From late May through mid-October the Schooner Stephen Taber sets sail from Rockland Harbor on three- to six-day windjammer sailing adventures on the legendary Maine coast. Our guests are treated to an insider's tour of Maine's Penobscot Bay, one of the most acclaimed cruising grounds on Earth, in a comfortable and casual atmosphere that makes it easy to unwind and get to know new friends. Our windjammer cruises are especially renowned for spectacular galley fare which has earned a reputation of its own.

FOOD IS OUR SPECIALTY: All of our meals are prepared on the galley's 1910 vintage woodstove and are guaranteed to hit the spot. Freshly baked breads, homemade stews and chowders, fresh local seafood and Maine blueberry pancakes are all part of life on the Taber. The highlight of each trip is a traditional all-you-can-eat lobster bake with grilled steak and locally made sausage, all cooked and over an open fire and served, weather permitting, on a secluded beach.

As the cook/owner from 1979–2003, Captain Ellen Barnes made the Taber famous for its galley fare, cooking wholesome and tasty New England dishes. Since Captain Noah (Ellen's son) and his wife Jane took over the Taber in 2004, they have built on this tradition, adding such touches as hors d'oeuvres featuring artisan cheeses and cured meats. They delight in sourcing food locally: eggs, vegetables, fish, meat and coffee are all bought from local purveyors. Their intention is to offer the most delicious food without losing the hearty flavors people come to Maine to experience.

The Taber's food has been continuously featured in the media, including The Food Network's Best Of... series and Rachael Ray's Vacations, as well as PBS's Culinary Travels with Dave Eckert. Hailing from New York City, Jane has years of experience working in the wine business and has brought her passion for wine to Maine. The Taber offers special wine cruises each season with tastings led by Jane each night. The Taber also serves wine every night on all trips.
Where are we going, you ask? Answer: where the wind and tide take us. As the Taber has no inboard engine, we have no set itinerary. As the Captain says, "As far as I see it, my job is to make the best of each day. A rousing breakfast, a morning race with another schooner, a downwind run for lunch, tacking through an archipelago to see some wildlife, and beating into a remote harbor for a stroll ashore and a handsome sunset." Some places we may stop along the way are Stonington on Deer Isle, North Haven, Vinalhaven, Mt. Desert Island, or Sorrento, Isle au Haut, dockside at Castine, or one of the countless deserted islands that dot our coast. Wherever we wind up, it is guaranteed to be beautiful.

As we breeze along, you'll see lobstermen hauling and setting traps, colonies of harbor and fur seals sunning themselves and cavorting in the water, and the multitude of waterfowl that make Maine their home. And we're always pleased by the appearance of whales and porpoises.

If you are a seasoned sailor, or want to learn a bit about being one, you are always welcome to help sail the boat. Crew members are ready and eager to teach you about sail handling, steering a course and navigating. If you're the gregarious type, you'll find plenty of group doings to join. If you prefer spending your time in quieter pursuits, you'll relish the peacefulness of shipboard life.

Local

See and Do

• Schooner Stephen Taber Rockland (0.0 miles) - From late May through mid-October the Schooner Stephen Taber sets sail from Rockland Harbor on three...
• Center for Maine Contemporary Art (CMCA) Rockland (1.5 miles) - Located in the heart of downtown Rockland’s burgeoning arts district, the new CMCA opened on June ...
• Avena Botanicals Rockport (2.8 miles) - Avena Botanicals makes herbal remedies using fresh, organic & biodynamic herbs. We believe that thes...
• Camden Harbor Cruises Camden (6.8 miles) - Lobstering and Lighthouse Tours Come join us in the Maine coast for a great experience aboard the lo...
• Swans Island Company Northport (14.7 miles) - Swans Island Company has crafted fine textiles on the Maine coast for 25 years. From our signature h...

Shopping

• Swans Island Company - Northport (14.7 miles) - Swans Island Company has crafted fine textiles on the Maine coast for 25 years. From our signature h...
• Boothbay Baby Rentals - Damariscotta (21.0 miles) - We rent high quality baby gear for your littlest travelers! We rent baby and toddler equipment to th...