Welcome Aboard!
Step aboard
Surprise and enter the world of Windjammers!
Relax on one of our cushioned seats and get acquainted with your
shipmates. Just before we leave, Capt. Jack or Barbara will give
you a brief introduction to the vessel, her safety equipment,
and the upcoming trip. Then it's secure the lifelines and cast
off the dock lines. As we slowly motor out of Camden's inner harbor,
you will pass the waterfront wharves which often have luxury yachts
from exotic ports tied to them. A look back gives you a view of
Mt. Battie that can only be really appreciated from the water.
Truly magnificent!
Heading Out from Camden
When we
get out of the harbor, Capt. Jack will find a few volunteers to
help raise the sails. No winches here, just block and tackle and
muscle power! As soon as the sails are set, the engine is off
and we let the wind take over. Passing by Curtis Island, you can
get a great photo of the lighthouse which has guarded Camden Harbor
for over 150 years.
Raising Sail The Old Fashioned Way
Curtis Island Light
Once we
are on Penobscot Bay, Surprise will
follow the breeze, perhaps toward Mark Island or Saddle Island,
or maybe along the rocky shore toward Rockport or Lincolnville.
The spacious deck of Surprise allows
lots of room for viewing wildlife and scenery and walking about.
There is comfortable, cushioned seating for every passenger
on board Surprise!
Bound for the Bay
Photo by Holly Anderson
Penobscot Bay
is home to harbor seals, harbor porpoise, occasional minke and
finback whales, and a wide variety of birds including eider ducks,
mallards, common loons, black guillemots (close relatives of the
Atlantic puffin), ospreys, and bald eagles! Although we can never
predict what wildlife we will see today, we're never alone on
the Bay. Of course, there are the overnight windjammers which
ply the waters of the Bay and we often see them with their magnificent
sails set against a background of islands, rocks, ledges, or mountains.
Our area has the largest fleet of traditionally rigged sailing
vessels in active service in the United States, several of which
are over 100 years old! You can also watch lobster fishermen hauling
their traps like they have been doing for centuries.
Another Sighting!
Windjammers Racing
After sharing
some sea stories and history of Surprise,
Capt. Jack will shout "Ready about- hard a'lee" as we
come about for the return trip to Camden. About now Barbara appears
with her basket of fresh fruit and cookies, always much appreciated
by the ship's company. There is always time for photos at the
wheel during the cruise. As we take down sail and head back into
the harbor, you will be brought back to the 21st century with
a feeling that maybe the old quieter days aren't completely gone
after all. We sail three or four times each day, so there's plenty
of time to sail with us as often as you'd like!
Barb serving Ed his cookies
*You are welcome to make a reservation
online via e-mail but we encourage you to wait until you are in
town because all of our trips are dependent on the weather. We
are most conservative in deciding about sailing conditions and
we can always accommodate you. To quote the Major. "We only
sail when conditions are perfect or better." We look forward
to seeing you on board !
Departure Schedule
Beginning May 23, 2009
SUMMER
(July 1 -Sept. 15)
10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5
p.m.
SPRING and FALL
(May, June and Sept. 16 - Oct. 15)
10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m.
All sails are two
hours
We sail with a maximum of 18 passengers.
We take children 12 years of age
and older
All our cruises are non-smoking.
Price
$35 per person
We offer Senior Citizen (65+) and NEA discounts
See us under the umbrella at the Public Landing or call us at
207-236-4687
or e-mail us at
surprise@midcoast.com
Mailing address: PO Box H, Camden, ME 04843
Gift Certificates
make great surprises!