BY: David Mills
Photograph was taken of Stephan Taber (Rockland) during the 1871 Schooner Showdown Last Summer From The Deck Of Lewis R. French (Camden) With Ketch Angelique (Camden) In The Background.
Rockland, ME - Our newest "MEET THE WINDJAMMER" is on a Windjammer that was built in 1871 on Long Island, New York. The Windjammer we are featuring is Stephan Taber that was built as a coasting Schooner (Windjammer). This Windjammer is the oldest documented sailing vessel in continuous service in the United States, that was recently designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1992. Stephan Taber is 68 feet long, two masted, wooden built Windjammer (Schooner), that can carry up to 22 guests.
Stephan Taber is very special as she is the oldest Windjammer (Schooner) in continuous use with a new life carrying passengers on sailing adventures along the Maine coast. The Taber sails out of her home port of Rockland, Maine. Guests of Stephan Taber can chose from 3, 4, 6 day cruises to fit busy schedules. Noah Barnes and his wife own this beautiful sailing, who are also Taber's Captains.
Some Interest Points On Stephan Taber:
- The oldest sailing vessel in continuous service in the United States, and a National Historic Landmark.
- Huge percentage of repeat guests and referrals. Once you've sailed on the Taber, chances are you'll want to come back!
- Overall length is 110 feet. Length on deck is 68 feet, with a 22½-foot beam. The Taber is a very comfortable ride, and provides ample deck space. Seasickness is rare.
- On the Taber, wine is served with dinner every night.
- No inboard engine, meaning this is a pure sailing vacation, with no diesel odor below decks.
- The Stephen Taber has been in the Barnes family for over 30 years. Your host, Captain Noah Barnes, began sailing on theTaber at age six, and delights in sharing his intimate knowledge of the Maine coast. All cruises are OWNER-CAPTAINED.
- Galley and dining area, with a separate main salon and library aft.
- The Taber's food has been continually featured in the media, including The Food Network's Best of... series, PBS' Culinary Travels with Dave Eckert and the Food Network's Rachael Ray's Vacations. Go here to see clips!
- The Taber is a centerboard schooner. Our shallow draft allows us access to some of the more secluded and beautiful anchorages.
- She's known as the "Good Luck Vessel" of the fleet.
- If we don't have room, we will take time to help you find a cabin on another vessel.
- Lobster Bake on every cruise.
Launched in 1871, the Stephen Taber epitomizes the classic coasting schooner. Built in an era when highly skilled shipwrights built fine vessels to be aesthetically beautiful as well as functional, she stands as a proud tribute to American craftsmanship. She is today the oldest documented sailing vessel in continuous service in the United States, and is a National Historic Landmark.
In keeping with history, the Stephen Taber has no inboard engine, but relies on Babe, our trusty yawl boat, to give us a hefty push when ever we need her.
Whether we are charging across the bay with a steady following breeze or just ghosting along with a late-afternoon zephyr, you will feel thrilled being a part of this extraordinary Maine sailing adventure.
Please enjoy some more of Stephan Taber and a snip bit of our article on the 1871 Showdown that took place last summer.
The following is a little about the 1871 Showdown article that took place last summer between Stephan Taber and Lewis R. French.
How Do You Celebrate Being 140 Year Old Historic Schooners
By: David Mills
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.
By: David Mills
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 more from this article by clicking here.
Captains Noah and Jane Barnes keeps with history by having no inboard engine for Stephen Taber. A yawl boat is used when the winds have calmed and escaped her sails. In 1984 the Taber was added to the National Register of Historic Places and 1992 she was designated as a National Historic Landmark. 2011 marks the Stephen Taber's 140th year of sailing. No matter the age, the Stephen Taber appears to the public and guests as never aging as she is well maintained by her Captains/Owners and crew.
You can read more on this beautiful sailing vessel by checking out Stephan Taber's site by clicking here.
Rocky Coast News
Reporter, David Mills
Rockland, ME 04841
Rocky Coast News is a division of Rocky Coast Media delivering Nautical, Community & Entertainment News
No comments:
Post a Comment