Windjammer Schooner Lewis R. French

We had a fantastic time on the 3-night full moon cruise on the Schooner Lewis R. French — the weather was perfect, the food was amazing (thanks to OB), the captain (Becky & husband Nathan) and crew (Alex & Darcy) were fantastic— so amenable and fun to be around, and the company was terrific— we pulled out of Camden harbor Saturday morning as 24 strangers and came back Tuesday morning as new-found friends. The cabins are small, but lots of places to stow stuff, this is not a luxury cruise, but it’s an experience on a historic sailing vessel! We’re already thinking about going back next year!!

Do yourself a favor and book a cruise on the Lewis R French. You will unplug, eat delicious meals, sleep snuggly and be in the outdoors. It's like camping but without bears. And better food. I was unsure what to expect in terms of showers and bathroom so here's what I can say. There are two heads (toilets) which was plenty for all of us. I never had to wait. One head doubles as a shower. You can rinse off and warm up with plenty of hot water but don't expect long spa like showers. Captain Becky, Nate, Alex and Obie were a great team. It can't be easy to host 20 different people each week but they pull it off seamlessly. The food was delicious. Obie, the chef, was able to accommodate some special dietary requirements for one of the passengers. We had great weather (first week of Sept.) cool evenings and warm days. It was overcast on our last day so the extra layers helped. But don't bring too much in way of clothing. Keep it simple. The Lewis R French has a great story in terms of boats in the area. Nothing is automated so (if you can) plan to help hoist, cleat or steer. Or not. They don't pressure you. Bring a book. Take naps. Take walks on shore and plan to meet new and interesting people. I will definitely do this again.

My husband and I just returned from our second trip and both were fabulous. First trip was rainy and we still had a great time and came back. My friend and I are celiac and the chef kept us safe. Stunning views and sea breezes galore. You want to do nothing? Find a spot on deck and do nothing. You want to be active? Hoist sails, raise the anchor. When at anchor swim, row. Plenty to do. As others have said, the walls are thin but they provide ear plugs. Yes the cabins are small, but it's an 1871 schooner not a cruise ship. Get up on deck and use your cabin to sleep. Everyone is friendly.

As the oldest schooner in the fleet, the Lewis R French presents a unique charm. The experience brings with it a history, not only of the boats longevity, but also of her crew. Each captain to have owned the French has served under the previous captain so her traditions carry on. Our family, and others we have met on the ship have come aboard through multiple generations. Our son got to experience the same ship his grandfather had routinely visited during the two previous captains. The latest captain, Becky Wright, has done a marvelous job with her crew and her passengers (honorary crew, should you like to assist with the duties). I wish her the best as she grows and develops the traditions, new and old, of the Lewis R French. Great crew, great food, meet a diverse group of passengers from around the world, have fun, eat lobster with a rock on an island beach, go out on "Pete" and row about as the sun sets, sing songs in the galley, play cards on the deck, heave-ho and raise the many sails, breathe in the salty mist as she tacks through the waves on a windy day. There's special events you can schedule (get on the list a good year ahead to get the trips you desire most), like boat races and barging all the schooners together for a big gathering out on the bay. Always an experience to remember, no matter the journey you choose. Thanks for a memorable trip, Captain Becky! I'll have to build back up my trumpet and guitar chops for our next visit.

Did a 4 day trip. Everything was fantastic. Great Captain. Wonderful crew. Great food. We did a few trips off the boat that were awesome. This is a very old boat so it is not a cruise ship, but if you go on a trip you will likely book for next year.

Just returned from a 4 night cruise and cannot say enough positive comments about the whole experience. I have to admit, I initially did not want to go when my husband made the reservations and now we are planning one for next year. Captain Becky and Nathan along with Darcey, Elias and Chef Obie were the absolute best and made the trip that much more enjoyable. I would recommend the Luis R. French to anyone and look forward to many more sailing adventures with them.

Sailing the coast of Maine is only further enhanced by being aboard the historic schooner; LEWIS R. FRENCH. Our September cruise included a stop at Warren Island for an easy 2.5 mile hike around the island, topped off with a lobster bake held against spectacular views of Penobscot Bay. That particular sunset cast a warm pink hue on everything including the French's mainsail anchored nearby. We found our fellow passengers to be delightful. They were a very diverse, interesting and friendly group who seemed to blend nicely together right from the start. Lots of good conversation, and even some music at the end of the day. The cabins are compact but comfortable - just as one might imagine a 150 year old vessel to be. Not only are Captain Becky & Nathan extremely skilled and professional, but they are very accommodating and fun loving; a wonderful combination of attributes that put passengers at ease allowing all on board to relax and enjoy. Lastly, the food was wonderful. Our last morning on board, we were treated to a lobster frittata that was out of this world! Cannot recommend this experience enough!

