Maine Windjammer J. & E. Riggin Adventure
By Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
The nickname for Maine is “Vacationland” and with good reason. In Maine, there are many places to explore and discover. Life in Maine moves at a simpler pace, and if you love the sea, sailing on a windjammer along the northeast coast is a very special experience.
Maine is the keeper of a world renown sailing tradition. The majestic windjammer sailing vessels, many a part of the Maine Windjammer Association, are a living museum from a bygone era. They’re a piece of history where you can be part of a fully functioning sailing vessel, not just admire it from behind velvet ropes.
As soon a I stepped aboard with my wife Cathy, we knew what made the Maine Windjammer J. & E. Riggin schooner so special.
RELATED: Read Heidi’s Review of her Maine Windjammer cruise HERE!
The History of the Maine Windjammer J. & E. Riggin
Originally built back in 1927 as an oyster schooner, the J. & E. Riggin is a sleek craft. With 4,000 square feet of sail powering this 120-foot vessel, it easily won the Oyster Dredger Race in 1929. Over the years, the J. & E. Riggin switched hands a few times before being converted to a passenger vessel in 1977.
J. & E. Riggin. * Photo: Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
A special honor was bestowed in 1991 when the National Park Service designated the J. & E. Riggin as a National Historic Landmark.
The most recent stewards are Captains Jon Finger & Anne (Annie) Mahle who have lovingly cared for the J. & E. Riggin since 1997.
The majestic Maine Windjammer J. & E. Riggin. * Photo: Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
Why is the Maine Windjammer J. & E. Riggin so Special?
While being a National Historic Landmark should be enough to make the J. & E. Riggin a standout schooner in Maine, we found there is a lot more that goes into what makes this cruise special. It all begins on the docks in Rockland, Maine.
The Maine Windjammer J. & E. Riggin is a National Historic Landmark. * Photo: Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
As we walk out to this impressive vessel, it felt like we were going back in time. It seemed to us that the world immediately felt a little less hectic and life seemed to get a little simpler.
This isn’t a replica ship made to look historic, this is an original piece of art meticulously maintained right down to its early 1900’s fixtures that complete the classic look and feel.
Climbing below deck, we found a similarly fashioned cabin. Except for the inclusions of a sink and electric lighting in the cabin, furnishings are quaint, comfortable and all in keeping with the look and feel of the rest of the vessel.
The Crew
Another part of the experiences we found unique to a windjammer cruise is the feeling you are a part of the crew.
The special crew of the Maine Windjammer J. & E. Riggin. * Photo: Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
We could be a part of almost every activity if we desired. Have you ever had a desire to feel what it was like to sail “back in the day”? If so, then this is your fantasy come true.
Physical participation is not required, but we found contributing to helping the schooner set sail and raise anchor to be truly unique and memorable.
We really appreciated the wonderful crew of J. & E. Riggin. They were extremely experienced sailors, are we also found them quite entertaining.
The experienced crew works the rigging. * Photo: Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
Between the playful competitions the crew organized for teams of people raising parts of the enormous sails, or humorous chants and cheers while teams lift the anchor, we thought the crew was a major part of the fun.
Passengers can pitch in. * Photo: Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
The Cabins
The Riggin has 11 cabins.
Being a tall person (6’5”), I did bump my head a couple of times navigating the small cabins. Each cabin has a sink with cold running water, overhead and reading light next to each berth, and a USB port. Every private cabin also had a window that provided light and could be opened for fresh air.
Our Cabin…Watch Your Head. * Photo: Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
Shared well-ventilated toilets (“heads”) were cleaned three times a day, and are located above deck.
Coming out of our cabin. * Photo: Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
Unique Way To Enjoy The Coast of Maine
Maine is a beautiful state to visit and the scenic coastline is one of its best features.
One of many lighthouses seen on the coast of Maine. * Photo: Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
A curious seal watching us. * Photo: Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
The relatively calm waters around Maine offered a relaxing voyage by sea. For easily motion sick people like us, the smooth cruising Maine Windjammer J. & E. Riggin was a welcomed surprise.
We learned that the windjammers are perfectly designed for the waters around Maine.
During sunset and sunrise, we looked out at the calm water smooth as glass.
Enjoying a morning coffee on deck. * Photo: Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
Relaxing on deck at the end of the day. * Photo: Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
Appreciating the Smooth Sailing
Speaking of glass, be sure to bring some wine or other spirits to enjoy. Alcohol is not served on the J. & E. Riggin, but can be brought on board.
I personally loved the idea of catching the fading rays of sun while enjoying a nice glass of wine to provide a magical moment to highlight our vacation.
Perfect sunset aboard the J. & E. Riggin. * Photo: Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
Maine Lobster Bake
A trip to Maine isn’t complete without trying the lobster. I’ve had lobster in different parts of the world, but there is no comparison to Maine lobster. Our itinerary featured a lobster bake.
We cannot recommend this feast enough. If this is your first lobster bake, then you are in for a special treat.
Captain and his daughter shuttling people to the Island. * Photo: Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
While we explored the island, the crew was hard at work preparing the feast.
