Windjammers in Buck's Harbor

You only need to walk the docks in Rockland and Camden to see many of the vessels that comprise the Maine windjammer fleet, but if you want to take in these majestic ships in their natural element there's no better place to pick up a mooring than Bucks Harbor, at the western end of Eggemoggin Reach. This cozy anchorage is an easy day's sail from most of the windjammers' homeports and is therefore a popular destination on either Monday, when many of the ships begin their trips, or Friday, when they're aiming to get home in time for dinner on Saturday. Harbor Island provides just the right amount of protection from the swells rolling up the bay, while the tiny community of South Brooksville offers passengers the chance to stretch their legs and for the kiddies to perhaps buy an ice-cream cone (yes, this is the setting for Robert McCloskey's classic children's book, One Morning in Maine).

Thanks to the popularity of Bucks Harbor, anchoring room has decreased dramatically in recent years, though the windjammers still manage to find a place to drop their massive hooks regardless (often under sail, no less!). Most mariners will do well to call ahead to Buck's Harbor Marine & Charters (207-348-5253) to arrange for a rental mooring for the night. Consider the money you spend to be an admittance fee for the trip back in time you'll take as the tall ships anchor alongside you.