aboard a 95-foot windjammer called “Angelique” with your first mate — your grandchild — and set sail along the beautiful coast of Maine! You’ll live, sleep and learn on board with your full crew of Road Scholar grandparents and kids. Did you know that there are hundreds of islands off the coast of Maine? Make figure eights around them as you sail Penobscot Bay, keeping watch for seals, porpoise and birds. Drop anchor every evening in picturesque harbors to explore the islands’ historic villages, a beaches, tide pools and lighthouses with expert naturalists!
Activity Level
Outdoor: No Sweat
Hiking up to one mile over varied terrain if you choose on shore excursions. Must be able to navigate companionways on board ship, climb in/out of bunks, as well as seine boats for shore excursions.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Learn the basics of sailing, from hauling lines to handling sails and steering the boat, aboard the windjammer “Angelique.”
- Row ashore to explore a deserted island and learn about lobsters’ importance to Maine; and later, enjoy a traditional lobster bake!
- Sleep on the ship each night as you drop anchor in scenic harbors along Maine’s majestic coast, and learn how the stars help sailors navigate the sea.
General Notes
Program is for grandchildren ages 12-15. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available. Windjammer Angelique, the provider for this program, requires a signed passenger contract from all program participants. Grandparents are responsible for getting their grandchild’s passenger contract signed by the child’s parents/legal guardians. This contract will be included in the program preparatory materials the grandparents will receive after enrolling in the program and must be signed, or e-signed, and returned prior to the program’s commencement.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Dennis E. Gallant
Dennis Gallant grew up in the mountains of Maine but fell in love with the ocean when he moved to the coast for college. In 1993, he began work on the Maine windjammers, first on smaller daysailers, then signing on as mate aboard Angelique. He held the position for 10 summers and worked as a boat builder during the winter months. After leaving Angelique, Dennis captained both schooners and yachts on the coast of Maine and beyond, racking up offshore miles on three transatlantic trips.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Dennis E. Gallant
View biography
Dennis Gallant grew up in the mountains of Maine but fell in love with the ocean when he moved to the coast for college. In 1993, he began work on the Maine windjammers, first on smaller daysailers, then signing on as mate aboard Angelique. He held the position for 10 summers and worked as a boat builder during the winter months. After leaving Angelique, Dennis captained both schooners and yachts on the coast of Maine and beyond, racking up offshore miles on three transatlantic trips.
Kaylie Borden O'Brien
View biography
Kaylie Borden O'Brien is a high school alternative education teacher in Midcoast Maine. She focuses on helping her students develop their leadership, craftsmanship, and teamwork skills through connections with their communities' maritime heritage. Before moving into the classroom, she worked as shipboard education director with a number of tall ship nonprofits on both coasts, taught mariner credentialing courses, and served as mate on the Angelique for two seasons. She received her M.S.Ed. from Saint Joseph's College.
Katie Conroy
View biography
Katie Conroy is the education and engagement specialist at the Maine Maritime Museum. She holds a bachelor's degree from Clark University in environmental science and a master's degree from Stonybrook University in marine conservation and policy. She previously worked in marine research, policy, and education for organizations including the Alaska Sealife Center, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), and the Port Townsend Marine Science Center. She currently lives in Bath, Maine with her dog, and loves surfing, hiking, biking, skiing, and painting with watercolors.
Suggested Reading List
(2 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Sail the Maine Coast With Your Grandchild
Program Number: 22353
The Secret Life of Lobsters
"A fascinating Story, blending science, politics and history...the writing is vivid."-USA Today The Secret Life of Lobsters is so full of fun and fascination that youll be almost embarrassed to think that for all these years all you ever knew about lobsters was how they taste. ... This book will make you seem a genius at your next summer lawn party.
Carl Safina
A Coastal Companion: A Year in the Gulf of Maine, from Cape Cod to Canada
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
5 days
4 nights
What's Included
11 meals (
4B, 3L, 4D
)
2 expert-led lectures
4 expert-led field trips
16 hands-on experiences
An experienced Group Leader
4 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Board Angelique, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Camden, Maine
Meals:
D
Stay:
Windjammer Angelique
Activity Note
Embarkation between 3:00-5:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
You are welcome aboard Angelique anytime between 3:00-5:00 p.m. Please do not try to board or bring luggage aboard before 3:00 p.m. The crew members will give all drivers instructions on where to park cars upon boarding. Settle into your cabin and make your bed with the linens provided. Orientation: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to applicable requirements and guidelines throughout the program. This is a Road Scholar Grandparent program. Grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. Children are never to be left unsupervised. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
Aboard Angelique. As part of our shipboard community, guests are encouraged to lend a hand in meal prep and cleanup.
Evening:
An instructor will give a brief introduction to the area and show a chart of our cruising grounds for the next few days. Play a game to get to know your shipmates, then an instructor will take the kids on a walk about Camden, ending with a visit to the ice cream shop! Grandparents can mingle onboard or walk around and explore Camden too.
Day
2
Sailing, Island Exploration, Lobster Bake, Stargazing
Location:
Sailing the waters of Penobscot Bay. Anchor in beautiful harbors or off islands of Penobscot Bay.
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Windjammer Angelique
Activity Note
Rowing from windjammer to island shore. Elective: Walking on island, exploring the beach/tide pools; beach and rock with some wooded trail. On any given day during this cruise, the itinerary is subject to change depending on the winds, tides, the fog, other weather and exciting opportunities that present themselves.
