Maine
Explore the Coast of Maine Under Sail: Maritime and Natural History
Program No. 8681RJ
Get to know Maine’s rugged coast and idyllic islands as you sail a classic windjammer to historic villages, pristine harbors and an uninhabited island, and see an iconic lighthouse.
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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
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Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Aug 24 - Aug 30, 2025
Starting at
1,549DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Jun 1 - Jun 7, 2025
Starting at
2,749Jun 8 - Jun 14, 2025
Starting at
2,749Aug 24 - Aug 30, 2025
Starting at
2,749Not seeing the date you're looking for?
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
7 days
6 nights
17 meals
6B 5L 6D
1
Board Angelique/Orientation/Dinner
Camden, Maine
2
Sail among the islands in the bays and anchor in a new cove.
Sailing the waters of Penobscot Bay. Anchor in beautiful harbors or off islands of coastal Maine.
3
Sail among the islands in the bays and anchor in a new cove.
Sailing the waters of Penobscot Bay. Anchor in beautiful harbors or off islands of coastal Maine.
4
Sail among the islands in the bays and anchor in a new cove.
Sailing the waters of Penobscot Bay. Anchor in beautiful harbors or off islands of coastal Maine.
5
Island Visit, Intertidal Zone, Lobster History & Dinner
Sailing the waters of Penobscot Bay. Anchor in beautiful harbors or off islands of coastal Maine.
6
Sailing to Penobscot Bay
Sailing the waters of Penobscot Bay. Anchor in beautiful harbors or off islands of coastal Maine.
7
Arrive Camden Harbor, Disembark, Program Concludes
Camden, Maine
At a Glance
Explore Maine’s beautiful coast and its hundreds of islands aboard the 95-foot windjammer “Angelique.” A Maine experience since the 1930s, “windjamming” is unscripted cruising aboard a traditional sailing vessel. “Angelique” is a modern day windjammer made of steel-and-wood that serves as lodge, classroom and serene retreat. Departing from the beautiful town of Camden, “Angelique” drops anchor every evening in a picturesque harbor to let you explore a fishing village, a historic town, a beach, tide pool or an uninhabited island.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Climbing ladders onboard ship, in and out of bunks and in and out of boats; walking on varied terrain; sailing 5-7 hours each day.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Lodge each night aboard the classic English Channel windjammer “Angelique,” in scenic harbors along Maine’s majestic coast.
- Learn about the intriguing history of Castine, site of the worst naval disaster of the American Revolution.
- Explore the wild, unspoiled beauty of an uninhabited Maine island.
General Notes
Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available. Windjammer Angelique, the provider for this program, requires a signed passenger contract from all program participants. This contract will be included in the program preparatory materials participants will receive after enrolling in the program and must be signed, or e-signed, and returned prior to the program’s commencement.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Dennis E. Gallant
Dennis Gallant grew up in the mountains of Maine but fell in love with the ocean when he moved to the coast for college. In 1993, he began work on the Maine windjammers, first on smaller daysailers, then signing on as mate aboard Angelique. He held the position for 10 summers and worked as a boat builder during the winter months. After leaving Angelique, Dennis captained both schooners and yachts on the coast of Maine and beyond, racking up offshore miles on three transatlantic trips.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Dennis E. Gallant
View biography
Dennis Gallant grew up in the mountains of Maine but fell in love with the ocean when he moved to the coast for college. In 1993, he began work on the Maine windjammers, first on smaller daysailers, then signing on as mate aboard Angelique. He held the position for 10 summers and worked as a boat builder during the winter months. After leaving Angelique, Dennis captained both schooners and yachts on the coast of Maine and beyond, racking up offshore miles on three transatlantic trips.
Suggested Reading List
(6 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Explore the Coast of Maine Under Sail: Maritime and Natural History
Program Number: 8681
The Naturalist's Guide to the Atlantic Seashore
A Naturalists Guide to the Atlantic Seashore is the ultimate guide to the diverse eco-systems of the Atlantic Coast from the Gulf of Maine to Cape Hatteras. From the tiniest diatom found in coastal tide pools to the giant baleen whales cruising the vast ocean, the species and habitats that make up the character of the seashore are described in detail for the enjoyment and enlightenment of beachgoers of all stripes. For more than twenty-five years, FalconGuides have set the standard for outdoor guide-books. Written by top experts, each guide invites you to experience the adventure and beauty of the oudoors." Publishers review.
