SAILING A NATIONAL LANDMARK: A JOURNEY ABOARD THE HISTOROIC SCHOONER J&E RIGGIN
By Terri Guthrie
Step aboard the historic Schooner J&E Riggin and trade the ordinary for the timeless. 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—all aboard a genuine national landmark.
Why We Chose This Journey
We weren’t just looking for a vacation—we were chasing something rare. A true adventure. The Schooner J&E Riggin, a nearly 100-year-old vessel, is officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It provides a unique opportunity to sail Maine’s coastline on a truly historic vessel. No cruise ship could compare.
We wanted to feel the rhythm of the sea, to raise sails and drop anchor, to be part of the daily life aboard a wooden boat. From stoking the galley stove to helping hoist canvas sails, every chore became a memory. And the scenery—bold granite shores, spruce-covered islands, and lighthouse-dotted bays—was nothing short of cinematic.
This experience, blending history with adventure, is truly unique to the Maine Windjammer fleet. It’s not just a trip; it’s a return to another place and time. And we’ll carry it with us, long after the sails are furled.
Life Aboard: A Day Shaped by Wind and Tide
Each morning, the scent of the wood-burning stove, salt, and spruce drifts through the air as the schooner glides. Lighthouses blinking from distant points and lobster fishermen checking their traps were both daily sights. Days are unhurried as you determine your pace—reading on deck, knitting, sharing quiet conversations over fresh-baked bagels, or watching the sails catch the light like linen against the sky.
Evenings bring harbor sunsets and dinner aboard that are fit for a king, crafted from local ingredients, often enjoyed in the company of fellow travelers who now feel more like old friends. There’s no strict itinerary, only the rhythm of the tides and the joy of discovering hidden coves together.
Before the adventure begins, the Riggin crew gathers everyone for a safety review and sail prep. Participation is optional, but most guests find joy in the rhythm of the work—hoisting sails, dropping anchor, lending a hand in the galley. It’s not just about sailing; it’s about being part of something timeless, learning by doing, and sharing the journey with kindred spirits.
Wildlife and Discovery
Unfolding like a watercolor painting, our journey across the water revealed 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 seabirds skimmed the surface in elegant arcs. In mid to late summer, whales sometimes grace the journey—finbacks, minkes, and pilot whales surfacing with a kind of ancient grace. Even without puffins or moose, the coast feels wild and alive.
At anchor, the pace softens. Some guests swim or cast a line, while others slip into a small boat for a quiet row or join Captain Justin for a sail on the ketch. On specialty cruises, the experience deepens—live music drifts across the deck, art workshops spark creativity, and cocktail classes add a playful twist. Whether racing in the Great Schooner Race or mingling at the Maine Windjammer Festival, there’s always something new to try. We understand now why some guests, affectionately called “Riggin Relics,” have been sailing on the Riggin repeatedly for over five decades.
Coastal Cuisine: Three Daily Feasts and the Island Lobster Bake
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. From vibrant salads to hearty coastal fare, the menu struck a perfect balance between healthy and indulgent. Dining on deck with ocean views made every bite taste even better.
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. Watch how to eat a lobster:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=5BNiADs3mWqMWlHe&v=zw8DU3CYRJ4&feature=youtu.be
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 these vessels.
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.
Exceptional Hosts
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.
Every Windjammer cruise is its own unfolding story—shaped by wind, tide, and the people aboard. We came for the scenery, the sailing, the escape. But we left with something deeper: new insights, shared laughter, and memories that linger like salt on the skin. The schooner gave us more than a voyage—it gave us connection, wonder, and the quiet joy of being fully present.
We’d do it all again in a heartbeat.
Plan Your Experience:
https://www.schoonerriggin.com/
Terri Guthrie is a travel journalist based in Dallas, Texas. Her syndicated work appears in numerous publications across North America and beyond. She is formerly a broadcast news director for WFTW Vacationland Broadcasting and a radio announcer for Florida’s AP Network News. Her husband, Ron, a retired USAF Fighter Pilot and Commercial International Airline Pilot, globe-trots with Terri as her assistant and videographer. Having visited 50+ countries across all six continents, Terri’s travels focus on cultural immersion, local gastronomy, unique activities, and incredible journeys. She is obsessed with our national parks, historic hotels, and photography. Terri avidly promotes responsible travel experiences. Visit https://travelwithterri.net/
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