Kick off the summer season with a grand sail parade through picturesque Boothbay Harbor. Majestic windjammers come from up and down the coast to participate in this exciting early-season event. Shoreside activities with tents, music and a fireworks display add to the festive atmosphere. This year marks the 23nd anniversary of the Great Schooner Race, North America's largest annual gathering of tall ships. Many of the windjammers will participate in Friday's Parade of Sail in Rockland Harbor, kicking off a weekend of shoreside activities, including fireworks, live music, craft fair and exhibits, nautical and otherwise.
Passengers have the opportunity to tour all of the vessels.
The fleet gathers in picturesque Camden Harbor for festivities reminiscent of the days when hundreds of coastal schooners lined the waterfront. Festivities include a parade of sail, flag-raising ceremonies, live music, dancing and fireworks. A celebration of the final fall gathering of the fleet takes place in Brooklin, Maine, headquarters of WoodenBoat magazine. Now in its 13th year, this event includes steamed mussels and live music. Crisp, clear air and the first colors of fall foliage make this event truly spectacular and a photographer's dream come true.