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2009 Holiday Newsletter
Check out the Toasts & Highlights from our 2009 season and see what's in store for 2010. Download the newsletter PDF (9.7mb)
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By Popular Demand
Oscar at 6 months!
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Holiday Newsletter
Includes news and highlights from the 2008 season and what we're looking forward to in the new year. Download the newsletter PDF (4.2mb)
Captain Ken's Baby's Boat: prints for sale
Many of our passengers have contacted us, inquiring about the beautiful cover of our Holiday newsletter—Baby's Boat. This is an original painting that Captain Ken Barnes created for us. He has made a handful of these 19 1/2 X 14 color prints that are signed and numbered. Please contact us if you would like to purchase one. They are $50 each which includes shipping and handling.
New Wharf
We are pleased to announce that we are building our own wharf, along with two other schooners, the J&E Riggin and the Nathaniel Bowditch. The wharf is located in downtown Rockland quite near our old home by the North Haven Ferry Terminal. Updated driving directions to follow.
New Cannon
We're packing more heat this year, folks. Noah has just finished this handsome little number, to be carried on the quarter deck.
Plain Jane into sailing rig
Our new wherry was a joy this season, and she'll be even more of a blast when we can load up and take her for a sail! For now, the plan of building another over the winter will have to wait — Oscar comes first!
New Centerboard
Those of you who have participated in our "Lobster trap repositioning drills" and noticed the spontaneous generation of grey hairs on Noah's head will appreciate why we are building a brand new centerboard. With luck and careful planning, the new giant piece of oak will gracefully shed any offending fishing gear. Also, the new board will be faster — because next year, we are going to win that race.
New Music Week in June
Noah has been dreaming about getting old bandmates and musical colleagues to join him on the water, and this year they took the bait! Look to our 4-day trip June 14-17 for a blues and jazz extravaganza.
Oscar Kenneth Barnes
Of course the biggest news of 2008 is the addition of our son, Oscar Kenneth Barnes born September 10, 2008 at 6:15am. Jane was 9 days early so he took us by surprise with his early arrival. Thankfully, Jane was able to get a call out to Noah when she went into labor. Noah woke up a local lobsterboat captain for the 20 mile midnight run to Rockland harbor; sister Susan met him at the marina for the drive to the hospital, well in time. Captain Ken took over on the Taber and finished out the week so Noah, Jane and Oscar could be together! "Go team!" Thanks to all of our amazingly thoughful guests who were so kind to send a gift. All of the hats and blankets are keeping him very warm!
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Enlarged main cabin!
We are reconfiguring the Main Cabin, or, as we called it, the Library. As of now, this is no longer such an ironic name for the room, which has doubled in size. Another priority with the project was to increase the size of the two single cabins, which were very small. Although there is still not quite enough room for a foxtrot lesson, cabins 10 and 11 are much more accommodating. Cabin eight is also enlarged, and all three cabins have been fitted with larger doors. The entire space is luxuriously appointed with raised mahogany panels. Curious how we added all the room? We cut the Captain's Cabin in half.
 Partnership with Local Cheese Provider
We had a great time this season filming a segment for Culinary Travels with Dave Eckert. Dave was great to have aboard, and the filming brought us closer to a few of our local food specialists, especially Sage Market, who provide us with all of our fantastic cheeses and cured meats. We now have a close partnership with Sage to bring us the best artisanal products from America and abroad.
"Once again, cannot believe the week is over already! Thanks so much for an absolute best-ever cruise. First wine week was incredible!" —Kathy, Minneapolis, MN
 More wine for all my Friends! Etc.
For the 2008 season, we're having four wine trips, yeah! Check out a sample menu and wine-list on our Floating Feast page. Captains Ken and Ellen have agreed to come aboard for a third annual Music and Storytelling cruise in October and we're doing another Photo and Lighthouse week in September with fantastic photographer, John Shipman (more details, below).
Eco-tastic!
Everytime time we visit the gas pump or pay our heating bill we are reminded of how remarkably little we rely on fossil fuels for our business. Once we get the boat ready, and once everyone gets here, we use about 6 gallons of diesel per week — and we logged 3250 nautical miles! This, plus our ongoing efforts in organic gardening, using fresh, local, hormone-free products, makes us feel even better about our product.
John Shipman returning for another Photography Week
We are proud to have award-winning photographer John L. Shipman back for another Photo and Lighthouse trip. John will be teaching informal classes on digital photography. We will also make a special effort to visit as many of Maine's beautiful lighthouses as possible.
John Shipman earned his "Photographic Certification" from the Professional Photographers of America in 1996, his "Craftsman Photographer" degree in 2000, and his "Master of Photography" in 2002. He is the recipient of seven Kodak Gallery Awards and one Kodak Gallery Elite Award (of which there are only 60 in existence) along with four Fuji Masterpiece Awards. He is currently the President of Delaware Professional Photographers Inc.
 Stephen Taber recognized as EcoTourism Leader - LEAVE NO TRACE certified
During the entire month of June, every guest who sails aboard the Stephen Taber will be offered a complimentary "Leave No Trace" outdoor awareness workshop on the 7 principles of responsible outdoor ethics. While windjammer captains have been practicing and teaching the Leave No Trace policies for years, this is an exciting opportunity for guests to learn the invaluable skills of properly caring for the environment. All guests who successfully complete the workshop will receive Leave No Trace certification.
In keeping with the June spirit of volunteerism and conservation, the Maine Windjammer Association will also host an official Coastal Cleanup during the week of June 5th, in conjunction with World Ocean Day. Guests and crewmembers will scour the beaches for trash that's washed ashore over the winter.
With hundreds of pristine islands in their sailing grounds, it's no wonder we are committed to preserving them. Sail this June and learn new skills to make a difference in your own backyard.
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