Sea birds squawk as a fish hawk wheels overhead.
The blue water parts smartly as the ship's bow thrusts through wind-whipped waves and porpoises play in the foam. The schooner Ellida sails from Rockland. This is the daily dose of reality for thousands of Vacationland visitors who go down to the sea each summer aboard one of Maine's dozen-plus historic sailing schooners. Scenic cruises aboard historic coastal schooners have been attracting Maine visitors for 50 years. Today schooner sojourns are more popular than ever, and the variety of vacation options is increasing.