The Fort, A Novel of the Revolutionary War
The Fort is an historical novel written by Bernard Cornwell. The book relates to the events of the Penobscot Expedition of 1779 during the American Revolutionary War.*
* From Wikipedia .org
A Coastal Companion: A Year in the Gulf of Maine, from Cape Cod to Canada
The Lobster Coast: Rebels, Rusticators, and the Struggle for a Forgotten Frontier
COLINWOODARD.COM
"A thorough and engaging history of Maine's rocky coast and
its tough-minded people." -- Boston Herald
"[A] well-researched and well-written cultural and ecological
history of stubborn perseverance" -- USA Today
Down East: A Maritime History of Maine
This book offers an enjoyable, accessible overview of our state’s maritime history, from the geography and ecology that have always shaped life in Maine, to early Native American travel and trade on our waterways, European efforts at settlement that predated the Pilgrims, wars and revolution, burgeoning international trade and shipbuilding, the continuing role of the fisheries, and present-day Maine as vacationland, with pleasure boating and yachting an interesting juxtaposition to the shipping that makes present-day Portland the largest port in New England.
The Secret Life of Lobsters
"A fascinating Story, blending science, politics and history...the writing is vivid."-USA Today The Secret Life of Lobsters is so full of fun and fascination that youll be almost embarrassed to think that for all these years all you ever knew about lobsters was how they taste. ... This book will make you seem a genius at your next summer lawn party.
Carl Safina
Program
At a Glance
Duration
7 days
Program Begins
Camden, Maine
Program Concludes
Camden, Maine
Meals
17
| 6B |
5L |
6D |
Activity Level
Explore Maine’s beautiful coast and its hundreds of islands aboard the 95-foot windjammer “Angelique.” A Maine experience since the 1930s, “windjamming” is unscripted cruising aboard a traditional sailing vessel. “Angelique” is a modern day windjammer made of steel-and-wood that serves as lodge, classroom and serene retreat. Departing from the beautiful town of Camden, “Angelique” drops anchor every evening in a picturesque harbor to let you explore a fishing village, a historic town, a beach, tide pool or an uninhabited island.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Lodge each night aboard the classic English Channel windjammer “Angelique,” in scenic harbors along Maine’s majestic coast.
- Learn about the intriguing history of Castine, site of the worst naval disaster of the American Revolution.
- Explore the wild, unspoiled beauty of an uninhabited Maine island.
General Notes
Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available. Windjammer Angelique, the provider for this program, requires a signed passenger contract from all program participants. This contract will be included in the program preparatory materials participants will receive after enrolling in the program and must be signed, or e-signed, and returned prior to the program’s commencement.
Featured Expert
Dennis E. Gallant
Dennis Gallant grew up in the mountains of Maine but fell in love with the ocean when he moved to the coast for college. In 1993, he began work on the Maine windjammers, first on smaller daysailers, then signing on as mate aboard Angelique. He held the position for 10 summers and worked as a boat builder during the winter months. After leaving Angelique, Dennis captained both schooners and yachts on the coast of Maine and beyond, racking up offshore miles on three transatlantic trips.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Climbing ladders onboard ship, in and out of bunks and in and out of boats; walking on varied terrain; sailing 5-7 hours each day.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(6 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
Year
- 2025
Date
- Jun 01 - Jun 07
- Jun 08 - Jun 14
- Jun 22 - Jun 28
- Aug 24 - Aug 30
- Sep 14 - Sep 20
- Sep 21 - Sep 27
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
- 2025
- Jun 01 - Jun 07
- Jun 08 - Jun 14
- Jun 22 - Jun 28
- Aug 24 - Aug 30
- Sep 14 - Sep 20
- Sep 21 - Sep 27
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
7 days
6 nights
What's Included
17 meals | 6B | 5L | 6D |
9 expert-led lectures
6 expert-led field trips
12 hands-on experiences
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
6 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Board Angelique/Orientation/Dinner
Location:
Camden, Maine
Meals:
D
Stay:
Windjammer Angelique
Activity Note
Board Ketch Angelique between 3:00-5:00 p.m. Do not try to board before 3:00 p.m. or bring luggage to the boat early. Crew members will provide directions for drivers to park cars once aboard.
