Schooner Grace Bailey

We just returned from our first windjammer cruise after four days onboard the Grace Bailey. The entire experience was just amazing! Captain Sam was the best host and ran the schooner with great skill and ability. The very tiny ship’s galley was manned by Chef Ian and Tanya who consistently worked their magic and brought up just amazing meals over and over again. Plan on gaining some weight and you’ll be fine. The rest of the all female deck crew worked with Sam perfectly and made the operation of the ship look so easy. We only had to sit and watch the beautiful Maine coast pass by at a leisurely pace while spotting porpoises, bald eagles, loons and seals. And wait for the next ringing of the bell by Chef Ian before announcing the next meal! Cruising on the Grace Bailey is like nautical glamping on Penobscot Bay. No two cruises are the same, except for the excellently presented lobster bake you’ll have on a beautiful beach. Thank you to all the crew for a wonderful experience!!

Outstanding! No better way to see the Maine coast! The knowledge of the windjammer industry and Maine history from Captain Sam, the efficiency of his crew, and the culinary expertise of Chef Ian made for a fascinating trip. Highlighted with a traditional lobster bake on a secluded island beach and a grand finale day at Camden harbor will provide memories for a lifetime. Cheers to The Grace Bailey 🎉

Sailing on the Grace Bailey was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This beautifully preserved heritage schooner delivered an unforgettable adventure—gliding swiftly under full sail, powered only by the wind. The crew was incredibly hardworking, super nice, and such a fun group to sail with. From dockside gatherings with live music to exploring charming coastal towns and enjoying a lobster picnic, every moment was special. The chef’s meals were top-shelf. A perfect blend of history, beauty, and joy on the Penobscot Bay.

Where to start, the crew is amazing, chef Ian and team created 3 culinary delights a day, highlight was the lobster bake on the beach . The coast of Maine is to be seen from the deck of a schooner. At night the deck is lit by lantern and is magical. This was our second sail with Capt. Sam and not our last.

A Zen experience. Intriguing, relaxing, informative and enjoyable. Weather was perfect so that added to the ambiance. Capable, friendly crew, knowledgeable captain, exceptional food.

Absolutely a great time. The food was amazing. The crew is a well oiled machine. It was amazing to step back in time to a true sailing ship. Absolutely plan on coming back.

We just got back from a 3 night windjammer cruise aboard the Schooner Grace Bailey and HIGHLY recommend this trip! Captain Sam and the entire crew are professional, knowledgeable, hard working and fun to be around. Katie and Lena in the galley prepare phenomenal meals and desserts with coffee ready early in the morning on deck as well as throughout the day. Highlights of the weekend include a lobster bake ashore on a remote beach, a chilly but lots of fun swim call before dinner, anchoring in spectacularly beautiful coves for the night and most of all sailing on board this beautiful schooner. If you are looking for a unique way of seeing the gorgeous coast of Maine, this is an adventure not to be missed.

Had a fabulous 4-day cruise with Captain Sam and his amazing crew. They managed and handled the Grace Bailey magnificently, including a quick anchoring under sail power alone when we reached our intended anchorage just as a dramatic squall hit. No matter, the crew got the canopy up in time for us to stay dry and enjoy the storm in comfort topsides. We savored great meals and snacks from Chef Ian and his very able galley assistants. Including a fine lobster bake at McGlavory Island. Perhaps best of all was sailing into Camden Harbor with a fleet of schooners for the Camden Festival, to the applause of shoreside spectators. Highly recommend an outing on the Grace Bailey!