Maine

Explore the Coast of Maine Under Sail: Maritime and Natural History

Program No. 8681RJ
Get to know Maine’s rugged coast and idyllic islands as you sail a classic windjammer to historic villages, pristine harbors, an uninhabited island, and see an iconic lighthouse.

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7 days
6 nights
17 meals
6B 5L 6D
2
Sail among the islands in the bays and anchor in a new cove.
Sailing the waters of Penobscot Bay. Anchor in beautiful harbors or off islands of coastal Maine.
3
Sail among the islands in the bays and anchor in a new cove.
Sailing the waters of Penobscot Bay. Anchor in beautiful harbors or off islands of coastal Maine.
4
Sail among the islands in the bays and anchor in a new cove.
Sailing the waters of Penobscot Bay. Anchor in beautiful harbors or off islands of coastal Maine.
5
Island Visit, Intertidal Zone, Lobster History & Dinner
Sailing the waters of Penobscot Bay. Anchor in beautiful harbors or off islands of coastal Maine.
6
Sailing to Penobscot Bay
Sailing the waters of Penobscot Bay. Anchor in beautiful harbors or off islands of coastal Maine.
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At a Glance

Explore Maine’s beautiful coast and its hundreds of islands aboard the 95-foot windjammer “Angelique.” A Maine experience since the 1930s, “windjamming” is unscripted cruising aboard a traditional sailing vessel. “Angelique” is a modern day windjammer made of steel-and-wood that serves as lodge, classroom and serene retreat. Departing from the beautiful town of Camden, “Angelique” drops anchor every evening in a picturesque harbor to let you explore a fishing village, a historic town, a beach, tide pool or an uninhabited island.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Climbing ladders onboard ship, in and out of bunks and in and out of boats; walking on varied terrain; sailing 5-7 hours each day.

What You'll Learn

  • Lodge each night aboard the classic English Channel windjammer “Angelique,” in scenic harbors along Maine’s majestic coast.
  • Learn about the intriguing history of Castine, site of the worst naval disaster of the American Revolution.
  • Explore the wild, unspoiled beauty of an uninhabited Maine island.

General Notes

Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Cipperly Good
Clipperly Good is the curator and collections manager at the Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport, Maine, overseeing the object, archive and library collections. She holds a bachelor’s in history and American studies from Colby College. Clipperly worked at the Williams College-Mystic Seaport Maritime Studies Program during her junior year of college, sparking her career in maritime history and maritime museums. She holds a master’s in museum studies with a concentration in American history and taught maritime history for the Proctor Academy’s Ocean Classroom.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Cipperly Good
Cipperly Good View biography
Clipperly Good is the curator and collections manager at the Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport, Maine, overseeing the object, archive and library collections. She holds a bachelor’s in history and American studies from Colby College. Clipperly worked at the Williams College-Mystic Seaport Maritime Studies Program during her junior year of college, sparking her career in maritime history and maritime museums. She holds a master’s in museum studies with a concentration in American history and taught maritime history for the Proctor Academy’s Ocean Classroom.
Profile Image of Rachel Perkins
Rachel Perkins View biography
A native of Rhode Island, Rachel earned a BS in wildlife ecology from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and an MS in resource management and administration from Antioch New England Graduate School. After spending a decade as a naturalist working with children around the country, she became a site coordinator and lecturer for Road Scholar programs on Tybee Island and in nearby Savannah, where she also worked part-time as a licensed group leader. Rachel now teaches what she calls "old-fashioned geography."
Profile Image of Dennis Gallant
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.
Profile Image of Daniel Brayton
Daniel Brayton View biography
Dan Brayton is a professor of literature at Middlebury College, where he is a member of the English department and the environmental studies program. He has also taught for Sea Semester, the Williams-Mystic Program in Maritime Studies, Semester-at-Sea, and the California Coast and Climate Semester. Dan is a traditional boat enthusiast and avid sailor who has published articles in the magazine WoodenBoat. He grew up in Marblehead, Massachusetts. He and his colleague/spouse, Antonia Losano, live in Vermont, where they raised two children.
Profile Image of Katie Conroy
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.
Profile Image of Sarah Timm
Sarah Timm View biography
Sarah Timm is the director of education at the Maine Maritime Museum, where she oversees education and interpretive programs that connect K-12, public, and digital audiences to Maine's global maritime significance, past and present. Sarah has taught art history and maritime material culture courses at Florida State University, Bowdoin College, and the Maine College of Art and Design, and has served as an education consultant. Originally from North Carolina, Sarah lives with her husband and two kids (and a cat) in Bath, Maine.
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Year
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Date and Direction
Sep 22 - Sep 28 (Camden, Maine to Camden, Maine)
  • Jun 02 - Jun 08 (Camden, Maine to Camden, Maine)
  • Jun 09 - Jun 15 (Camden, Maine to Camden, Maine)
  • Jun 23 - Jun 29 (Camden, Maine to Camden, Maine)
  • Aug 26 - Aug 31 (Camden, Maine to Camden, Maine)
  • Sep 15 - Sep 21 (Camden, Maine to Camden, Maine)
  • Sep 22 - Sep 28 (Camden, Maine to Camden, Maine)
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Sep 22 - Sep 28 (Camden, Maine to Camden, Maine)
  • Jun 02 - Jun 08 (Camden, Maine to Camden, Maine)
  • Jun 09 - Jun 15 (Camden, Maine to Camden, Maine)
  • Jun 23 - Jun 29 (Camden, Maine to Camden, Maine)
  • Aug 26 - Aug 31 (Camden, Maine to Camden, Maine)
  • Sep 15 - Sep 21 (Camden, Maine to Camden, Maine)
  • Sep 22 - Sep 28 (Camden, Maine to Camden, Maine)
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.
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7 days
6 nights
17 meals
6 B 5 L 6 D
DAY
1
Board Angelique/Orientation/Dinner
Camden, Maine
D
Windjammer Angelique