Afternoon:
Program Registration. Once you check in with program staff, you will be shown to your cabin and given time to settle in. Fresh linens will be provided to make your bed. Program staff and a white board on deck will inform you of the time of the Orientation session. If you arrive late and miss the Orientation session, one of the program staff will provide the information you need to know. Orientation: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to applicable COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. We will have a hands-on safety drill. As we go, Road Scholars will have opportunities to take part in team efforts of raising and lowering sails, rowing ashore, walking when ashore, and possibly taking a turn at the helm, if conditions allow. Please note: The island exploration and lobster bake will take place when the captain determines conditions are best and may be on a different day than shown in the schedule. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for you
Dinner:
at a local restaurant.
Evening:
We will have a presentation on windjamming and our cruising grounds. The remainder of the evening will be free. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Sail among the islands in the bays and anchor in a new cove.
Location:
Sailing the waters of Penobscot Bay. Anchor in beautiful harbors or off islands of coastal Maine.
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Windjammer Angelique
Activity Note
Team effort of raising and lowering sails, rowing ashore, walking when ashore, and possibly taking a turn at the helm, if conditions allow.
Breakfast:
Aboard the Angelique
Morning:
We will prepare to get underway, drop mooring lines, get underway to the outer harbor, sail setting orientation, raise and trim sails. The crew will prepare to get underway and maneuver the boat out of the harbor. They will also explain boat terminology and how to haul on lines. Road Scholars can help haul the small boats in preparation for field trips and will help haul the lines to raise the sails for sailing.
Lunch:
Aboard the Angelique
Afternoon:
We will have a session on the Ketch Angelique, vessel orientation, history, rigging, wildlife identification, and binocular tips. We’ll also learn about the lifestyle, industry, and history of modern island living. The crew will instruct on how we lower and stow the sails when anchored for the night with the participation of Road Scholars. We’ll then hop into a rowboat and row ashore for a self-directed field trip through a village or on walking trails in a park. We’ll row back to the Angelique for dinner.
Dinner:
Aboard the Angelique
Evening:
We’ll gather for a review of the day’s sail, chart discussion, and answer questions with the captain and crew. We’ll also have a talk on a topic relating to the coast of Maine. Enjoy time with fellow Road Scholars, play board games in the messroom, read, or just relax.
Day
3
Sail among the islands in the bays and anchor in a new cove.
Location:
Sailing the waters of Penobscot Bay. Anchor in beautiful harbors or off islands of coastal Maine.
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Windjammer Angelique
Activity Note
Team effort of raising and lowering sails, rowing ashore, walking when ashore, and possibly taking a turn at the helm, if conditions allow.
Breakfast:
Aboard the Angelique
Morning:
Set sail and head down east. While underway, our instructors will point out wildlife and other notable sights. See lighthouses.
Lunch:
Aboard the Angelique
Afternoon:
We'll find a snug anchorage, then rowing ashore, we’ll go on a self-directed field trip through a village or on walking trails in a park. We’ll row back to the Angelique for dinner.
Dinner:
Aboard the Angelique
Evening:
Overview of the days sail and vessel with captain and crew, questions, chart discussion. Naturalist or historian talk on a variety of topics relating to the coast of Maine. Free time to read, relax, enjoy shipmates, and play board games in the messroom.
Day
4
Sail among the islands in the bays and anchor in a new cove.
Location:
Sailing the waters of Penobscot Bay. Anchor in beautiful harbors or off islands of coastal Maine.
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Windjammer Angelique
Activity Note
Team effort of raising and lowering sails, rowing ashore, walking when ashore, and possibly taking a turn at the helm, if conditions allow.
Breakfast:
Aboard the Angelique
Morning:
After a leisurely morning, we'll set sail for more sightseeing and learning about the Maine coast from the naturalist and historian. Road Scholars will help raise the sails.
Lunch:
Aboard the Angelique
Afternoon:
While underway, we’ll focus on bird and seal watching. We’ll also anchor in a new harbor and row ashore for another self-directed field trip through a village or on walking trails in a park.
