RCN America - California: Sail

Showing posts with label Sail. Show all posts

Saturday, December 28, 2013

BEST OF 2013: Lewis R. French "The Grandfather of Sail"

Launched in 1871 the lewis R. French is the oldest sailing schooner!

Lewis R. French

A truly unique vacation....
A cruise aboard the Windjammer Lewis R. French is both an exciting and relaxing vacation, combining the beautiful coast of Maine with tremendous sailing aboard a historic tallship.

We offer 3, 4 and 6 day sailing vacations from late May to early October, sailing from our beautiful homeport of Camden, Maine. Spend your days sailing Maine's pristine coast, and your evenings anchored in snug, gorgeous harbors.

On board, we have single, double and bunkbeds cabins available, as well as a full galley where our delicious meals, snacks and desserts are prepared by our professional crew.

The French is a very traditional and historic vessel, in fact she was designated a National Historic Landmark. Launched in April 1871, she is the oldest active commercial schooner in the United States. She is still sailed exactly as she would have sailed a hundred years ago: she has no noisy inboard engine on board and relies on nearly 3000 square feet of sail. Fear not though, she has been upgraded with electricity, modern navigation equipment and conveniences, and complies with all U.S. Coast Guard safety standards. We are 100% non-smoking on board.

Please explore our website for more information and feel free to give us a call (1-800-469-4635) or email with any questions or if you would just prefer to speak with a human. We look forward to sailing with you aboard the Lewis R. French.

Lewis R. French and Heritage in the fog.

Lewis R. French

2013 Schedule and Rates
Trips fill up quickly, so book early to get the trip and cabin you want. All repeat guests receive 10% off the listed price.
New guests: reserve now and receive our 5% early booking discount!

All trips spend the first night at the dock in Camden. Explore the town that evening and enjoy dinner in one of the many fine restaurants. We will set sail the following morning. Guests may board anytime after 6 PM on boarding night.

The French is available for private charters. Visit our Windjammer Charters and Weddings page.

Lewis R. French

BEST OF 2013: Sailing Heritage "The Great Windship"

The Heritage is the newest coasting schooner carrying passengers along the Maine coast. It was designed and built by Captains Doug and Linda Lee at the historic North End Shipyard in Rockland. Sailing during the summer and working on the Heritage during the off-season, the project took a year of planning and four years of construction. The launching on April 16, 1983 was attended by thousands of people, including crews from all three national television networks.

Many details were incorporated into the design of the schooner specifically for the comfort of guests. Full headroom below decks eliminates the need to stoop while in one's cabin; stairs instead of ladders make it easier to go below; skylights allow sunlight to brighten below deck compartments, and a spacious galley accommodates all guests and crew during mealtime while serving as a comfortable retreat at other times.

Attention to tradition makes the new schooner Heritage an authentic Maine coasting schooner. When it's time to hoist the anchor and raise the sails, the authentic 1921 deck engine can be called into service. The distinctive sound sings out as the gaff inches its way up the mast, sails unfurling ready to catch the wind again.

The yawlboat provides power for the schooner when needed. With hand on the tiller, Linda manuevers it into position until it gently kisses the transom and nudges the schooner along. Guests aren't disturbed by the sound or fumes of a deisel engine and unless they're watching don't even realize that the yawlboat is at work. When the yawlboat is released from her stern davits, the beautifully carved gold leaf eagle and attractive name board adorning the schooner's transom proudly announce to all that the mighty Heritage retains the beauty of the historic vessels of yesteryear.

Call us to check availability.
(800) 648-4544

To Make Reservations:
Give us a call on our toll-free number (800-648-4544) when you're ready to make your reservation. We'll ask you for the name, address and phone number of each person in your party. A $350 per person deposit is required at the time of booking. We accept checks, VISA, MasterCard and Discover. The balance of your fare is due 6 weeks before boarding.

BEST OF 2013: Anqelique "The Angel Of The Seas"

Anqelique "The Angel Of The Seas"

Angelique

Designed only for windjamming and built for comfort, Angelique is swift, snug, safe. Her deep draft hull and full keel assure maximum stability even in a "blow". Her steel and wood construction combine the 21st-century's highest safety standards and the authenticity of classic 19th-century English Channel and North Sea windjammers plus:

	Captain/owner operated
	Angelique meets US Coast Guard and Lloyd's specifications for sail vessels carrying passengers
	7 water-tight compartments
	2 powerful auxiliary diesel engines
	VHF radio, radar, loran, and GPS
	no smoking is allowed in the deckhouse or below deck

© Ted Dillard

In order that everyone aboard has a wonderful week, Captain Mike stipulates: The minimum guest age is 12. Moderation is expected in the use of alcohol. Excessive drinking is unacceptable among shipmates. In consideration of others, radios should not be brought aboard unless provided with earphones.

Was Angelique built for Maine windjamming?

Yes. Angelique was built in 1980 specifically for the Maine windjammer trade with passenger comfort in mind.

Why the red sails?

Angelique depicts an English fishing trawler (circa 1880) that fished the North Sea. It was common in England to treat sails to make the cotton canvas more resistant to mildew with tallow, tannic acid, and red ocher.

