The Schooner Mary Day is . . .
- One of Maine's oldest windjammer firms - established in 1950.
- First schooner to be built with passengers comfort and safety in mind.
- Perennial winner, Great Schooner Race: a very fast schooner.
- U.S. Coast Guard inspected and certificated.
- Widely experienced captains are licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard and the State of Maine. Barry is also a Registered Maine Guide.
- Cabins have opening skylights and windows, fresh water, crisp sheets, towels, warm Knox woolen blankets.
- Maximum headroom, light and air in all cabins.
- Hot, fresh-water showers on deck.
- Fireplace & parlor organ in the main saloon.
- Open, uncluttered decks for sunning & relaxing.
- Member, Maine Windjammer Association.
Where We Go
Every Monday morning we set sail from Camden for a week of poking about among the bays and islands of mid-coast Maine . The region's many offshore islands and inside passages offer a wonderful variety of adventures as well as the choice of sailing in the shelter of the islands or on the broad ocean, depending on weather and sea conditions. We make every effort to stay off the beaten path, visiting islands and out of the way places on the mainland. We do our best to get off the boat to explore ashore each day. To a great extent, our itinerary is determined by the wind - it takes us where it's blowing but we always anchor for the night in a snug harbor, whether at an offshore island, salty downeast village, or larger seaside resort. We return to Camden on Saturday before noon.
What to Expect
Peace
and quiet.
The Mary Day offers one of the most relaxing vacations you'll ever enjoy.
With 4500 square feet of sail moving us along, this is truly noiseless transportation.
When the winds fail, we get a nudge from our trusty yawl boat carried on the
stern.
Informal camaraderie.
When we welcome you aboard, we feel as though we're welcoming you to our family for a while. With lots of time to chat and get to know each other, we find that friendships afloat develop much faster than on land. No wonder passengers who meet on the Mary Day often schedule reunions on board the following year.
Simple pleasures.
Your days will be spent savoring the beauty of the passing scenery; reading a good, thick paperback; helping tend the sails, learning a bit of coastwise navigation, or even taking a turn at the wheel; and simply reveling in the rest and relaxation. Once we have arrived at our new anchorage, there's time to explore. Poke about with one of our peapod rowing boats, go for a run or hike along the shore, take an invigorating swim. After a hearty dinner, we often gather by the fire for a bit of homemade music. Before you retire, you'll want to go on deck and pick out the Big Dipper from the canopy of stars overhead.
Great food.
The combination of sun, salt air, and sailing brings on hearty appetites in even the lightest eaters. Having witnessed this phenomenon for years, we're well prepared to handle it. Our galley serves generous helpings of such old-fashioned favorites as New England boiled dinner, roast beef with all the trimmings, pancakes, muffins, savory chowders and soups, and even hand-cranked ice cream. We have a traditional lobster bake ashore on every six day cruise. All of our breads and desserts, including cakes, brownies, chocolate chip cookies, and pies brimming with fresh fruits, come straight from the woodstove.
What to Bring
We urge you to use soft luggage that is easily stowed. Pack comfortable clothes: slacks, shorts, rubber-soled shoes, a rain slicker. It may be hot when you leave home, but there will be times when you'll be glad you brought a sweater and other layers of warm clothes. Bring a swimsuit, too, for sunning on deck or swimming when we're anchored. If you play a musical instrument, please bring it. Bring your camera, of course, perhaps binoculars, and a sketch book or journal for your creative inspirations.
How to Come Sailing With Us
As we accommodate just 29 passengers each week - many of them repeat guests - please reserve your space early. A deposit is required; the balance is due at least six weeks before your cruise. If you must cancel, we will refund your deposit if you notify us at least six weeks before your sailing date, or if we can refill the space. All meals, from Monday breakfast through Saturday brunch, are included. There are no extras. Call our 800 number for complete reservation information.
For everyone's comfort, we have a few simple rules. Excessive drinking is strictly forbidden. We ask you to retire at a reasonable hour. Smoking is permitted only on deck. Radios may be played only with earphones. And we must set the minimum age at fifteen.
Meeting the Boat in Camden
Start your vacation the moment you arrive. A jewel of a harbor town, Camden is set between the mountains and the sea. Many of our passengers plan time before or after their cruise to explore its multitude of appealing shops, galleries, and restaurants.
The Mary Day docks at the head of the harbor adjacent to Atlantic Avenue and its beautiful park, waterfall, and amphitheatre. You are welcome to board on Sunday after 6 p.m. and spend the night on board. If you won't be arriving until Monday morning, please plan to be here by 8 a.m. for breakfast. We leave at about 10 o'clock.
How to Get to Camden
Camden is about a two-hour drive from Portland, and four from Boston. You may fly to Bangor International Airport, an hour and a half away; Portland International Jetport, about two hours away; or a small airport about ten miles away in Rockland. Car rentals or limos are available at all three airports.
We provide parking in a safe lot nearby.