Welcome to Midcoast Maine
On a map, rocky 'fingers' claw at Penobscot Bay, each peninsula clad in ancient forests, studded with lonely, windswept fishing villages and fog-wreathed paths through the woods. This is midcoast Maine. But it's also resort towns that cater to wealthy vacationers from the northeast and Canada, cheap lobster rolls, organic farm-to-table restaurants, writing retreats and tall masts creaking in harbors icebound in winter, sun kissed in summer. Imagine Maine, a hybrid of mountains, ocean, forests and villages, and this, too, is the midcoast.
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Midcoast Maine activities
Windjammer Classic Day Sail
If you always wanted to sail your own wooden ship, this is your chance. The crew welcomes your participation - offer to help raise the sails and take a turn at the wheel. The Appledore II is a hard working, seaworthy schooner. She has sailed around the world, docking at many harbors along the way. Twice a year, she still sails the Eastern seaboard between her two home ports of Camden, Maine and Key West, Florida. Ask your crew about her history, some have made this bi-annual 2,000 mile sailing trip. Our day sail on the Appledore II schooner departs from Bayview Landing, taking you out of Camden Harbor. Camden is often called the “jewel of the Maine coast” which becomes clear as you sail past the impressive lighthouse, Curtis Island Light, dating from 1836 and into Penobscot Bay. Considered to be one of the top cruising bays in the world, Penobscot Bay will amaze you with its uninhabited islands, wildlife and views of Camden Hills and other coastal mountains dropping off into the sea. During your Camden boat tour, look along the shore for Mount Battie, historic inns, and elegant summer mansions of the rich and famous with their million dollar yachts. Watch lobstermen hauling in their traps. On a typical day, you may see porpoises playing in the water, ospreys and eagles hunting for fish and even the occasional whale. Watch for seals sunning themselves on rocks and cute guillernots, cousins to puffins, with their bright red feet, wobbling as they walk along the rocky shoreline. Quench your thirst with cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks, all available for purchase during your sailing cruise. As Camden Harbor comes back into view, relax and feel the wind sweep through your hair as your memorable sailing ship cruise draws to a close.
Windjammer Classic Sunset Sail
Camden, Maine is a quintessential New England coastal town, dating back to 1768. Your sunset sailing cruise departs from Bayview Landing, at the heart of Camden Harbor. Mariners consider Camden Harbor one of the most beautiful harbors in New England, framed by the mountains greeting the sea. Feel the sense of adventure as the crew hoists the sails. Participate in this age-old tradition by joining in and help raise the sails. Take a turn at the wheel and feel the exhilaration of captaining a traditional wooden ship.The Appledore II was hand-built in 1978 at the Gamage Shipyard in Maine in the finest shipbuilding tradition. She proved her seaworthiness by circumnavigating the globe. She continues to sail a 2,000 mile ocean voyage twice a year between her summer home of Camden, Maine and winter home of tropical Key West, Florida.Your Downeast Maine boat tour takes you past Curtis Island Light, helping navigate seafarers since 1836, and into Penobscot Bay. As we sail along the rugged coastline, take in the majestic mountains, only one of two places along the Atlantic seaboard where the mountains drop off into the ocean. With the painted sky as your exquisite backdrop, gaze at the magnificent mansions, historic inns and elegant yachts. Watch for porpoises, eagles and ospreys. Along the jagged rocks, look for seals and shorebirds, including guillernots, cousins to puffins. Quench your thirst with cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks, all available for purchase during your sailing cruise. Gather close to your loved ones as the fiery sun sets over Mount Battie and toast the end of an amazing day. Against the darkened sky, the blink of the Curtis Island Light guides us back home to Camden Harbor. As Camden Harbor comes back into view, relax and feel the wind sweep through your hair as your memorable sailing ship cruise draws to a close.