One of the must do activities when cruising the coast of Maine is enjoy sunset from the deck of a traditional schooner and finding one offering this adventure is not difficult.
Based in Rockport just south of Camden, Heron is family built, owned and operated. Her crew live aboard and home-school their girls, Rachel and Elissa. During summer months Heron sails Penobscot Bay and winters in the Caribbean.
Heron is an Alden 65, a famous and proven design, is fast and comfortable with round the world capabilities, and has sailed over 40,000 sea miles since her launching in 2003.
Both Nigel (Twig) the Captain and and his wife Bonnie are 100 ton USCG licensed captains, having sailed extensively in the Gulf of Maine, trans-Atlantic and the Caribbean, sailing skiffs, schooners and square riggers.
They have been offering tours from Rockport Harbor for more than 15 years.
The Schooner Heron features as “Sanderson’s yacht” in the Johnny Depp film “The Rum Diary” based on the book by Hunter S. Thompson.
The sunset cruise is a great end to a day with the chance to enjoy good food, good company, great sailing and a beautiful sunset. The trip Includes hors d’oeurves, but be sure to take your own beer or wine.
On board while sailing you will learn about the history of Rockport Harbor including:
- Local shipbuilding
- The export of lime and ice
- The history of magical Indian Island Light and it’s decline in the 1930’s.
Enjoy the educational narrative from glaciers forming the bay to the migration of the marine mammals and seabird. With fair wind and tide we will spot the seals on Robinson’s Rock, the birthplace of the famous Andre the seal.
It is the perfect way to see the bay and enjoy the taste of fresh Maine Lobster. See Harbour Seals basking on the ledges at Robinson’s Rocks and simply relax