BY: David Mills
Camden, Maine - Today marks the day that we here at Rocky Coast News will be featuring a different Windjammer in our all new feature "MEET THE WINDJAMMER". This new feature will include history, video and photos. Our premier "MEET THE WINDJAMMER" features a historic Windjammer I have fallen in love with for varies reasons.
It was in 1871 when this historic Windjammer was launched in Christmas Cove, Maine, built by the French Brothers. Lewis R. French is a two masted wooden Windjammer (Schooner) that sails the Maine coast with upto 21 guests. Guests can enjoy a relaxation sailing trips ranging from 3 days to 6 days that is sure to rest a person's busy schedule. Lewis R French has some highlight we would like to share with you all. Pure sail, no noisy inboard engine. You sail on a National Historic Landmark that is truly special. Lobsters bakes are featured on every sailing trips for guests to enjoy. Following is history on this wonderful two masted Windjammer sailing out of the Coastal Maine Town of Camden, Maine.
Built by the French brothers and named for their father, the schooner Lewis R. French was launched in April, 1871, in Christmas Cove, Maine. She is the last schooner remaining of thousands built in Maine during the 19th century. Due to some luck and love, the French has carried an assortment of cargoes for various owners around the Northeast for over 130 years! She freighted bricks, lumber, firewood, granite, fish, lime, canning supplies, Christmas trees, and now people.
She worked hard carrying freight until 1971, when she then spent 3 years being rebuilt for the passenger trade. Much of her hull was renewed with massive timbers of oak, pine, and fir. She still looks, feels, and sails much like she would have the day she was launched, and the French boys would be proud to see her sails drawing as she heads Downeast.
The French was proudly named a National Historic Landmark and has a large following. From folks that have sailed on her as a windjammer to old-timers who remember her when she carried freight, the French has touched many people. It is a truly unique experience to sail on a vessel that has been active since shortly after the death of Abraham Lincoln!
What is Lewis R French doing in the present day along the Maine coast? The French is still operated much how she would have been during the age of sail. She has no inboard engine, relying on 3,000 square feet of sail to propel her. She has four lower sails and two topsails. If the wind dies, a push from our yawl boat "Greyhound" will help her along. All the sails are still raised and trimmed by hand, and the anchor is manually raised each morning using our windlass. There are no engines on deck or below to spoil the serenity. The French is 101 feet overall, 65 feet on deck, with 19 feet of beam. She draws 7.5 feet with a full keel. A proven vessel in all conditions, she is a nifty and quick sailor, having won the Great Schooner Race many times. The French has also participated in recent Tall Ships gatherings in Boston.
The French is inspected annually by the U.S. Coast Guard, is outfitted with modern navigation equipment such as VHF, GPS and radar, and is in top-shape.
Lewis R. French is captained by Garth Wells and his wife who love to take guests out on sailing trips along the Maine coast. Last year Lewis R. French celebrated being 140 years old with a showdown with Stephan Taber, which sails out of Rockland, Maine. Below is a snip bit on what happened last year during the showdown between Lewis R. French and Stephan Taber.
ROCKLAND,ME - On Friday the Schooners Lewis R French & Stephen Taber celebrated being 140 years old in grand style. These two beautiful Schooners had an old fashion showdown from Camden to Rockland, Maine Breakwater Lighthouse. There was 38 people aboard Lewis R French and around 20 on Stephen Taber. The people aboard represents former owners, crew, special guests that been on these vessels a number of times throughout the years. Captains Gerth Wells and Noah Barnes put on a great show during this race as the weather was beautiful. However, the wind was in Stephen Taber's favor as they were able pull out a win. Nevertheless, winning really goes to the ones that love and respects these vessels with the attention they deserve.
You can read our full article entitled "How Do You Celebrate Being 140 Year Old Historic Schooners" by clicking here.
Lewis R. French doesn't show her age as she is a beautiful two masted Windjammer sailing out of Camden, Maine. You can learn more about Lewis R. French by clicking here. If you want information what a Windjammer is than please click here.
Lewis R. French is captained by Garth Wells and his wife who love to take guests out on sailing trips along the Maine coast. Last year Lewis R. French celebrated being 140 years old with a showdown with Stephan Taber, which sails out of Rockland, Maine. Below is a snip bit on what happened last year during the showdown between Lewis R. French and Stephan Taber.
ROCKLAND,ME - On Friday the Schooners Lewis R French & Stephen Taber celebrated being 140 years old in grand style. These two beautiful Schooners had an old fashion showdown from Camden to Rockland, Maine Breakwater Lighthouse. There was 38 people aboard Lewis R French and around 20 on Stephen Taber. The people aboard represents former owners, crew, special guests that been on these vessels a number of times throughout the years. Captains Gerth Wells and Noah Barnes put on a great show during this race as the weather was beautiful. However, the wind was in Stephen Taber's favor as they were able pull out a win. Nevertheless, winning really goes to the ones that love and respects these vessels with the attention they deserve.
You can read our full article entitled "How Do You Celebrate Being 140 Year Old Historic Schooners" by clicking here.
Lewis R. French doesn't show her age as she is a beautiful two masted Windjammer sailing out of Camden, Maine. You can learn more about Lewis R. French by clicking here. If you want information what a Windjammer is than please click here.
Video is courtesy of Out To Find
Rocky Coast News
Reporter, David Mills
Rockland, ME 04841
Rocky Coast News is a division of Rocky Coast Media delivering Nautical, Community & Entertainment News
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