Is prior sailing experience needed for the trip?

No prior sailing experience is required. The crew guides all activities so families of all skill levels can participate.

Are meals provided during the adventure?

Yes, meals are included and prepared onboard featuring local ingredients with options for children.

What is the minimum age for children on this sailing trip?

Children as young as 5 years old are welcome, provided they are supervised by adults.

Can we bring electronic devices?

While bringing devices is allowed, the experience encourages unplugging to fully enjoy the natural surroundings.

Is seasickness common on this schooner?

The schooner is stable and navigates sheltered waters, but seasickness can happen; packing remedies is recommended.

How do we book private family charters?

Bookings can be made directly through The Schooner J. & E. Riggin’s website or the provided referral link.

Family Sailing Adventure in Rockland, Maine

Set sail on a memorable 3-day journey aboard the historic schooner J. & E. Riggin, specially designed for families looking to connect with nature and each other. Located in Rockland, Maine, this private sailing experience offers a unique blend of adventure and education suitable for kids and adults alike. Families will learn classic sailing techniques under the guidance of experienced crew members, while also exploring uninhabited islands that pepper the picturesque coastline. The trip includes fun, interactive scavenger hunts that keep younger adventurers engaged and excited about the outdoors. Beyond sailing, the voyage offers opportunities to discover quiet coves, spot local wildlife, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of Maine’s coastal harbors. The distraction-free environment encourages quality family time, whether gathered on deck watching the sunset or sharing stories around the galley. The J. & E. Riggin is more than a boat; it’s a floating classroom and playground that fosters curiosity, teamwork, and lifelong memories in an unforgettable maritime setting.

About The Schooner J. & E. Riggin

The Schooner J. & E. Riggin is a historic two-masted schooner based in Rockland, Maine, featured on The Adventure Collective. It offers a curated selection of small-group sailing experiences along the Maine coast that combine hands-on sailing, coastal exploration, and comfortable overnight accommodations.

Trips include themed short cruises such as Plein Air Painting & Art, a four-day painting workshop guided by artist Susan Nicholas Gephart; family-focused Kids & Family sails with hands-on sailing and island exploration; and craft-focused Sawmill Creek Fiber Events that provide an inclusive knitting kit and welcome non-knitters. Stargazers can choose Skygazing or the Perseid Meteor Shower Cruise for nighttime celestial viewing and optional camping under the stars. Seasonal options include Summer Solstice Getaway, Early Summer Getaway, Summer Isn't Over Yet, and Fall Color Getaway. The Great Schooner Race offers a week-long windjammer fleet experience with onboard competitions and holiday celebration.

Each trip provides prepared meals and cozy cabin accommodations while visiting serene harbors each evening. Activities vary by voyage and can include knot-tying, scavenger hunts, small-boat competitions, pumpkin carving, and guided painting instruction. The vessel’s itineraries emphasize safety, maritime tradition, and the natural beauty of Maine’s islands and bays.

Bookings are presented as individual trips with specific dates and details. The Schooner J. & E. Riggin is positioned for travelers seeking immersive, small-group maritime experiences that blend outdoor adventure, learning, and community aboard a classic Maine schooner. Guests of varied ages can join selected voyages; minimum age restrictions vary by trip and are listed per itinerary.