Activity note: Board Ketch Angelique between 3:00-5:00 p.m. Do not try to board before 3:00 p.m. or bring luggage to the boat early. Crew members will provide directions for drivers to park cars once aboard.

Afternoon: Program Registration. Once you check in with program staff, you will be shown to your cabin and given time to settle in. Fresh linens will be provided to make your bed. Program staff and a white board on deck will inform you of the time of the Orientation session. If you arrive late and miss the Orientation session, one of the program staff will provide the information you need to know. 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 COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. We will have a hands-on safety drill. As we go, Road Scholars will have opportunities to take part in team efforts of raising and lowering sails, rowing ashore, walking when ashore, and possibly taking a turn at the helm, if conditions allow. Please note: The island exploration and lobster bake will take place when the captain determines conditions are best and may be on a different day than shown in the schedule. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for you

Dinner: at a local restaurant.

Evening: We will have a presentation on windjamming and our cruising grounds. The remainder of the evening will be free. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY
2
Sail among the islands in the bays and anchor in a new cove.
Sailing the waters of Penobscot Bay. Anchor in beautiful harbors or off islands of coastal Maine.
B,L,D
Windjammer Angelique

Activity note: Team effort of raising and lowering sails, rowing ashore, walking when ashore, and possibly taking a turn at the helm, if conditions allow.

Breakfast: Aboard the Angelique

Morning: We will prepare to get underway, drop mooring lines, get underway to the outer harbor, sail setting orientation, raise and trim sails. The crew will prepare to get underway and maneuver the boat out of the harbor. They will also explain boat terminology and how to haul on lines. Road Scholars can help haul the small boats in preparation for field trips and will help haul the lines to raise the sails for sailing.

Lunch: Aboard the Angelique

Afternoon: We will have a session on the Ketch Angelique, vessel orientation, history, rigging, wildlife identification, and binocular tips. We’ll also learn about the lifestyle, industry, and history of modern island living. The crew will instruct on how we lower and stow the sails when anchored for the night with the participation of Road Scholars. We’ll then hop into a rowboat and row ashore for a self-directed field trip through a village or on walking trails in a park. We’ll row back to the Angelique for dinner.

Dinner: Aboard the Angelique

Evening: We’ll gather for a review of the day’s sail, chart discussion, and answer questions with the captain and crew. We’ll also have a talk on a topic relating to the coast of Maine. Enjoy time with fellow Road Scholars, play board games in the messroom, read, or just relax.

DAY
3
Sail among the islands in the bays and anchor in a new cove.
Sailing the waters of Penobscot Bay. Anchor in beautiful harbors or off islands of coastal Maine.
B,L,D
Windjammer Angelique

Activity note: Team effort of raising and lowering sails, rowing ashore, walking when ashore, and possibly taking a turn at the helm, if conditions allow.

