Schooner Lewis R French

Here is an update after my third trip on the French. Still ALL GOOD. No wet feet this time, as the weather was nice. But you never know. Bring plenty of socks just in case. We had a group of high school kids with us this time, but although the older folks were wary that it might ruin the trip, it actually made it more fun.

Sailing on the French was the experience of a lifetime! The captain, crew and passengers were so wonderful to get to know and be with for the better part of a week. My husband and I sailed during the week of the Great Schooner Race and had so much fun working with the crew and other passengers to sail ourselves to the finish line. The food was incredible, the company was lovely and the scenery was spectacular. Of course, the bunks are small but absolutely workable. The bathrooms were nicer than we expected. The walls between cabins are thin so a loud snorer can impact a good nights sleep, but otherwise the trip was incredibly restful, relaxing and fun! Bring some good books, a bottle of wine and ear plugs! We definitely hope to sail aboard the French again!

Some of the most relaxing and rewarding moments of my life took place during a few autumn days and nights aboard the French. Guests are invited to participate in the work of sailing, but there’s no pressure to do anything if you’d just like to sit back with a mug of coffee and watch the world go by.
One chilly afternoon, while the French was at anchor waiting for the fog to clear, and most folks were gathered around the wood stove in the cozy galley, I spent an absurdly happy hour alone on the bow, working the antique fog horn. It felt like the most productive work anyone could do; I refused several offers from the crew to take over the job so I could go down and get warm. (Wear layers, and you’ll be ready for whatever the coastal Maine weather brings.) I was in heaven.
Mornings begin with the scent of steaming coffee, and blueberry muffins fresh from the old wood stove. Days are a balance of peace and thrills, as this race-​winning schooner shows off her speed and grace; there are opportunities to go ashore on the vintage dinghy, for a walk in the woods and on the rocky beaches. Evenings bring still, starry nights and easy, unforced friendships with the small group of guests and crew.
If you can spend an extra night or two, the French’s home port of Camden, Maine is worth exploring. My only regret is that I didn’t have more time.
NOTE: The Lewis R. French is a perfect choice for solo travelers. The availability of some single cabins means you won’t have to pay a premium for occupying a double, as on some of the Maine windjammers. Meals are served family-​style around a big wooden table in the galley, or on deck during fine weather, so there’s no awkwardness about where to sit or with whom. I quickly felt like part of a family, and was free to choose whether to socialize or kick back with a book.
Enjoy!