Breakfast:
Aboard Angelique.
Morning:
After breakfast, we’ll get underway, setting sail for an island exploration. Along the way, we’ll have the opportunity to help with sail hauling and handling as we learn the fundamentals of sailing, including becoming familiar with the ship, hauling on lines, and looking for seals, porpoises, and birds. We will learn how to use binoculars and birdwatch at sea. Grandparents and grandkids can play photo bingo.
Lunch:
Aboard Angelique.
Afternoon:
We’ll drop anchor and row ashore to explore a deserted island. Rowing instruction will be provided by the crew. On the island, the instructors will lead us in exploring the intertidal zone, where you'll see periwinkles, barnacles, seaweed, shells, and mussels. We’ll also learn about the lobster and its importance to Maine before our traditional lobster bake this evening.
Dinner:
On the island, we’ll gather for a traditional lobster bake; vegetarian options available.
Evening:
After we clean up from our island dinner, we’ll have time to watch the sunset and then enjoy games, music in the deckhouse, swimming, rowing, paddling, and late-night stargazing using guidebooks and flashlights. You may also continue working on photo bingo.
Day
3
Sailing, Explore a Coastal Village, Evening Activities
Location:
Sailing the waters of Penobscot Bay. Anchor in beautiful harbors or off islands of Penobscot Bay.
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Windjammer Angelique
Activity Note
Rowing a small boat. Walking and other activities during independent exploration of the village according to personal choice. On any given day during this cruise, the itinerary is subject to change depending on the winds, tides, the fog, other weather and exciting opportunities that present themselves.
Breakfast:
Aboard Angelique.
Morning:
We’ll continue our journey this morning with opportunities to help raise the anchor, handle the sails, and steer the Angelique. Along the way, grandparents and grandchildren will work together to identify parts of the ship, learn how to tie knots, and learn more about the seals, porpoise, and other marine mammals in Maine.
Lunch:
Aboard Angelique.
Afternoon:
We'll drop anchor near a coastal village or a nature sanctuary. We will help furl the sails and then row ashore in a small boat to explore the village or walking trails. We will have time for independent exploration; walk about the village or trails and stretch your legs.
Dinner:
Aboard Angelique.
Evening:
After-dinner activities may include a friendly rowing competition grandparents vs. grandkids, and cards with questions grandkids can use to “interview” their grandparents. Other activities at anchor include board games, music, swimming, rowing, paddling, and stargazing.
Day
4
Sailing to Penobscot Bay, Homemade Ice Cream
Location:
Sailing the waters of Penobscot Bay. Anchor in beautiful harbors or off islands of Penobscot Bay.
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Windjammer Angelique
Activity Note
Walking and other activities during possible shore excursion dependent on time and location. On any given day during this cruise, the itinerary is subject to change depending on the winds, tides, the fog, other weather and exciting opportunities that present themselves.
Breakfast:
Aboard Angelique.
Morning:
A leisurely morning sipping coffee or hot cocoa and swimming off the boat. When we get underway, be part of the crew! We’ll have the opportunity to help raise the anchor, haul sail, steer the boat, polish brass, and help with other crew duties. Activities include knot tying, looking for wildlife, naming parts of the boat, and other environmental education games.
Lunch:
Aboard Angelique.
Afternoon:
Sailing, photo journaling, and anchoring one last time. We’ll learn more about Maine with an activity. Depending on where we anchor, there may be another opportunity for a shore excursion.
Dinner:
Aboard Angelique. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
After dinner, we’ll help make homemade ice cream for dessert! Then it’s movie night! We’ll watch a sailing film, of course. On the last night, relax, enjoy the company of fellow shipmates, make music, play games, and stargaze. Prepare for disembarkment and departure in the morning.
Day
5
Homeward Bound, Program Concludes
Location:
Camden, Maine
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Disembarking the windjammer.
Breakfast:
Aboard Angelique.
Morning:
After breakfast, we'll get underway and sail back to Camden for mid-late morning arrival. Packing and clean-up of below decks. When we arrive in Camden, we’ll take a group photo to remember our week, and disembark. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
11 Meals
4 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
4 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 15, 2025
- Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 10, 2025
- Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 15, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 4 Reviews
Sort By:
If you love the ocean and want an adventure, you must go on a windjammer cruise
— Review left July 12, 2024
Would love to repeat this program!!!!! I and my grandson had a wonderful time. The ship, captain and crew were exceptional.
GG Green
— Review left July 28, 2023
The trip was fantastic. My grandaughter and I enjoyed the adventure, the ship, the crew and our fellow Road Scholars more than I had imagined we might.
HOWEVER ... I am very upset about having my granddaughter be required to get a covid booster shot and find out there was no check done at the site. Then I learned that the shot was no longer a requirement after all.
I had called and complained about the requirement a few weeks earlier and was told there was no waiving such a requirement. Then I get to Maine and find out that there no longer a covid booster requirement. To the best of my knowledged, no attempt was made to inform me of the change of policy.
— Review left July 26, 2023
Sailing off the Maine coast was a interesting and unique experience. You need to know the accommodations are not motel size and a tight squeeze. The Ketch galley is small and food service is just OK. I have recommended more education dedicated to learning about the ketch and its operation rather than some of the programs they had which were not related to the ketch. There is time and opportunity for this to occur.
— Review left July 20, 2019