Breakfast: Aboard the Angelique

Morning: Set sail and head down east. While underway, our instructors will point out wildlife and other notable sights. See lighthouses.

Lunch: Aboard the Angelique

Afternoon: We'll find a snug anchorage, then rowing ashore, we’ll go on a self-directed field trip through a village or on walking trails in a park. We’ll row back to the Angelique for dinner.

Dinner: Aboard the Angelique

Evening: Overview of the days sail and vessel with captain and crew, questions, chart discussion. Naturalist or historian talk on a variety of topics relating to the coast of Maine. Free time to read, relax, enjoy shipmates, and play board games in the messroom.

DAY
4
Sail among the islands in the bays and anchor in a new cove.
Sailing the waters of Penobscot Bay. Anchor in beautiful harbors or off islands of coastal Maine.
B,L,D
Windjammer Angelique

Activity note: Team effort of raising and lowering sails, rowing ashore, walking when ashore, and possibly taking a turn at the helm, if conditions allow.

Breakfast: Aboard the Angelique

Morning: After a leisurely morning, we'll set sail for more sightseeing and learning about the Maine coast from the naturalist and historian. Road Scholars will help raise the sails.

Lunch: Aboard the Angelique

Afternoon: While underway, we’ll focus on bird and seal watching. We’ll also anchor in a new harbor and row ashore for another self-directed field trip through a village or on walking trails in a park.

Dinner: Aboard the Angelique

Evening: We’ll gather for a review of the day’s sail, chart discussion, and answer questions with the captain and crew. We’ll also have a talk on a topic relating to the coast of Maine. Enjoy time with fellow Road Scholars, play board games in the messroom, read, or just relax.

DAY
5
Island Visit, Intertidal Zone, Lobster History & Dinner
Sailing the waters of Penobscot Bay. Anchor in beautiful harbors or off islands of coastal Maine.
B,L,D
Windjammer Angelique

Activity note: Team effort of raising and lowering sails, rowing ashore, walking when ashore, and possibly taking a turn at the helm, if conditions allow. Please note: The island exploration and lobster bake will take place when the captain determines conditions are best and may be on a different day.

Breakfast: Aboard the Angelique

Morning: Getting underway, we’ll set sail for an island exploration. Discussion of lobsters, intertidal zone, and island ecology.

Lunch: On the deserted island, the crew will cook up a traditional lobster bake with all the sides and fixings, and — for novices — give instructions on how to effectively crack open a lobster. We will also have an opportunity to hike/beachcomb independently.

Afternoon: Getting underway again, sailing, and dropping anchor in a new cove. Have an overview of the days sail with captain and crew, questions, chart discussion. Free time to relax, read, converse with fellow Road Scholars.

Dinner: Aboard Angelique

Evening: We’ll gather for a talk about topics related to the program such as birds, island ecology, weather, geology, etc. Enjoy time with fellow Road Scholars, play board games in the messroom, read, or just relax.

DAY
6
Sailing to Penobscot Bay
Sailing the waters of Penobscot Bay. Anchor in beautiful harbors or off islands of coastal Maine.
B,L,D
Windjammer Angelique

Activity note: Team effort of raising and lowering sails, rowing ashore, walking when ashore, and possibly taking a turn at the helm, if conditions allow.

Breakfast: Aboard the Angelique

Morning: We’ll have a leisurely morning with coffee and pastries on deck. Then, row ashore for a self-guided excursion of a small village, nature path, or island. Get underway and head towards Penobscot Bay.

Lunch: Aboard the Angelique

Afternoon: We will sail into our final anchorage of the cruise. Overview of the days sail and vessel with captain and crew, questions, chart discussion.

Dinner: Aboard the Angelique. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: Movie night! It will be a documentary about sailing ships and the sea, of course, with commentary before and after. Then enjoy time with fellow Road Scholars, play board games in the messroom, read, or just relax. Prepare for disembarkation and departure in the morning.

DAY
7
Arrive Camden Harbor, Disembark, Program Concludes
Camden, Maine
B

Activity note: Team effort of raising and lowering sails. Disembarkation approximately 10:30-11:00 a.m, definitely by 12:00.

Breakfast: Aboard the Angelique

Morning: Sailing into Camden, we will dock and disembark the Angelique once she is dockside. 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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