Boothbay Harbor is beautiful when you explore it on foot. The scenery becomes even more spectacular when you sightsee from a boat. Everything has a new perspective when you have panoramic views. Simply being on a boat adds to the excitement as it creates a new type of adventure. There is a list of boat tour options on the Plan Your Stay page of our website. This post is dedicated to the Schooner Eastwind and the variety of tours you can take with them. Make sure to include a boat tour on your next visit to Boothbay Harbor in Maine.
What makes the Eastwind different?
The Eastwind takes only about 18 people on each cruise. The smaller group provides for an intimate experience that allows guests to more freely wander the decks without crowds. Sometimes it can be easier to book a day cruise on a larger boat because there are more tickets available but we find that it is worth booking a boat like the Eastwind for the best experience.
The Eastwind also has a convenient onboard engine. While it may seem odd to have an engine on a sailboat, this makes it easier and quicker to get to good sailing waters. The size of the ship is also ideal for exploring the rocky harbor and seeing the magnificence of the Maine coast.
On some larger ships you may hear a commotion on the other side of the ship as other guests see something exciting. In order to join in the excitement, guests need to maneuver around the pilot house or other things built onto the deck. The masts are the only obstruction on the deck of the Eastwind. No matter where you are sitting, you will have 360-degree views of the harbor, shore, and water.
The focus of trips on the Eastwind is peace and serenity. Guests are encouraged to use their phones to take photos but they are also asked to silence phones before the trip so as to not break the magic of the moment.
How long are the Eastwind cruises?
Each cruise is approximately two hours. It is the perfect amount of time to see the lighthouses, lobsterman, wildlife, and remote islands without using your entire day. Take a morning, afternoon, or romantic sunset cruise and still have a majority of the day to plan another activity.
What type of boat is the Eastwind?
The Eastwind is a 65-foot wooden schooner. Not familiar with boat types? Here is a quick definition: a schooner is a sailboat with two or more masts.
When are tours available on the Eastwind?
The Eastwind typically sails from Memorial Day until Columbus Day. During the high season there are up to four trips each day. You may want to consider booking more than one tour while visiting Boothbay Harbor. Different animals are active throughout the day so you may have a completely different experience with diverse photo opportunities. The bright sunshine of morning is drastically different from the painted sunset sky. The Eastwind sees many people multiple times throughout the season. The sights seen in the morning or at sunset can be as varied as those seen in June versus September.
Can I bring food and drink on the Eastwind?
Absolutely! Guests are welcome to bring their own cooler filled with their favorite treats. Many people opt to bring wine and cheese for a romantic appetizer before venturing off to dinner at a restaurant after the cruise. The docks are in the middle of the Boothbay Harbor action so it is easy to step off and shop or eat after being on the water for a couple hours.
Does the Eastwind have air conditioning?
Yes, but not the traditional way that most people think. Even on the hottest day, it is recommended that guests bring layers including a windbreaker. The ocean breezes serve as nature’s air conditioner and it can get chilly onboard. Of course, the wind does not blow away the sun’s rays so do not forget a hat and sunscreen.
How experienced is the crew?
The Eastwind has been a favorite for sailing opportunities in Boothbay Harbor for 20 years. Herb and Doris Smith are experienced sailors outside of Boothbay Harbor as well. They sailed around the world twice, each time on a schooner they built by hand. They shared those opportunities with their three children. You can read more about their travels in the two books they wrote about their lives onboard a schooner: Sailing Three Oceans: Building and Sailing Schooner Appledore and Dreams of Natural Places: A New England Schooner Odyssey.