We just had our 4th trip on the Lewis R. French windjammer. I think my husband and I enjoy it more each time we’ve sailed over the last 20 years. Relaxing on board while enjoying fresh air and beautiful scenery, watching dolphins, seals, birds and classic sailboats in Penobscot Bay, eating absolutely delicious food, jumping into refreshingly chilly water, making new friends, and pitching in to sail this historic vessel built in 1871, and falling asleep to the gentle motion of the water - what’s not to love? Captains and crews have changed over the years, but every one has been stellar. This particular windjammer seems to attract the best. We rarely repeat vacations, but the French keeps us coming back for more!

My husband and I just returned from our second trip and both were fabulous. First trip was rainy and we still had a great time and came back. My friend and I are celiac and the chef kept us safe. Stunning views and sea breezes galore. You want to do nothing? Find a spot on deck and do nothing. You want to be active? Hoist sails, raise the anchor. When at anchor swim, row. Plenty to do. As others have said, the walls are thin but they provide ear plugs. Yes the cabins are small, but it's an 1871 schooner not a cruise ship. Get up on deck and use your cabin to sleep. Everyone is friendly.

Excellent experience, professional and personable crew, excellent food, beautiful and well-maintained vessel.

The reviews on this page say it all. I had a wonderful time. Great conversation and when you're feeling introverted, retreat to your cabin (or find a quiet corner on deck) with a good book. Everything (except safety) is optional: You can help with sails or lay in the sun. Food was out of this world, all cooked on a woodstove. Captain Becky and Host Nathan know what they're doing and do it well, with heart and enthusiasm. Yes, this is a trip of a lifetime, and you'll definitely want to come back. Lucky me, I get to go again in 90 days.

My family of 4 (all adults) plus 1, LOVED our 3 night Memorial Weekend sailing trip. The crew is laid back but accommodating, the food was plentiful and healthy and the ship and scenery are beautiful. We rarely repeat our adventures but will make an exception in this case!

I recently went on a four day sail on the Lewis R. French and had the time of my life! I can't say enough good things about Captain Garth and his crew. Captain Garth is not only a highly skilled sailor, but also has a wonderful ability to connect with people... oh, and did I mention his great sense of humor? The entire crew were neat young men, willing to share both their knowledge of sailing and a bit of themselves. As a fairly picky eater, I was blown away by the delicious, healthy meals served by Chef Derek. The ability of the entire crew to work together as a team was very impressive. I loved being able to connect with such a wonderful, interesting group of fellow passengers; all of whom were unplugged! Yes, the cabins are small, but who goes on a Windjammer to stay below deck? Last, but surely not least, I loved seven year old August, our youngest, but very skilled sailor, for always making me smile. Thanks Auggie!

Took a 4 night trip on the French where we also had the pleasure of getting married on. Captain Garth and Crew were perfect in every way and incredibly welcoming. We got to help with raising the sails and anchor, eat incredibly way too delicious food, drink and be merry. We had a beautiful sight of the milky way and also a downpour haha. Anything that the ocean wanted to hand to us, we got and it was perfect in every way. Yes the cabins are small and you can hear everything but what is there to expect from an original Maine Schooner. After a day, you learn to embrace all that it has to offer all while enjoying the company of strangers turned friends. If you want a true sail boat experience, I recommend enjoying a trip on the French. It is magical in every sense of the word.