Exploring the island. * Photo: Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
The lobster bake was the highlight of the trip. * Photo: Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
The food was amazing and seemed to be never-ending. We were treated to freshly caught lobster in larger supply than we could have imagined, plus corn on the cob, side dishes…and then some more lobster!
Lobster! * Photo: Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
Despite all the food, we did manage to save room for dessert.
A feast! * Photo: Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
The crew provided the fixings for quite an elaborate s’more station with marshmallows, chocolate bars, waffle cones, and plenty of other goodies to pile on top.
S’mores fixings. * Photo: Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
But the best dessert, was an amazingly “sweet” sunset. WOW.
Sunsets like this are hard to beat. * Photo: Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
Gourmet Food at Sea
Even though the lobster bake was undoubtedly a highlight of the trip, it was far from being the only memorable meal.
Lobster and duck egg pasta carbonara. * Photo: Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
Aboard the J. & E. Riggin, we were spoiled rotten by the culinary skills of Co-Captain Anne (Annie) Mahle.
Daily pre-breakfast snacks like these homemade rum currant and cinnamon muffins. * Photo: Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
Amazing breakfasts included homemade granola and Espresso and cinnamon syrup pancakes. * Photo: Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
Oysters with delicious sauces to add. * Photo: Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
We learned that Annie studied at the Culinary Institute of America, has over 30 years of professional cooking experience, and studied three of those years under an acclaimed Swiss chef. Every meal included the freshest ingredients, sourced locally — some even in Chef Annie own garden.
The variety of dishes and quality of the food rivaled anything we had in a top restaurant.
This was impressive enough, but what blew us away is that Chef Annie creates it all in a 6×6 galley with a wood burning stove. Yes, I said wood burning!
Galley and below deck eating area. * Photo: Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
Live Entertainment
We just didn’t have dinner. We had dinner and a show! Besides the crew aboard the J. & E. Riggin being sailors, they were also entertainers.
Capt. John entertaining the passengers on guitar. * Photo: Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
Capt. Jon on occasions would bring out his guitar to play for the passengers while Co-Captain Annie would sing. Not to be outdone, their children often accompanied them with their voices. They knew a large catalog of sea shanties and slipped in some contemporary artist songs from time to time.
We really appreciated the extra mile the crew went through to both entertain and to keep the whole experience consistent with the turn-of-the-century vibe.
Disconnect and enjoy the view. * Photo: Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
Enjoying the Experience
While on the J. & E. Riggin, we were encouraged to “disconnect” from electronic devices and enjoy the view.
Despite the initial panic we felt inside, not constantly looking at our phones let us see the beauty of the seacoast all around without interruption. This also gave us the chance to socialize.
Because we weren’t being overcrowded or drowned out by other noises, it was possible to have meaningful engaging conversations.
It’s All About Tradition
Probably the most unique thing we found about sailing on the Maine Windjammer J. & E. Riggin was the “traditions.”
Silhouette of the J. & E. Riggin at sunset. * Photo: Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
Now when I say tradition, there are two meanings. First, tradition meant family tradition — Captains Jon and Annie have taken care of this Maine windjammer for over 20 years. The children are crew members and have grown up on the schooner. The love they had of sharing their windjammer with passengers was evident.
The second meaning of tradition concerned the passengers. More than half the passengers on the windjammer had been on the J. & E. Riggin before in the past. Some of them had been on a few times earning themselves a “Riggin Relic” patch, a distinction of passengers who have been on three or more times.
During our trip, we met a couple that had been on 37 times! That is right, 37 times.
Perfect sunrises like this would make me come back again and again. * Photo: Frank Parrott of RoarLoud
They had so much sailing experience on the J. & E. Riggin, we mistook them for part of the crew. We asked them why they had been on so many times, their answer was, “Well we just love it. It has become a tradition for us that we just love to keep coming back.”
This more than anything else was a testament to what made this Maine windjammer schooner so special.
Maine Windjammer J. & E. Riggin — Quick Facts
Itineraries & Fares
The cruise season lasts from May to October with many themed cruises such as the “Lighthouses & Lobsters,” “Fall Colors” and “Perseid Meteor Shower” cruise, and many more. Most cruises are available as 3-, 4-, or 6-day getaways.
Things to Note
- Sink with cold running water in each cabin
- Cabin windows open for fresh air and natural light
- Reading light over each bunk
- Must be able to navigate a ladder and stairs
- Toilets (“heads”) are located above deck
- Hot freshwater shower available
- It’s a non-smoking vessel
- There is a $20 per vehicle parking fee (covers the length of your trip)
- Gratuity is not included
- A Ship Store is available on board
- Alcohol is not included however you are welcome to bring it with you
- Bring solar battery chargers for your phone or other electronics; the only source of power is in your cabin
Weather – Weather in New England is unpredictable with temps anywhere from 50F to high 70sF. Bring sunblock for bright sun on deck and warm clothes for the nights.
Why Go? – We found the whole experience truly unique and a more relaxing way to cruise.
Caveats – Tall people be careful navigating your cabin. The “heads” on the windjammer were suction pump toilets that required some getting used to.
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HEIDI SARNA
