Step aboard the historic Schooner J&E Riggin and leave the world behind. This all-inclusive sailing adventure, ranging from 3 to 6 nights, begins in Rockland, Maine, and unfolds along the rugged coastline of Penobscot Bay. For couples, families or solo travelers, it’s a chance to trade schedules for sea breezes, and screens for starlight.

 

 

We weren’t just looking for a vacation — we were chasing something rare. A true adventure. The Schooner J&E Riggin, a national landmark nearly 100 years old, provides an opportunity to sail Maine’s coastline on a historic vessel.  No cruise ship could compare.

 

 

 

Each morning was greeted with the scent of the wood-burning stove, salt air, and spruce trees as the schooner glided around islands. Lighthouses blinking from distant points and lobster fishermen checking their traps were both daily sights to see. Days are unhurried as you determine your pace — reading on deck, photography, sharing quiet conversations over fresh-baked bagels, watching the sails catch the light like linen against the sky. There’s no set itinerary, only the rhythm of the tides and the joy of discovering hidden coves together.

 

 Every meal aboard the J. & E. Riggin—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—was a visual and culinary delight. Crafted by Chef Jocelyn and her talented crew, each dish was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The menu struck a perfect balance between healthy and indulgent.  Dining on deck with ocean views made every bite taste even better.

 Our Days At Sea

Unfolding like a watercolor painting — as we glided across the water, we saw spruce-lined shores, seaside villages and the quiet thrill of discovery. Each hour is shaped by the wind and tide, offering uninterrupted views of Maine’s legendary coastline.

 

We spotted harbor seals lounging on sun-warmed rocks, porpoises dancing in our wake, and osprey wheeling overhead. Bald eagles perched like sentinels in the pines, and sea birds skimmed the surface in elegant arcs. In mid to late summer, whales sometimes grace the journey. Each sighting was a reminder of how rich and untamed this corner of the world remains.

 

 Rafted in Tradition: A Night at the Wooden Boat Rendezvous

 

The Wooden Boat Rendezvous is an annual celebration of Maine’s wooden windjammers —it’s a living tribute to craftsmanship, community, and the enduring beauty of wooden boats. This gathering has drawn boat lovers from near and far, each vessel a floating story.

 

Rafting up overnight with a flotilla of nine classic wooden windjammer boats, their varnished hulls glowing in the twilight, was a highlight. We wandered from deck to deck, admiring the artistry and swapping stories with fellow guests. As the stars emerged, sea shanties echoed across the water—voices rising in harmony, laughter spilling into the night. It was a moment suspended in time, where history met camaraderie and the spirit of Maine’s maritime legacy came alive. A memory we will treasure forever.

 

 

Our voyage aboard the historic schooner J. & E. Riggin was a feast for the senses. We dined alfresco on deck—breakfast, lunch, and dinner served with sweeping views of Maine’s rugged coastline. Chef Jocelyn, whose meals were as heartfelt as they were flavorful, brought coastal cuisine to life.

 

A traditional Maine lobster bake on an uninhabited island at sunset was one of our favorite activities. With the schooner anchored in the background, we watched as lobsters were boiled in seawater and blanketed with seaweed gathered from the shore—a method the Riggin has honored for over 60 years. It was more than a meal—it was a quintessential Maine experience, wrapped in natural beauty and culinary tradition.

 

Captains Justin and Jocelyn, the husband-and-wife team behind the 1927 wooden schooner J. & E. Riggin and their hard-working crew, were nothing short of extraordinary. As co-captains and gracious hosts, they infused every moment with warmth, expertise, and a deep love for the sea. Their seamless teamwork and storytelling brought the schooner’s rich history to life, while their hospitality made us feel like part of the Riggin family. From navigating Maine’s coastal waters to sharing meals and laughter on deck, they made our voyage unforgettable.

 

 

 

 

If you'd like information about becoming a preferred partner with Stroll Forrestridge please reach out to Telese Gray at telese.gray@n2co.com.