Dinner:
Aboard the Angelique
Evening:
We’ll gather for a review of the day’s sail, chart discussion, and answer questions with the captain and crew. We’ll also have a talk on a topic relating to the coast of Maine. Enjoy time with fellow Road Scholars, play board games in the messroom, read, or just relax.
Day
5
Island Visit, Intertidal Zone, Lobster History & Dinner
Location:
Sailing the waters of Penobscot Bay. Anchor in beautiful harbors or off islands of coastal Maine.
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Windjammer Angelique
Activity Note
Team effort of raising and lowering sails, rowing ashore, walking when ashore, and possibly taking a turn at the helm, if conditions allow. Please note: The island exploration and lobster bake will take place when the captain determines conditions are best and may be on a different day.
Breakfast:
Aboard the Angelique
Morning:
Getting underway, we’ll set sail for an island exploration. Discussion of lobsters, intertidal zone, and island ecology.
Lunch:
On the deserted island, the crew will cook up a traditional lobster bake with all the sides and fixings, and — for novices — give instructions on how to effectively crack open a lobster. We will also have an opportunity to hike/beachcomb independently.
Afternoon:
Getting underway again, sailing, and dropping anchor in a new cove. Have an overview of the days sail with captain and crew, questions, chart discussion. Free time to relax, read, converse with fellow Road Scholars.
Dinner:
Aboard Angelique
Evening:
We’ll gather for a talk about topics related to the program such as birds, island ecology, weather, geology, etc. Enjoy time with fellow Road Scholars, play board games in the messroom, read, or just relax.
Day
6
Sailing to Penobscot Bay
Location:
Sailing the waters of Penobscot Bay. Anchor in beautiful harbors or off islands of coastal Maine.
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Windjammer Angelique
Activity Note
Team effort of raising and lowering sails, rowing ashore, walking when ashore, and possibly taking a turn at the helm, if conditions allow.
Breakfast:
Aboard the Angelique
Morning:
We’ll have a leisurely morning with coffee and pastries on deck. Then, row ashore for a self-guided excursion of a small village, nature path, or island. Get underway and head towards Penobscot Bay.
Lunch:
Aboard the Angelique
Afternoon:
We will sail into our final anchorage of the cruise. Overview of the days sail and vessel with captain and crew, questions, chart discussion.
Dinner:
Aboard the Angelique. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
Movie night! It will be a documentary about sailing ships and the sea, of course, with commentary before and after. Then enjoy time with fellow Road Scholars, play board games in the messroom, read, or just relax. Prepare for disembarkation and departure in the morning.
Day
7
Arrive Camden Harbor, Disembark, Program Concludes
Location:
Camden, Maine
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Team effort of raising and lowering sails. Disembarkation approximately 10-10:30am.
Breakfast:
Aboard the Angelique
Morning:
Sailing into Camden, we will dock and disembark the Angelique once she is dockside. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
17 Meals
6 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
6 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
- Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025
- Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025
- Jun 22, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025
- Aug 24, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025
- Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025
- Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 19 Reviews
Sort By:
Spent a wonderful week with Dennis and crew ! Glad I brought sweaters and hat because nights were cool especially with hatches having to be left open for ventilation. Would definitely go again !
— Review left October 10, 2024
Crew, cuisine, sites, new experiences. A splendid trip.
— Review left October 6, 2024
This was a wonderful sailing adventure that I experienced with three long time friends! Owner/Captain Dennis and his entire crew were very professional, extremely knowledgeable, and friendly!! The maritime and natural history speakers were informative and enthusiastic! An added bonus was the food as the cook created daily gourmet meals and on-board baked breads and delicious desserts!
The program exceeded all expectations!!!
— Review left October 1, 2024
Outstanding adventure! BETTER BE IN GOOD SHAPE PHYSICALLY
— Review left September 24, 2024
Excellent program on the Angelique with Road Scholar!
— Review left September 13, 2024
This program is fantastic!
— Review left September 4, 2024
Sailing the breathtakingly beautiful coast of Maine on the Angelique with the expert and friendly Captain Dennis and his crew, is an experience unlike any other. I found it to be both relaxing and adventurous. The educational component deepened our ties to the sea and the food onboard was outstanding.