June is a fabulous month to sail in Maine. Waters are uncrowded. Cool weather, brisk breezes. If you luck out like I did, you might have an entire week of fabulous weather! I have been sailing all my life and was skeptical about signing up for a windjammer cruise. All those other people, and would I get enough sailing in, or would there be just lots of stops in towns with shops, etc., etc. Well, I did my research and narrowed it down to just one Schooner, the Lewis R. French. It had everything I was looking for: A lovely mix of interesting middle aged to senior clientele from all walks of life and locations around the world, a Captain who really knows his boat and these waters, and has knowledge of hundreds of out of the way anchorages that he can choose from depending upon how the wind blows, an excellent crew, including two young women who double as bakers and cooks on board and who make the best meals in a small galley you have ever had, comfortable berth(small but comfy and as long as you put everything away and bring a soft duffle to put under your berth while not in use, you will have plenty of room), beautifully maintained boat( I mean the varnish was gleaming, the galley spotless, and the heads(bathrooms to you landlubbers)were immaculate, a chance to take the helm(which I did), a chance to do absolutely nothing but eat, lie in the sun and enjoy the sound of the waves lapping against the hull(did most of the time), lovely passengers who conversed occasionally during the day but were happy to go off with a book as well, and best of all, no worries at all. All that said, the trip more than exceeded my expectations. I like that the French has five single berths. Many of the windjammers have only doubles. And the French does not charge a single supplement as some do. There are no noises such as radios on board. No smoking, and no excessive imbibing of alcohol. This is not a party boat. Yet, people bring beer or wine if they like to have with dinner or just before. I did not see anyone overdoing. By ten o'clock people seemed to pretty much take to their cabins. 6:30 am coffee, juices, and freshly baked muffins were available on deck for early risers. ( I would sneak up on deck and grab some goodies so I could have breakfast "in bed", I am not civil until I have my coffee alone), 8:00 am the "real" breakfast is served, which consisted of either blueberry pancakes, french toast with fresh berries, tarragon eggs, and the list goes on and on. Lunch was served on deck and you could eat where ever you liked. We were served hearty chowders with fresh baked bread and fabulous salads, followed by decadent desserts such as chocolate/expresso brownies(my personal favorite!!) Dinners were either served on deck or down in the galley. Fun either way. Sometimes it was nice to just eat on deck. But the times we sat below as a group were great fun because we had some terrific musicians on board. We were serenaded by violins and guitars and some beautiful signing voices(not mine). Dinner, by the way, was also fantastic. We had stuff like stuffed pork, fish, fresh veggies and always, fresh bread, outstanding desserts(including ice cream we made on the boat one evening(hand cranked and all, the old fashioned way). The lobster bake was held on a small private island and was unbelievable. I had only two lobsters but there is no limit. If I had not been so clumsy with trying to wrestle open the little beasts with my two beach rocks, I might have eaten even more. But I know the tricks to it now and will be prepared for next time. You do not have to be a sailor to enjoy sailing on the French. Captain Garth and his crew will teach you as much as you want to know and will let you participate in sailing the boat as much as you like. There are no deadlines, no places we have to be(other than for meals -which you really do not want to miss). I made lots of new friends. Some of them have been coming back to sail on the French for decades. I can see why so many people on their passenger list are repeats from previous years. They come from all over the world to sail on the French. One couple was from Australia. Once you have sailed on the French, you will never want to sail on another boat. They have earned this loyalty year after year by putting our safety and comfort first. Garth and his wife Jenny own and operate the charters. They have a darling little boy named August who is already quite the sailor but rarely goes on the cruises. The age limit is sixteen and is quite nice for those adults who wish to be with grown ups as either a break or a preference in general. . I am lucky. I live only an hour and a half up the Coast from Camden (the home port of the French), and can go whenever I like, that is, if I can get a berth. I am going back in September for four days(could not get a single berth for another six day since they tend to fill up fast). I am also going back next year. I am addicted. See you on the French.

Some of the most relaxing and rewarding moments of my life took place during a few autumn days and nights aboard the French. Guests are invited to participate in the work of sailing, but there's no pressure to do anything if you'd just like to sit back with a mug of coffee and watch the world go by. One chilly afternoon, while the French was at anchor waiting for the fog to clear, and most folks were gathered around the wood stove in the cozy galley, I spent an absurdly happy hour alone on the bow, working the antique fog horn. It felt like the most productive work anyone could do; I refused several offers from the crew to take over the job so I could go down and get warm. (Wear layers, and you'll be ready for whatever the coastal Maine weather brings. ) I was in heaven. Mornings begin with the scent of steaming coffee, and blueberry muffins fresh from the old wood stove. Days are a balance of peace and thrills, as this race-winning schooner shows off her speed and grace; there are opportunities to go ashore on the vintage dinghy, for a walk in the woods and on the rocky beaches. Evenings bring still, starry nights and easy, unforced friendships with the small group of guests and crew. If you can spend an extra night or two, the French's home port of Camden, Maine is worth exploring. My only regret is that I didn't have more time. NOTE: The Lewis R. French is a perfect choice for solo travelers. The availability of some single cabins means you won't have to pay a premium for occupying a double, as on some of the Maine windjammers. Meals are served family-style around a big wooden table in the galley, or on deck during fine weather, so there's no awkwardness about where to sit or with whom. I quickly felt like part of a family, and was free to choose whether to socialize or kick back with a book. Enjoy!

I just keep coming back again and again; the trips keep on getting better and better. The captain and crew are great, the food is spectacular, and the scenery is amazing. You can't help but learn about the nearly 150 years of history of the ship, while participating in as much of the sailing of the ship as you want.

