Sometime during my early 20's, my adventurous father treated me to a trip on a windjammer cruise off the coast of Long Island, in New York.
In those days, I wasn't traveling on my own. But I could see how easy it would have been to sail alone on a small boat like that and fit right in, no matter who else was on board.
Everyone pretty much does everything together. Sit up on deck. Eat below at a large table. Jump into the water when the boat anchors. It's a life of ease...(except for the captain and the crew, of course.) Although you're welcome to offer to help. Nah, I think I'll just sit still and watch the sun glisten on the water.
It appears the most active set of windjammers sails off the coast of Maine. A company called Windjammer Barefoot Cruises used to ply the Atlantic Ocean but they seem to be out of business. However, Maine is home to a large fleet of these traditional sailing ships.
The schooners visit pristine islands and share Penobscot Bay with bald eagles, porpoises and seals. Best of all, they can go places big ships can't. They anchor each night, offering guests a chance to go ashore and visit fishing villages or deserted islands.
Many of these schooners have single rooms. Of the 12 ships that belong to the Maine Windjammer Association, eight offer single cabins either for no extra charge, or $25 extra a night. Not too terrible.
Because some of the ships are very small, I would call and be sure
that not all the guests except you are from one family or group. That could get weird. But otherwise, I would bet people would sit around talking and be curious about others on board. Including you.
Picture a sea breeze, lounging on deck with a book and cracking lobster claws at dinner. Ahh, that's the life.
Photo: Mistress, one of the Maine windjammers. Courtesy of the Maine Windjammer Association site.
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