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Victory Chimes Windjammer, Maine

The largest of Maine schooner windjammers, Victory Chimes provides a particularly spacious sailing experience.

Captain of the Victory Chimes Windjammer, Maine

Captain Sam Sikkema,
master of the Victory Chimes.


The three-masted, gaff-rigged schooner Victory Chimes of Rockland, Maine, is the largest of Maine's windjammers, and indeed the largest passenger sailing vessel flying the US flag. That gives this Chesapeake Ram-type ship an advantage when it comes to comfort.

Built in Bethel, Delaware and launched in 1900 as a cargo boat, the 127.5-foot long, 23.8-foot wide Victory Chimes was converted to passenger service in 1946 and extensively renovated in 1988. The 208-ton gross-weight vessel can accommodate up to 40 passengers in 22 cabins and suites.

Victory Chimes schooner windjammer, Maine
Victory Chimes under way off Vinalhaven Island, Maine.

More Than a Cruise...

Victory Chimes, named for the joyful sounds that signal the end of war, sails out of Rockland, Maine on 4-day (3-night) and 6-day (5-night) cruises from June through September.

Many of the cruises feature live musical entertainment, others offer photography and video mentoring, yoga, maritime history, and special nautical events such as the Wooden Boat Sail-in, the Gam gathering of windjammers, Camden Windjammer Festival, and of course cruises leading up to New England's famous foliage season.

Life on Board

Early coffee and pastries, breakfast, lunch, appetizers and dinner are all prepared fresh on board and served in the salon or, if the weather is fine, on deck.

Galley crew on windjammer Victory Chimes, Maine
Galley crew on windjammer Victory Chimes.
Their meals are freshly prepared, healthy, hearty and delicious!

Your time is your own to relax, enjoy the spectacular views, take photos, read, nap, and make new friends among the congenial passengers—a surprising number of whom are repeat Victory Chimes cruisers.

The friendly crew may invite you to help with some sailing-ship chores, such as raising and lowering the sails. Your participation is strictly voluntary, but it is fun to help haul a line and see the sail rise!

Reservations

Cruises are priced from $600 to $1025 per person, depending on cruise length, dates, and special features. All cabins and suites accommodate two voyagers, in bunk beds, twin beds, or double bed, except No. 5, which has four bunks.

This one price (exclusive of tips and parking) is for your entire windjammer cruise vacation: accommodations, meals and drinks (except for alcoholic beverages, which you may bring), travel, sightseeing, entertainment, socializing and adventure.

Sail Power!

Designed for the days of wind power, the Victory Chimes has no engine. The ship's six sails provide all the power it needs while cruising, and it tows a 19-foot yawlboat with a 135-horsepower diesel engine, which pushes the windjammer when necessary for maneuvering.

Victory Chimes Windjammer
Windjammer Wharf
Rockland, Maine

Rockland, Maine

Mid-Coast Maine

New England Outdoors

 

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