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Board a 53-foot John Alden-designed schooner for a two-hour morning sail in Casco Bay. This private charter mixes hands-on seamanship with quiet island scenery—ideal for celebrations or a clear-eyed introduction to Maine’s coastline.
Board a 53-foot John Alden-designed schooner for a two-hour morning sail in Casco Bay. This private charter mixes hands-on seamanship with quiet island scenery—ideal for celebrations or a clear-eyed introduction to Maine’s coastline.
Dawn lifts off Portland Harbor and the 53-foot Heart's Desire slips away from the pier with the hush of rigging and the clack of wooden rails. The sea in Casco Bay pushes lightly at the hull, and islands—rocky and green—pass like pages in a slow book. On a two-hour morning charter, the wind is the clock; minutes are measured in the tilt of sails and the slow surf against shoals.
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Dawn lifts off Portland Harbor and the 53-foot Heart's Desire slips away from the pier with the hush of rigging and the clack of wooden rails. The sea in Casco Bay pushes lightly at the hull, and islands—rocky and green—pass like pages in a slow book. On a two-hour morning charter, the wind is the clock; minutes are measured in the tilt of sails and the slow surf against shoals.
The schooner Heart's Desire was built in 1925 to John Alden's lines and carries a century of eastern seaboard salt and seamanship. Casco Bay’s glacial geology carved a scattered archipelago of ledges and drumlins, a coastline shaped by ice and tide. Local culture here is maritime—lobstermen, island ferries, and seasonal inns—and captains will often point out WWII bluffs, granite quarries, and small island communities with summer cottages and working wharves.
Practical guidance: guests should arrive early to stow gear and hear a brief safety orientation. Morning sails in Maine are cool; layers and windproof shells are necessary. Bring closed-toe shoes for wet decks, a refillable water bottle, and sea-sickness remedies if you’re prone to motion. Photography works best in soft morning light; aim camera seaward for islands and gulls in flight.
The experience balances relaxed sightseeing with hands-on moments—short tacks, line-handling demonstrations, or simply standing at the bow as Casco Bay rearranges itself. It’s an accessible taste of Maine sailing that suits celebrations, quiet mornings, or anyone wanting close contact with an old wooden yacht and a living coastline.
easy.
2 hours.
Minimal fitness required—able to step on/off a dock and move about the deck; crew handles heavy work.
Yes—this listing is for a private two-hour morning charter aboard Heart's Desire for your group only.
No—no prior sailing experience is required; the crew manages navigation and can include visitors in light tasks if desired.
Policies vary by operator; this listing typically offers free cancellation up to a specified time—check the booking link for exact terms.
Small snacks and non-glass containers are usually allowed; confirm with the operator ahead of time for specifics on events and catering.
Heart's Desire was built in 1925 by T.S. Soule and reflects John Alden’s classic schooner lines; Casco Bay itself carries centuries of maritime trade and island communities.
Respect fragile island ecosystems by avoiding beaching on sensitive shorelines, packing out trash, and following crew guidance to reduce wake and wildlife disturbance.
Dawn lifts off Portland Harbor and the 53-foot Heart's Desire slips away from the pier with the hush of rigging and the clack of wooden rails. The sea in Casco Bay pushes lightly at the hull, and islands—rocky and green—pass like pages in a slow book. On a two-hour morning charter, the wind is the clock; minutes are measured in the tilt of sails and the slow surf against shoals.
Dawn lifts off Portland Harbor and the 53-foot Heart's Desire slips away from the pier with the hush of rigging and the clack of wooden rails. The sea in Casco Bay pushes lightly at the hull, and islands—rocky and green—pass like pages in a slow book. On a two-hour morning charter, the wind is the clock; minutes are measured in the tilt of sails and the slow surf against shoals.
The schooner Heart's Desire was built in 1925 to John Alden's lines and carries a century of eastern seaboard salt and seamanship. Casco Bay’s glacial geology carved a scattered archipelago of ledges and drumlins, a coastline shaped by ice and tide. Local culture here is maritime—lobstermen, island ferries, and seasonal inns—and captains will often point out WWII bluffs, granite quarries, and small island communities with summer cottages and working wharves.
Practical guidance: guests should arrive early to stow gear and hear a brief safety orientation. Morning sails in Maine are cool; layers and windproof shells are necessary. Bring closed-toe shoes for wet decks, a refillable water bottle, and sea-sickness remedies if you’re prone to motion. Photography works best in soft morning light; aim camera seaward for islands and gulls in flight.
The experience balances relaxed sightseeing with hands-on moments—short tacks, line-handling demonstrations, or simply standing at the bow as Casco Bay rearranges itself. It’s an accessible taste of Maine sailing that suits celebrations, quiet mornings, or anyone wanting close contact with an old wooden yacht and a living coastline.