Angelique Specifications:

Gaff Topsail Ketch
Length Overall: 130 feet
Length of Deck: 95 feet
Beam: 23 feet, 7-1/2 inches
Draft: 11 feet
Sail Area: 5269 square feet
Displacement: 142 tons
Passengers: 31
Crew: 7

Deck House

Accommodation Plan:

A-	Crew Quarters
B-	Forward Passenger Compartment
C-	Dining Room
D-	Midship Passenger Compartment
E-	Engine Room
F-	Aft Passenger Compartment
G-	Captain's Cabin
H-	Deck House
I-	Galley

Cabins 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-11-12:
1 Lower, 1 Upper Berth

Cabins 9-10:
1 Double Berth

Cabin 15:
1 Single Berth

Cabins 14, 16:
1 Double Upper Berth

Angelique 2013 Schedule

Angelique at Swans Island By Doug Mills

Angelique's cruising grounds

Angelique

BEST OF 2013: Nathaniel Bowditch "Swift"

Nathaniel Bowditch at the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse.

Nathaniel Bowditch

Why sail with us?

"The Bowditch is a "mom and pop" business, or owner operated. If you have questions about the trips or vessel, email or call. You can speak directly to Capt. Owen and Cathie.
The Bowditch has received 2 citations from the US Coast Guard for her seaworthiness. The 21 ton fixed keel ensures stability.
The Bowditch is a deep draft vessel. This allows for good headroom below deck and more open space on deck.
What a joy to be a part of this sail. My husband is an avid sailor and it was wonderful to see him so happy and "at home." The crew was awesome!! The food was outstanding and Paul was so kind to share his recipes and talents." —Bonnie and John M. Mabank, TX

The Bowditch was built in 1922 as a racing yacht. She is swift especially when going to weather (into the wind).
The Bowditch is a working vessel. We encourage any guests whom are interested to help out in the operation of the vessel. We feel that by participating in the sailing your experience aboard is enhanced. Our professional crew will gladly share their knowledge of traditional sailing arts.
Passenger facilities (heads) are below decks. No need to climb a ladder in the middle of the night unless you want to gaze at the night sky.
Guests rave about the food aboard the Bowditch. Each meal is prepared in the galley by our seasoned cook from fresh ingredients, much from local farm markets. The old cast iron cook stove is the best way to prepare roasts and homemade bread.
What a fabulous week! Incredible weather, great wind, yummy eats and a terrific crew. The crew did a great job educating the non-sailors in nautical terms and providing instructions so that we could all be effective helpers. Happy sailing!
—Joan, David, and Emma R. West Suffield, CT

Capt. Owen has a 100-ton masters license and has commanded vessels from Newfoundland to the Grenadines.
Double beds or bunks are available, just ask.
We donate to environmental conservation efforts and breast cancer education and research annually.
Join us for an authentic vacation, an experience that will give you a taste of tradition preserved in our decks as well as in our hearts. This is a way of life.

—Capt. Owen and Cathie

Nathaniel Bowditch By Doug Mills

Nathaniel Bowditch

Warning: Windjamming can become very addictive!

Nathaniel Bowditch

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Spring Is Here, Coast Guard Urges Safe Boating

BOSTON — In light of spring temperatures, the Coast Guard emphasizes safety for recreational boaters and paddlers planning to venture out on the inland and coastal waters of the Northeast this spring.

The rescues of two kayakers on Sunday by Coast Guard crews and additional first responders serve as reminders that boating season in the Northeast is just around the corner and all boaters should practice maritime safety measures while out on the water.

At approximately 2:45 p.m. Sunday, Coast Guard Sector Boston received a report of a capsized orange kayak with one person in the water in the vicinity of Bumpkin Island, Mass. Coast Guard Station Point Allerton, Mass. launched a 47-Motor Life Boat crew along with Hingham, Mass., and Hull, Mass., Harbormasters. Station Point Allerton rescued the kayaker and transferred him to local EMS. The kayaker was wearing a lifejacket.

Also on Sunday, watch standers at Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound, in New Haven, Conn., received a report of a capsized kayak with one person in the water at Short Beach in Nissequogue River near Smithtown, N.Y. Crews from Coast Guard Station Eaton's Neck, in Northport, N.Y., the local park service, fire department, and Suffolk County Police Department responded. The fire department's boat rescued the kayaker and transferred him to the local hospital for examination.

"The warmer weather can create a false sense of security," said Walt Taylor, Recreational Boating Safety Manager for the 1st Coast Guard District. "Though the air is warm, the water is still very cold, and in the event of a capsize hypothermia can quickly set in."

Some safe boating tips to remember are:

Dress for the water temperature. Though the air may be warm, the water is still cold. Wet suits and dry suits offer protection against hyperthermia in the event of a capsize or immersion in the water.
Check all required safety equipment to be sure it is in good working order. The Coast Guard Auxiliary provides free vessel safety exams. Contact your nearest flotilla for more information.
File a float plan before getting underway.
Be sure to have U.S. Coast Guard approved lifejackets aboard. All boaters and paddlers are encouraged to wear their lifejackets while underway.