Schooner Grace Bailey
Schooner Grace Bailey
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About
We used to operate the vessel VICTORY CHIMES. We are now excited to carry on windjammming with the charming 1882 schooner GRACE BAILEY from our wharf in Rockland. We offer all-inclusive 3-6 day windjamming adventures along the coast of Maine. Days of sailing and visiting islands. Nights anchored in scenic coves. Dazzling sunsets with wine and friends. Relaxing small boat rides. Sail the world-renowned sheltered waters of Maine's Penobscot Bay. Always in sight of land. Weaving through the coastal archipelago.
Rockland, Maine
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Schooner Grace Bailey
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
112 reviews
Excellent
108
Very good
2
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Julie H
Boston, MA36 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We just got back from a 3 night windjammer cruise aboard the Schooner Grace Bailey and HIGHLY recommend this trip! Captain Sam and the entire crew are professional, knowledgeable, hard working and fun to be around. Katie and Lena in the galley prepare phenomenal meals and desserts with coffee ready early in the morning on deck as well as throughout the day. Highlights of the weekend include a lobster bake ashore on a remote beach, a chilly but lots of fun swim call before dinner, anchoring in spectacularly beautiful coves for the night, hanging out with the coolest schooner cat around (Fiji) and most of all sailing on board this beautiful schooner.
If you are looking for a unique way of seeing the gorgeous coast of Maine, this is an adventure not to be missed.
If you are looking for a unique way of seeing the gorgeous coast of Maine, this is an adventure not to be missed.
Written August 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim C
2 contributions
Aug 2023
It's a pity I cannot rate our Grace Bailey experience with 6 stars. It was the vacation of a lifetime for my husband and I, from the amazing food to the tireless and friendly crew, to the thoughtfully-appointed and super-clean cabin and heads (toilets), to the musical additions by a local acoustical band. And the views - wow! We were blessed with amazing weather, but the large awning made being on deck enjoyable in all weather. We anchored in some amazing coves and bays, with sunsets seared into my soul. Seeing these historic schooners close up, sailing with all sails up, is nothing short of majestic. We are incredibly lucky to have found this gem, and we'll be back.
Written August 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon L
Dover2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
Aside from amazing food, this is the opposite of a Disney experience: no crowds but communal living; no plastic, just the authenticity of sea and time-honored sailing; no clear itinerary but grand variety in the course of a day. The accommodations are adequate to one’s true needs. The crew is ever present, superbly competent and inclusive. This experience is not for “Karen’s” or those requiring a plush experience. It provides an ever changing panorama of beauty, deeply soothing sensations of movement and the novelty of nature. Sometimes there is music, sometimes you spot or congregate with other schooners, which is majestic, and sometimes you get to witness the camaraderie and cooperation among the captains of the fleet as a hurricane heads your way. A genuine experience with genuine people.
Written September 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna L
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
A magical sail on the Grace Bailey! Thanks so much for the special Maine residents discount that made our trip possible! Captain Sam, Susannah and Marc are amazing co-owners and hosts, thinking of everything to make a Maine sailing vacation that next level special. We love MidCoast Maine and Penobscot Bay, and this trip showed us the best of home! Gorgeous schooner, comfortable accommodation, fabulous food, cheerful and professional crew who love what they do. And the sailing! This beautiful Windjammer took us to coastal landmarks, hidden coves, favorite and new Islands, and the most glorious ocean experiences - Ospreys, seals and cormorants fishing for pogies right off the deck, a mola mola (Ocean Sunfish) spotted by sharp eyed First Mate Sherm, porpoises, terns and even the haunting calls of Loons in the distance. We experienced the most brilliant sunrises, sunsets and the late August Full Moon rising over the sea. Thanks to Captain Sam Sikkema, Marc Evan Jackson, First Mate Sherman Brewer, Deckhands Isabel, Becca and Anthony, Chef Katey and Lena! Your enthusiasm for the ship and your work was infectious, and your care for the guests was outstanding. All the passengers left as friends having had the most magical Maine experience. Fair Winds and Following Seas to the Captain and Crew of the Grace Bailey!