I sailed on the Lewis R French last week. It was a most wonderful experience. Capt Garth and the crew where amazing, the food was excellent and we had great weather. But the best part is the most beautiful boat-- the oldest active sailing vessel in the US. It is beautifully restored and maintained. Sails like a dream. And the Capt knows the Penobscot Bay so well that we were able to sail those six sails with the wind and anchor where we ended up. And no motor!! Take the French if you want a windjammer cruise in Maine.

There is nothing like it...as good as it gets, even for a woman who likes her comforts. The charm is in part the historical ship, in part the charismatic captain, in part the all female crew, in part the food, in part the other passengers, self selected, I suspect, for this kind of experience. The cabins are small and my husband and I could not stand up at the same time, but once in bed, we slept the sleep of the unworried...and how great is that these days?

Just returned from a 4 night cruise on the French. What fun!! As a solo traveler there were no issues. They offer single cabins, yes, very small and walls so thin you hear the snorers in the next cabin. Strongly recommend ear plugs if you're a light sleeper. The fellow passengers were a congenial group. And the food was fantastic, delicious and all you could eat. Only negative I could mention was that except for the evening of the lobster bake we were not taken off the boat. As someone who likes to walk, this was very restrictive. Prior to booking I was led to believe in their pamphlet that each evening we would go off on a beach or small town.

Once in a lifetime experience. The food was world class and the crew topnotch. Not a luxury cruise, but a thoroughly authentic 19th century sailing adventure. Captain Garth is an expert seaman with a wealth of local knowledge. They shoot a cannon at evening colors. Com'on, seriously, a cannon! Get engaged as much as you want. Hoist sails, raise the anchor, steer the ship, row the peapod (it's a boat). Don't miss the opportunity to try it all.

I did a 4-day trip with the schooner two weeks ago. It was super relaxing. A really great time. The crew are all very friendly, helpful and engaging. The other guests were very chill. We all lounged on deck and were regaled by the crew's sea stories. The selling point of the trip, the best part, is the scrumptious food served at every meal. The cooks are par excellence. Pancakes, sausages, eggs and more for breakfast. Scones, brownies, and homemade ice cream for dessert. A good variety of drinks anytime. And of course, the noble lobster! There was plenty of time for relaxing and sunning ourselves, but also interesting sailing activities to help the crew with if one is so inclined. The one downside of the French is its tiny cabins with badly-insulated walls. You can hear everything anyone near you is doing.

I just got back from a 4-day cruise on the schooner Lewis R. French out of Camden, ME. It was an amazing trip! The beautiful boat dates back to 1871, and the historic details really made it feel like we were traveling back to a different time. The entire ship has been renovated to accommodate passengers, and the cabins, while small, proved to be comfortable and quiet. The food was amazing, and the captain and crew could not have been nicer. And it was a real pleasure getting to know the other passengers - they were diverse, outgoing, and interesting!

Here is an update after my third trip on the French. Still ALL GOOD. No wet feet this time, as the weather was nice. But you never know. Bring plenty of socks just in case. We had a group of high school kids with us this time, but although the older folks were wary that it might ruin the trip, it actually made it more fun.

We had the pleasure of a three-day cruise on the Lewis R. French. We were a group of 18, ranging in age from 12 to 60ish, and we celebrated my brother and sister-in-law's wedding anniversary. We had a blast! It helped that the weather was picture perfect, and, of course, Penobscot Bay is beautiful. But, for me, I most enjoyed the warm and welcoming personalities of Captain Garth Wells, his wife, Jenny Tobin, their young sons August and Sanden, and the brilliant crew. Oh, and the food! Chef Carla expertly produced a range of dishes on the wood cookstove in the cozy galley: quiches, cherry and almond muffins, fruit salads, potato and leek soup, lobster salad, fresh guacamole, shaved asparagus salad, lasagna, made-on-the-ship ice cream with a variety of toppings, to name just a few. On top of all that delightful decadence, we enjoyed a lobster bake on the beach on McGlathery Island on our second evening, complete with corn on the cob, grilled vegetable skewers, and s'mores. Time aboard this historic schooner is spent playing games, reading, enjoying the views, checking out the wildlife (eagles, seals, dolphins and our tub full of live lobsters), swimming, taking out the smaller boats, and on and on. A guest is free to participate - or not - in hoisting the sails, steering the ship, and raising the anchor. The accommodations are comfortably rustic, befitting a 144 year old schooner retrofitted by gracious hosts. Don't bring your tuxedo and heels. Do bring your camera and bathing suit and sense of adventure!

