Mid-September is a glorious time to cruise the Maine coast, and the region from
Camden to Mt. Desert is the best. September should be after the fog, but there
is a chance of blustery weather - I've had a few post-Labor Day nor'easters, and
there is the possibility of a hurricane remnant. However, the waters are pretty
protected there and there's a great refuge every 5 miles. One huge advantage -
it will be post tourist season so everything will be a lot less crowded.

Mystic is a good day's time - more if you like to do everything and chat with
the craftsmen. Also, there's a aquarium nearby, Foxwood's Casino, and plenty of
antique shops.

"Glenn Ashmore" wrote in message
news:AlW7c.228$pM.99@lakeread04...
I have not done a Windjammer cruise but have non-sailing friends who
have done Caribbean Windjammer trips and loved it. Can't be to bouncy as
these folks tale a Dramamine to lay on a pool float. It seems more like
a regular cruise ship but with the option of pulling on ropes. I think
it would be really frustrating for an experienced sailor used to gunk
holing in his own boat.

There are a few smaller reproduction and restored boats in maine that
carry small guest crews. I think you would get a lot more participation
in the actual sailing but some of them are strict traditionalist programs.

If you are into boatbuilding or sailing history, Mystic Museum is
definitely worth a good day of exploration. Maybe two.

Mark Borgerson wrote:

In the past, I've always dragged the family along on
cruises aboard chartered boats in the San Juans
and Gulf Islands. It's getting harder to talk them
into that as various interests diverge. I'm considering
a 4 or 7 day Maine windjammer cruise in September to
get my sailing fix after the kids get back into school.
This would be a side trip from a business trip from
Oregon back to New England (which makes for tax deductible
travel, since I'm self employed---the air travel would
be deductible, but not the windjammer cruise.)

Does anyone have any experience with these cruises? Will
I enjoy the sailing, or will it be just a bouncy motel room
with a really small window?

Is mid September a good time for sailing in the area
around Mt. Desert Island?

Secondary question: Does anyone have any recent experience
with the Mystic Seaport museum in Connecticut? A few days
there are a second choice if the windjammer cruise doesn't
work out.

Mark Borgerson


--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
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