Written September 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
janscottlucas
Indiana24 contributions
Aug 2021
We just returned from a six day trip and I'm still full of joy from the fabulous adventure. It started out under threat of a possible storm so we boarded in a wet, dark situation, The crew was so helpful and positive and we all went to sleep with a "c'est la vie" attitude. The next day was misty so we motored out (actually we were pushed by the yawner) and by afternoon, the sun came out and we started to see what we came for: the Maine coastline, the islands, the fantastic scenery, birds, porpoises, seals. Fabulous food certainly helped the situation. The next day we had wind and sun and the rest of the trip was riding high on the sea breezes, the gorgeous water, the scenery (again). We had chances to drop anchor and be taken in small boats to hike on an island or two, or go for a sail on one of the three little sailboats that are part of the ship's entourage, or stay on board and chill. I can't say enough about the crew: there were eight crew members on our trip and each one was not only extremely competent but also very attuned to the needs of the guests and helpful at every turn.
If I sound overly enthusiastic, it's because I am! It exceeded my wildest expectations. Being on the Victory Chimes is like being on the star of the harbor; everyone wants to have a look at this beautiful lady. She is beautiful and has a venerable history. It was an honor to be aboard her.
I can't leave a review without saying something about Captain Sam. Great storyteller, smart about all things sailing, knowledgeable about the history of his schooner and an obviously great guy to inspire such a competent crew.
This ship was built in 1900 so its an historical experience. She's not slick or modern. The berths aren't large, shared bathrooms down the hall, and there are showers(!) which are a luxury on such a vessel. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way to get the full experience.
I am already looking ahead to booking again.
If I sound overly enthusiastic, it's because I am! It exceeded my wildest expectations. Being on the Victory Chimes is like being on the star of the harbor; everyone wants to have a look at this beautiful lady. She is beautiful and has a venerable history. It was an honor to be aboard her.
I can't leave a review without saying something about Captain Sam. Great storyteller, smart about all things sailing, knowledgeable about the history of his schooner and an obviously great guy to inspire such a competent crew.
This ship was built in 1900 so its an historical experience. She's not slick or modern. The berths aren't large, shared bathrooms down the hall, and there are showers(!) which are a luxury on such a vessel. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way to get the full experience.
I am already looking ahead to booking again.
Written August 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ptk6660
Walpole, MA30 contributions
Sep 2021
Our cruise on the Victory Chimes was just as described on their website - great food food, a cozy cabin and the opportunity to help raise the sails each day. Captain Sam, a highly respected captain, is full of interesting history with a great sense of humor. The crew could not have been more professional in their work, were always willing to share their own sailing experiences as well as their extensive sailing knowledge, and were just lovely to be around.
We had wonderful conversations with our fellow shipmates, had the opportunity to walk around a small Maine village one day, and then hike around one of Maine's 3,000+ islands on another day. Some passengers went out for a sail on one of the small boats with a crew member too!
We visited Kennebunkport on the way up from Massachusetts and then Portland on the way back home - there is SO much to enjoy in Maine, and the Victory Chimes is at the TOP of the list!!
We had wonderful conversations with our fellow shipmates, had the opportunity to walk around a small Maine village one day, and then hike around one of Maine's 3,000+ islands on another day. Some passengers went out for a sail on one of the small boats with a crew member too!
We visited Kennebunkport on the way up from Massachusetts and then Portland on the way back home - there is SO much to enjoy in Maine, and the Victory Chimes is at the TOP of the list!!
Written October 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Magilla59_12
Warren, NJ18 contributions
Jun 2022
We got an email canceling our trip 9 days before we were supposed to leave. The email said unforeseen issues. The unforeseen issues were poor planning by captain Sikkema to get the ship maintained and inspected by the coast guard before the first sailing this year. Further they took almost 6 days to refund our money. Lastly I asked for captain Sikkema to call and was told he was unable to speak on the phone at this time (or ever apparently).
If you book a trip beware that it can be canceled at short notice and you will be on the hook for cancelling other things that you planned around this (like hotel cancellation fees and no refunds).
If you book a trip beware that it can be canceled at short notice and you will be on the hook for cancelling other things that you planned around this (like hotel cancellation fees and no refunds).
