Captain Garth Wells, Aboard the Historic Lewis R. French This Afternoon in Camden Harbor.

The Wheel Aboard the Historic Lewis R. French

The Historic Lewis R. French Under Sail in Camden Harbor.  (Photo Provided by Captain Wells.)

A Close-up of Captain Garth Wells This Afternoon Aboard the Lewis R. French That He and His Wife Jennifer Tobin Have Owned Since 2004.  In the Background is the Mary Day; a Schooner This Blogger Sailed on Years Ago.

“We are almost full.  There is a very high level of interest this year in sailing aboard the Lewis R. French,” said Captain Garth Wells, as he prepared for the arrival of passengers for a three day Memorial Day Weekend Sail  – the first of the 2021 season out of Camden Harbor – aboard America’s oldest Schooner.

The French did not sail last season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Because of the support of the state business grants and devoted supporters, the French survived the pandemic.  That support permitted the Captain to sail this season among the many islands off the coast of Maine.

She was built in South Bristol and launched into Christmas Cove on April 28, 1871.  In a nod to her birthdate, the French was launched from North End Shipyard, Rockland on April 28, 2021.

The French spent 100 years as a cargo vessel in Maine  hauling wood, granite and bricks.   She survived a fire at the dock in the 1920s and served as a sardine freighter under power until being rebuilt in the 1970s as a Windjammer.  She is the last remaining Maine-built schooner of the 1800s.  Captain Wells and his wife, Jenny Tobin, have owned and operated the Schooner since 2004.

It was at the North End Shipyard that the French was thoroughly rebuilt for passenger trade by John Foss, now captain of the Schooner American Eagle.  Foss found the French in Lubec, brought her down to Rockland and spent three years restoring her.  The French has sailed as a Maine Windjammer ever since.

The French sleeps 21 people in its 5 single cabins, 6 double-bed cabins and 2 bunk bed cabins.  Each cabin has a freshwater sink, an opening window and electric lights.  The two heads, one with a hot freshwater shower, are located on deck.

The deck is 65 feet long, so there is plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy the wonderful views of the coast of Maine.  If you prefer some privacy, you can find a quiet spot to read or relax.  There’s  always coffee, tea and snacks in the galley, which is a popular spot for games, music and conversation.  Windjammer cruises are celebrated for their wonderful food; from chowders to lobster feasts.  The French was built to take heavy cargo as quickly as possible from port to port.  That makes her the perfect combination of stability and speed according to Captain Wells.

There are some special cruises included in the sailing schedule for 2021.  One is the Great Schooner Race, a five day event starting on July 5th.  Another is a special Fall Foliage cruise that is a six day event, starting on October 3rd.  Please check with the French for availability on these and other special cruises.

For information and/or reservations,  please call 1-800-469-4635 /207-230-8320. or captain@schoonerfrench.com.  Please visit www.schoonerfrench.com