Windjammers: Maine’s Classic Sailing Workhorses
Windjammers were the rugged, dependable cargo ships of the late 19th century, built to carry large volumes of freight across oceans using prevailing winds. Typically constructed of iron or steel and rigged with three to five masts and square sails, these vessels prioritized cargo space and endurance over speed. They were slower than the sleek clippers of the same era but offered far greater capacity, making them essential to global trade in a time when sail still ruled the seas.
From Working Ships to Living History
By the late 1900s, windjammers largely fell out of commercial favor as steamships and other engine-powered vessels took over. Yet many of these graceful hulls did not disappear. Instead they found new lives as sail-training ships, floating museums, dockside restaurants, and tourist attractions. Preserved and maintained by organizations, volunteers, and dedicated crews, surviving windjammers offer a direct, hands-on connection to maritime history.
A Six-Day Taste of Windjammer Life: American Eagle
There is perhaps no better place to experience the scale and romance of these ships than along the coast of Maine. Photographer Karen Ryan documented a six-day cruise aboard American Eagle, capturing the rhythms of life aboard a traditional windjammer. A cruise like this blends education, relaxation, and the sensory thrill of working sails and open water: the creak of the rigging, the scent of salt and wood, and expansive views of islands, lighthouses, and rocky shorelines.
On a multiday windjammer trip you can expect a mix of organized and informal activities. Guests often help with basic sailing tasks under crew guidance—hoisting sails, running lines, or taking a watch—though participation levels vary and many trips accommodate passengers who prefer to relax and enjoy the scenery. Cabins and berths are generally compact and practical, reflecting the vessels’ working-ship origins, while communal spaces foster conversation and shared meals.
What to Expect Aboard
Meals on board tend to be hearty and prepared with the needs of active days in mind. Menus commonly feature regional New England fare alongside simple, nourishing dishes that sustain life at sea. Evenings provide time for stargazing, storytelling, and enjoying the quiet that comes with sailing under wind power. Shore stops introduce charming ports, seaside villages, and opportunities for short excursions ashore.
Safety and seamanship are central to the experience. Crews are trained to operate historic rigs safely in modern conditions, and sail training programs aboard many windjammers teach both practical skills and maritime traditions. For many participants, a windjammer cruise becomes a meaningful way to learn about sailing, team work, and coastal ecology while connecting with maritime heritage.
Booking a Windjammer Cruise in Maine
If the idea of slow, wind-powered travel appeals to you, Maine has several organizations offering charters and multiday cruises aboard historic windjammers. The Maine Windjammer Association operates charters and multiday cruises aboard nine classic vessels; contact details listed by providers can help you explore schedules, shore itineraries, and what to pack for a comfortable trip. For additional options, Maine Windjammer Cruises runs a variety of multiday and weekend trips aboard boats such as Grace Bailey, Mercantile, and Mistress.
Contact information as provided locally: Maine Windjammer Association — sailmainecoast.com, (800) 807-WIND. Maine Windjammer Cruises — mainewindjammercruises.com, (207) 236-2938. These organizations can answer questions about departure ports, trip durations, passenger capacity, and any seasonal offerings.
Why Sail a Windjammer?
Sailing aboard a windjammer is more than a vacation; it’s an immersion in maritime tradition. These cruises preserve working-ship skills, support historic preservation efforts, and provide passengers a slower, more deliberate way to travel. For photographers, naturalists, families, and anyone curious about the sea, a windjammer cruise offers memorable vistas, hands-on learning, and a quieter pace that showcases the rhythms of wind and tide.
Preserving a Maritime Legacy
Many of the surviving windjammers are maintained by foundations, associations, and volunteer networks committed to keeping traditional sailing alive. Through educational programs and public sailings, these vessels link present-day sailors and passengers with the seafaring communities of the past. Participating in a windjammer voyage supports preservation efforts and helps ensure that future generations can experience the unique craftsmanship and spirit of these ships.
This article originally appeared in the October 2016 issue.