The Victory Chimes: Maine Cruising That Can't be Beat

The Victory Chimes is a unique sailboat that cruises from Rockland, Maine during the summer months (which are still not too warm in that part of the country.)

A trip aboard the Victory Chimes is definitely not about elegant dinners and cocktail hour. In fact, you might be asked to help with the sails. That's the beauty of the experience though, and after a few days I was feeling right at home. There are only 18 cabins with a maximum passenger load of 44, in addition to a nine-person crew.

The vessel began her life in a Delaware shipyard in 1900 as a coastal freighter. After working as a freighter for 50 years she became a cruise ship in 1945, arriving in Maine in 1954.

Going Where the Wind Blow

When the sailboat leaves the harbor at Rockland the Captain won't necessarily tell you where she's headed. That's the beauty of the trip, she goes where the wind takes her. While she does sail among the bays and stretches of water along Maine's extensive coastline, the choice of 2000 islands will keep you guessing.

Every night she stops at one of the small islands for a good nights sleep and then she's up and sailing again in the morning.

When I sailed on the Victory Chimes we stopped at a few of these gorgeous islands:

Boothbay Harbor - It's hard to believe but some people still make a living fishing and building boats. If you don't believe it then visit this town known as the "Boating Capital of New England."

Camden - Can you say yachting competition? This is where it gets started every year.

Castine - Check out the history in this town. Home of the Maine Maritime Academy it was also the site of the largest naval battle in the Revolutionary War.

Somes Sound - Located in Acadia National Park, this is the furthest point eastward that the Victory Chimes will travel.

Stonington - If you've never been to a Sardine factory this is your chance.

The Outer Islands - The outer islands consist of fishing and lobstering communities. Some of the islands, however, are not even inhabited.

What to Expect

Don't expect to shower everyday because there are only two showers. Heads (toilets) are not in the room so you'll be sharing. But by the end of the voyage it will seem normal.

What to Pack

Don't pack too much because the cabins aren't that big. There will always be a slight breeze while you are on the water so bring a light jacket, a few sweaters, casual clothes and rubber-soled shoes. Temperatures will rise and fall throughout the day so be prepared. Don't forget the suntan lotion, even if it's chilly the sun can still do a number on your face.

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