MAINE WINDJAMMER "FAMILIES" EMBRACE SOLO SHIPMATES

Mid-coast, MAINE—For solo travelers looking for an adventure where they can comfortably fit in, a Maine windjammer cruise comes with its own circle of friends. There's an immediate sense of camaraderie that develops between fellow shipmates due to the small size of the sailing ships. The 12 historic windjammers in the fleet only carry between 20 and 40 guests, so it's easy to get to know everyone over the course of a three- to six-day cruise. Meals are served family-style, so everyone's included in the conversation. Sail handling, while optional, also gets guests working together in a fun and satisfying way.

While a windjammer cruise is definitely a great option for family and friends who want to spend quality time together, it's also a great way to relax, reflect and kick back on your own. For those seeking solitude, there's time to go for a run, take a stroll on the beach, enjoy a sunrise or rediscover the constellations at night. About 15% of Maine's windjammer guests come solo. Like their couple counterparts, they seek the same things: to relax, to meet interesting people, to reconnect with the outdoors, to get off the beaten track, to see and do something new…and of course, to eat well!

Sometimes a spouse comes alone to feed their passionate for a sailing adventure or for a little "me" time. Every guest will find windjamming a safe and comfortable way to travel, where they are welcomed into the family of windjamming that includes shipmates and crew members of all ages and from all walks of life. Many people sail as singles, but then end up returning year after year, often with other guests they've met on board.

Boston native June Knowles, a veteran windjammer guest with 66 cruises under her belt, sums it up this way: "Sailing alone is safe, companionship is there for the taking—morning coffee, as well as lunch, and later in the day, happy hour on deck,
dinner in the main saloon with new people, new thoughts, humor and exchanges Best of all, you will find shipmates who echo your joy of windjamming, the splendor of the Coast of Maine, islands, graces and places to discover."

Solo travelers have many options in accommodations. Prices average $160 per person per day, all meals and activities included. Eight of the 12 windjammers offer single cabins, either at no extra charge or for an additional $25 per night. If single cabins are unavailable, guests can share a cabin at no additional charge…a throwback to the days of summer camp or dorm life! Cabins are simple, all with sinks and running water, comfortable mattresses, fresh linens and plenty of warm blankets. All of the vessels offer hot showers.
 
Cooked on a wood stove, the food on a windjammer cruise is delicious, with lots of healthy choices. Thick, hot chowders served with fresh-baked bread, turkey dinners complete with home-made pies and hand-cranked ice cream.  One night during the cruise is set aside for a sumptuous lobster bake on a deserted beach, with all the steamed lobsters and corn on the cob you can eat. 

Unlike cruise ships with packaged itineraries, shipboard life on a Maine windjammer is entirely unstructured.  Each day's voyage is based on the weather and captain's whim.  Since there are more than 3,000 islands dotting the coast, there are unlimited overnight anchorages. There's time to go ashore each day and stretch your legs or explore a small village or deserted island. At night, guests typically congregate on deck and tell stories, star-gaze, listen to music or go for a midnight row. No sailing experience is necessary—the captain and crew will literally show you the ropes!

Solo travelers looking to vacation in a place where they'll never be lost in the crowd can find no better place than the deck of a windjammer. For more information about windjamming in Maine, contact the Maine Windjammer Association at P.O. Box 1144P, Blue Hill, Maine 04614, 800-807-WIND or check out the website at www.sailmainecoast.com.




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