moderate
Half-day to full day
Participants should have basic mobility and balance for climbing aboard and moving around deck spaces
Discover Maine’s maritime heritage at the Camden Windjammer Festival near Rockland. Sail classic wooden schooners, explore coastal vistas, and immerse yourself in a living history of wind-powered adventure on Penobscot Bay.
Experience the largest gathering of windjammers in the northeast!
Experience the enchanting Camden Windjammer Festival aboard the historic schooner J. & E. Riggin. Sail along the stunning coast, enjoy a traditional lobster bake, and immerse yourself in maritime traditions. Revel in the vibrant festivities, including a talent show and fireworks, while surrounded by majestic windjammers in picturesque Camden Harbor.
September 1 - September 5, 2026: 4-Day/4-Night Adventure Per person: $1480
Ages 12+
Please note, we board every trip the evening of your chosen departure date between 5 and 6 p.m.
We will have you back at the dock before noon on the last day of your trip.
Join us for the Camden Windjammer Festival, an annual maritime celebration where the largest gathering of windjammers in the northeast takes place!
On Friday afternoon, we arrive with the rest of the fleet in Camden Harbor. The harbor will be filled with the sails and masts of nearly two dozen windjammers, schooners, and even a ketch. On shore, and in the harbor, there will be a variety of activities, games, and displays of maritime traditions and crafts. We will stay in Camden Harbor for the night.
As we will be dockside, you will be able to go ashore and enjoy the festivities including the Schooner Talent Show and fireworks over the harbor later in the evening. This is a great opportunity to see a variety of windjammers up close.
Before we arrive in Camden, we will spend the first part of this trip sailing along the coast and weaving our way around islands. One of these evenings we will anchor a little early for a traditional lobster bake.
The J. & E. Riggin, a beautiful, historic two-masted schooner. She was designated a National Historic Monument in 1991. She is 89′ long on deck, 120′ overall, 23′ wide and draws 7′ with her centerboard up. She was built in 1927 as an oyster dredger and rebuilt for passenger sail in 1977.
The Riggin is fully equipped with GPS, radar, and radio. She meets all Coast Guard requirements for construction and safety equipment. Certified to carry passengers, she fully meets all requirements for stability and watertight integrity. The Riggin has no inboard engine. Her sixteen-foot diesel-powered yawl boat can be used during calm spells for maneuvering into or out of tight harbors.
This popular festival fills up quickly—reserve your spot weeks in advance to secure a place aboard the windjammers.
Coastal weather can shift fast; bring moisture-wicking layers and a waterproof jacket to stay comfortable on deck.
Slick wooden decks require sturdy, non-slip shoes for safety while sailing or boarding ships.
Rockland’s small airport and Amtrak station provide convenient access to the festival’s sailing activities and local lodging.
Rockland was once a thriving shipbuilding hub in the 19th century, critical to Maine’s maritime economy.
The festival promotes sustainable tourism by advocating for ocean-friendly practices among vessels and visitors.
Protects against sudden coastal breezes and sea spray during sailing.
summer specific
Essential to shield your skin from strong sun exposure on open water.
summer specific
Ensures safe footing on the wooden decks of the sailing vessels.
summer specific
Staying hydrated is key while out on the water during festival activities.