Maine Windjammer Cruises(R) Celebrates 75th Anniversary of Sailing Adventures
The Original Fleet of Windjammers, Opens the 2011 Season With Special Offers for 'Old Salts' and First-Time Sailors
Maine Windjammer Cruises®, North America's first and oldest fleet of wind-powered sailing vessels for passengers, announced that it will be celebrating its 75th season of authentic Maine sailing adventures beginning May 20th. Since 1936, these cruises have lured guests from around the world by offering unique and spectacular, all-inclusive, eco-friendly vacations at modest rates. In an increasingly hectic and changing world, these timeless adventures offer a reprieve from daily life and work, while they continue to have positive impact on Maine tourism and its economy. As part of the celebration this season, passengers will receive a beautiful, complimentary, large-format, commemorative book on Maine Windjammer Cruises -- to be released this spring, and guests who have sailed with the company in the past ('Old Salts') are invited to sail for the same rate as their first cruise.
Camden, Maine became known as the 'Windjammer Capital of the World' thanks to Frank Swift, founder of Maine Windjammer Cruises, who first converted the old cargo carriers into sea-faring hotels to save the hearty vessels from obsolescence in 1936. The idea for Windjammer Cruises sprung out of the need to make a living using available resources during the Great Depression and a passion for sailing along the Maine Coast. The result was an opportunity for people to enjoy a sailing experience previously available to only the wealthiest yachtsmen.
"Not only is it the 75th Anniversary of Maine Windjammer Cruises, it is also our 25th Anniversary as owners of the company," said Captain Ray Williamson. "Frank Swift had the vision to build a business based on the romance of the sea and the striking beauty of Maine's coast and islands. It's his vision that launched an industry, and we are proud to keep the authentic tradition of Maine Windjammer Cruises alive!"
Today, each trip offers private accommodations, hot showers, homemade meals cooked on a wood stove, barbeques and lobster bakes, spectacular views and plenty of fresh air. Typical stops include island fishing villages, quiet coves, coastal towns and uninhabited islands. No prior sailing experience is required, and assisting the crew is optional.
Pricing and Availability for 2011 Season (per person):
Pre-season: May 20 through June 22: $475.00 for a weekend to $845.00 for a 6-day cruise.
Regular season: June 26 through September 2: $545.00 for a weekend to $845.00 for a 5-day cruise.
Foliage season: September 4 through October 7: $495.00 for a weekend to $795.00 for a 5-day cruise.
: Anyone who has sailed with Maine Windjammer Cruises before is eligible, this season, to pay the same price as their original cruise. (For Example, a passenger that paid $135.00 in 1969 would pay $135.00 this year.)
AIR & SEA PACKAGE: Round-trip airfare from Boston, MA to Rockland, ME via Cape Air includes ground transportation to our dock. Add $150.00.