Written June 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa T
8 contributions
Jul 2021
A voyage on the Victory Chimes is a MUST DO if you are searching for the quintessential “Maine” experience!
I have sailed on several windjammer voyages but found this experience exceptional! It truly was both a pleasure and a privilege to sail on this National Historic Landmark. The Victory Chimes has such a rich and extraordinary history which Captain Sikkema so enjoys sharing over the many sumptuous meals provided by their gifted chef. Captain Sam and his amazing crew work tirelessly to not only address the operational needs of the vessel but go to great lengths to ensure that each passengers every need is met. They successfully establish a relaxed, comfortable, and peaceful atmosphere in which every passenger feels welcomed and so at home.
On the other hand, there is nothing more exhilarating then assisting the crew in hoisting sails and then catching a great wind! In addition, the fun of joining a crew member on a mini voyage on one of the small sailboats or row boats is an adventure which the crew appears to enjoy as much as the passengers! Sleeping on deck under the stars is likewise a must do.
To experience gorgeous scenery, delicious food (on deck lobster bake is fabulous), great company, an exceptionally attentive captain and crew, a vessel steeped in history ….in essence… Maine at its best… I HIGHLY recommend a voyage on the Victory Chimes!
I have sailed on several windjammer voyages but found this experience exceptional! It truly was both a pleasure and a privilege to sail on this National Historic Landmark. The Victory Chimes has such a rich and extraordinary history which Captain Sikkema so enjoys sharing over the many sumptuous meals provided by their gifted chef. Captain Sam and his amazing crew work tirelessly to not only address the operational needs of the vessel but go to great lengths to ensure that each passengers every need is met. They successfully establish a relaxed, comfortable, and peaceful atmosphere in which every passenger feels welcomed and so at home.
On the other hand, there is nothing more exhilarating then assisting the crew in hoisting sails and then catching a great wind! In addition, the fun of joining a crew member on a mini voyage on one of the small sailboats or row boats is an adventure which the crew appears to enjoy as much as the passengers! Sleeping on deck under the stars is likewise a must do.
To experience gorgeous scenery, delicious food (on deck lobster bake is fabulous), great company, an exceptionally attentive captain and crew, a vessel steeped in history ….in essence… Maine at its best… I HIGHLY recommend a voyage on the Victory Chimes!
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danielle T
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Phenomenal crew; very knowledgeable, kind, friendly and fun. Captain Sam was welcoming and provided a lot of history regarding the Grace Bailey. Each stop at shore provided time to explore and learn about each location. Passengers were given opportunities to participate in raising and lowering sails. 10/10 highly recommend and look forward to planning another trip aboard this magnificent vessel!
Written August 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob B
1 contribution
Aug 2022
I had been aware of the Victory Chimes most of my life. My grandfather had a home overlooking Rockland harbor where VC home ports.
My wife got me a cruise for my 60th birthday and I was thrilled! She, less so. The serene beauty of the Main coast as viewd on board Victory Chimes cannot be more highly recommended!
Two things about the trip really stood out. One has to be the crew! All young men and women in thier twenties handled the ship and the guests with equal skill under the watchful eye of Captain Sikkema. Second, the food! Again, young woman, a master at her craft, basically never leaves the galley and the result is a boatload of happy passnegers.
My wife, not knowing what to expect but was thinking "boredom" Loved the experience and wants to go again.
See you next yera VC and crew. Thanks you for the incredible experience!
My wife got me a cruise for my 60th birthday and I was thrilled! She, less so. The serene beauty of the Main coast as viewd on board Victory Chimes cannot be more highly recommended!
Two things about the trip really stood out. One has to be the crew! All young men and women in thier twenties handled the ship and the guests with equal skill under the watchful eye of Captain Sikkema. Second, the food! Again, young woman, a master at her craft, basically never leaves the galley and the result is a boatload of happy passnegers.
My wife, not knowing what to expect but was thinking "boredom" Loved the experience and wants to go again.
See you next yera VC and crew. Thanks you for the incredible experience!
Written August 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are there electrical outlets available in guest cabins?
Written July 6, 2021
Yes, every cabin has an outlet. They only are powered up for a few hours morning and evening, enough to charge your phone/device. (The cabin lights work all the time.)
Written August 17, 2021
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.