— Review left June 30, 2024
This is a great Windjammer sailing trip. The coast of Maine is spectacular and the crew were fantastic, food excellent and the captain stellar.
— Review left June 17, 2024
This was a trip I looked forward to for several months and I was not disappointed . It was also my first RS adventure. It is a five star trip. I was fascinated about all the work it takes to keep a windjammer going. Dennis and the crew were the best. The guests were congenial and fun. It didn't take long for us to feel comfortable with each other and share lots of laughs. James and Dan were informative and with good humor. They provided us with history and information that we would not have had if we toured the coast on our own. The weather was cloudy and some fog, but it did not dampen my trip in the least. The food was delicious and plentiful...from my waist line maybe too plentiful!
I have one other thing to add. My traveling mate fell the afternoon of the next to the last day and broke her hip. Dennis and his spouse were sooooo helpful in getting her off the boat and giving me guidance about where to take her to an ER. She was transferred to Belfast, ME hospital for surgery and re-hab. No one wants to end a wonderful trip in this manner, but if you are a bit worried about the medical care available on the coast of Maine, put your concerns aside. My friend ld not have been in a better facility as well as an excellent surgeon.
So, bottom line... do not hesitate to sign up for a trip on the Angelique with Capt. Dennis and crew.
Mary A May
Class of 2023
Rose Bud, AR
— Review left July 13, 2023
This was the trip of a life time for me as it has been on my bucket list for a number of years. The food, the people, the adventure were all perfect - thanks Dennis for a job well done.
— Review left July 11, 2023
What an amazing week! Despite the weather, Dennis, Jasmine, Felicity, Lizzie, Bradley, Amanda, and Michael made the week one truly to remember. They worked tirelessly to share both their love for sailing and service to make our trip amazing. What a privilege to sail with them! Would go back in a heartbeat!
— Review left July 2, 2023
The week (6 nights) that I spent on the Angelique was a unique and very enjoyable experience. The Penobscot Bay area is stunning, and it was a pleasure to be able to see it from the water. I enjoyed the opportunity to visit some remote and interesting spots that I might not have otherwise been aware of or been able to get to on my own. The food was beyond compare, and the welcoming crew and Captain made it a wonderful trip. The quarters are cozy but comfortable, and you have everything you need. Just remember to bring some layers so you’re prepared for the weather, especially in June!
— Review left June 27, 2023
This was a delightful adventure with Road Scholar on a Windjammer no less!
Sailors on these ships are committed to the preservation of this travel as it does give one a sense of enjoyment on the water. Our Owner/Captain is a lifetime "on a boat guy." He inspires his crew and passengers throughout the trip.
Our "narrator" was a well educated lady from Savannah and Rhode Island who has worked on ships over 30 years, so tuned to the information the "passenger crew" was looking for/expected.
The visits to the small Maine coastal towns/villages was educational and welcomed every day. A highlight was a steam lobster lunch on a beach one day.....and every meal was welcomed as very good.
Thank you Road Scholar for the organizing of this trip for your clients. We certainly enjoyed ourselves....and as always met "new friends."
— Review left September 27, 2019
Great experience. I had never sailed before, this was perfect for learning and experiencing sailing, both the modern aspects as well as the history. Great way to see, experience coastal Maine. Relaxing, too, just as cruising is supposed to be.
— Review left July 9, 2019
Wonderful experience! It exceeded by expectations.
I would like to mention the sleeping quarters are small so those that have trouble climbing or larger framed would not be very comfortable. It was not an issue for me.
I will repeat this trip!
— Review left June 27, 2019
What a unique experience! Road Scholar participants are always fun to spend time with!
— Review left June 19, 2019
Like the info on the website. The only "tweak" could be that you kept sending us notification that we had to fill out the preliminary forms even after we had done so. No big deal, but it was not real clear on the site what the "green checkmark" meant--were we good to go? No biggie here, and the website is well laid out etc. Well done!
— Review left June 17, 2019
https://sixdecadesandcounting.blogspot.com/2019/06/angelique-me-21-other-folks.html
— Review left June 10, 2019
Great cruise, very different from anything previously experienced. My observations can be found here:
https://sixdecadesandcounting.blogspot.com/2019/06/angelique-me-21-other-folks.html
— Review left June 10, 2019
