SAIL WITH A SEAL, GUARANTEED

Mid-coast, MAINE - What's cute, with big, soulful eyes and twitchy whiskers, and looks like a soggy Labrador retriever?  A Maine Harbor Seal, of course!  Guests aboard every Maine Windjammer cruise from May to October will definitely see at least one seal, guaranteed!  If they don't, the windjammer captain will make a donation to the Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI), a nonprofit organization that is committed to the health and well-being of marine mammals around the world.

Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, it is illegal to disturb or harass seals and other marine mammals in US waters, and the windjammers are a benign presence to the marine life in Penobscot Bay. Windjammer captains are protective of the marine life habitat, and all of them are knowledgeable about the wildlife habitually seen from the decks of the historic vessels.  Many support MERI with donations, several have a more-than-passing interest in marine biology, or even hold degrees in experiential environmental education.

Penobscot Bay hosts abundant wildlife; there are hundreds of rock outcroppings where dozens of seals can be watched, sunning themselves, as a vessel approaches.  But look quickly!  Those seals will dive, all at once and together, from their rock landing to swim out to greet you!  Windjammer guests are also often treated to playtime with porpoises; they tend to travel in pairs—or even groups.  It's not unusual for a team of these dolphin relatives to surface and dive repeatedly, circling a schooner as it sails. They don't seem to tire of chasing the vessels, and guests never tire of watching them  Guests may also keep an eye on the water for whales; whale sightings are more rare, but not at all unheard of.  Many of the vessels offer whale-watch cruises, and during those trips the captains make an effort to steer a bit further offshore, toward waters where whales are known to congregate.

Looking from the sea to the sky, passengers often see bald eagles, osprey, cormorants, and occasionally a heron or puffins.  All of the boats have binoculars so that guests can catch up-close glimpses of eagles in flight, or perched in tall pines on uninhabited islands. Through a glass, osprey can be seen sitting on their distinctive, ancient nests; at the head of Pulpit Harbor—a favorite windjammer anchorage—there is an osprey nest that is reckoned to date to Colonial Times!  Poor cormorants; those birds lack the ability to fly if their wings are wet, so they are often seen perched on a buoy or day marker, wings spread out to dry.

The Maine Windjammers offer opportunities for wildlife sightings on every trip, as well as adventuresome sailing, glorious scenery, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, and a glittering blanket of stars at night. Please join us—you're guaranteed to see a seal; and so much more! For more information, contact the Maine Windjammer Association at 800-807-WIND or www.sailmainecoast.com.

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