They say that the best thing to spend your money is an experience because the pleasure of the memory will outlast the happiness you get from buying a thing. This is truly an experience that you will talk about for the rest of your life. There were a number of times when you had the sense of what it must have been like to sail aboard the French 100 years ago when it was hauling cargo. Standing on the beautifully stained decks with the sails full and boat leaping forward through the water is something remarkable to experience. I don't how they managed to find such a congenial crew, but all four of them were interesting folks who made sure we had a great sail. One of the most amazing things to me was the quality of the food that came our of the wood-burning stove. Meals were consistently delicious. Because we had nothing but nice weather, we enjoyed all the meals served buffet-style on deck, with the food layed out on the low roof of the cabins. We frankly had more than our share of fog and less than our share of strong wind, but our trip still seemed full of activity. I never got around to cracking open my book during the day. The occasional, optional crew responsibilities were especially fun. Hoisting the anchor in the morning using an ancient windlass as two of the crew sang a see chantey was the high point of my trip. I am not sure how often this happens, but another remarkable event was swimming in the bioluminescent water. Small organisms in the water actually glow when disturbed. Most of the crew jumped in and as they swam around they water lit up a like a low, green neon light. The passengers on our trip, like us, were mostly in their 50's, but we were joined by a 25 year-old girl, a young couple, and several senior citizen ladies, including one who's made the sale for 30 years. As long as you can make it up and down the rather steep steps to the cabins below decks, you can navigate the French. As other reviewers have said, this is not a trip for everyone. The cabins are less than spacious and you share the two heads (one with a shower) on deck. Most of the men on our trip never bothered to shave. It's a bit like camping on the ocean. But for the adventurous, this is something you should do.

Sailing on the French was the experience of a lifetime! The captain, crew and passengers were so wonderful to get to know and be with for the better part of a week. My husband and I sailed during the week of the Great Schooner Race and had so much fun working with the crew and other passengers to sail ourselves to the finish line. The food was incredible, the company was lovely and the scenery was spectacular. Of course, the bunks are small but absolutely workable. The bathrooms were nicer than we expected. The walls between cabins are thin so a loud snorer can impact a good nights sleep, but otherwise the trip was incredibly restful, relaxing and fun! Bring some good books, a bottle of wine and ear plugs! We definitely hope to sail aboard the French again!

We did a three night sail. Captain Garth was terrific- a great expert but humble and nice attitude. The cabins were tight and was more a sea camping situation. The food was outstanding the entire trip. I wish the wind would have been better for more sailing but cannot control. Not luxury but very relaxing - bring earplugs as you can hear everything and everyone at night!

The experience of sailing on the Schooner Lewis R French was simply the best in every way ... the food, the crew, fellow passengers, the encouragement to help sail, and the willingness of the staff to explain the region and its history. The bunks were very comfortable and toasty warm. Always had hot water for showers. The scenery was beautiful in every direction and the stars at night were spectacular. This is a definite "do it again" ... just longer next time.

Posh camping, but with gourmet food and plenty of it. A total experience, the sails snapping in the breeze, the water, always changing colors, the scenery of the islands and coast of Maine. Our bed was comfortable for us tall ones, 6'3" and 5'9". The French was built 1871, which is why we picked it, the most authentic, we felt. The lobster fest on an island was all you could eat, and we did. Scrumptious, like all of the food. The other guests were fun, and crew and captain were outstandingly amiable. Pack light and with layers, as a medium duffel is all there is room for. We had a fabulous time.

I have just returned from a 3 day sail on the French. I will start by saying the schooner is amazing. It is wonderfully maintained, clean, and comfortable. Jenny met me at 6 pm and showed me my room for the next 3 nights. While it was small, it was comfortable and had everything that was needed. I remembered that these vessels were made for cargo and not luxury, but our rooms were comfortable. Amber was the cook, and she did an amazing job, cooking only on a woodstove in the galley. We awoke to olfactory bliss- bacon, blueberry pancakes, home made breads and rolls. I alerted them in an early email, that I am a vegetarian and they accomodated this perfectly. Garth, the Captain, planned a wonderful journey, showing us the beauty of Maine coasts, bringing us ashore twice - once for a lobster bake, and the other time to visit a town that was quaint and cozy. Days on the schooner could be spent reading, journaling, listening to music, making new friends, or reading " Bert and I" excerpts with the crew. The crew was friendly, helpful and very knowledgeble. I would recommend this for singles, couples or anyone who wants beauty, and relaxation together, along with an amazing adventure.