Wine Tasting Cruises —
3-Day Sail June 23–26; 4-Day Sails August 19–23 and August 24–28; and 6-Day Sails July 15–21 and September 16–22, 2012
Led by the charming and talented Jane Barrett Barnes, each evening aboard the Taber we will visit a different country, tasting and discussing that country's varietals and viticultural history. Meals will include paired wines, with Jane and our Chef working together to craft a menu to show off the wines perfectly.

"Jane Barrett's knowledge of wine is deep, her enthusiasm infectious, and her approach disarmingly simple — her tastings are a joy." —Michael Green, Wine Consultant, Gourmet Magazine

Since 1992, Jane Barrett Barnes has been sniffing, sipping and enjoying wines with top industry leaders. She has worked with the Four Seasons, Champagne Veuve Clicquot, the International Wine Center, restaurateur Joseph Bastianich, the American Institute of Wine and Food and most recently Paterno Wines International. No armchair connoisseur, Jane has visited the vineyards of Tuscany, Piedmont, Campania, Chile, Burgundy, the Rhone, Greece and the Napa Valley. She is passionate about the history, culture and enjoyment of wine and loves to share her knowledge and experience with others in a relaxed, fun setting. [back to top]

Guest comments: Wine Week

"This is our third trip on the Stephen Taber and each one has been terrific and different from the last. The wine tasting this year was fantastic. Jane's enthusiasm for her subject is infectious. May you always have as much fun as we did this year. By the way, this is the "perfect" vacation- rain, cold, sun, heat, whatever — it's still perfect." —Sue & Dave from Owings, MD

"This has been a great week! The wine tastings have been great! Jane arranged themes that covered a lot of ground with many, very high quality wines. The stories, the friendships and the ever perfect wit of Captain Noah made the days even more delightful." —Mark & Katherine from Seattle, WA

"Thank you so much for all you do to make it fun to be on the wonderful Stephen Taber — she's the best. The wine tasting week was soooo much fun. Jane's expertise was great....and the meals and good humor; just everything is so 'Taber'." —Bonnie & Bob from Fairview Park, OH

Wine, Dine & Chocolate Trips —
4-Day Sails May 24–28 and September 28–October 2, 2012
Our wine trips are filling up fast, so to keep everyone happy, we're offering Wine Dine & Chocolate cruises! Included in the regularly posted price:

• $40.00 per couple Rockland Bucks for dinner on the night we board
• A box of local handmade chocolates from Black Dinah Chocolates
• A selection of wonderful wines hand picked by Jane to enjoy each night of the cruise. It's like a mini-wine trip!
  [back to top]

Gourmet Cruise with Chefs Lynette & Bob Krajewski — 3-Day Sail June 7–10, 2012
French Bistro on the Penobscot: Chefs Bob and Lynette Krajewski, recently of the charming and acclaimed Lily Bistro, cook traditional French Country cuisine on our vintage wood stove. Lynette and Bob will talk about the techniques and history of this grand culinary tradition. Bob has recently been appointed Executive Chef of Boston's well-known Aquitaine French Bistro.

Music and Schooner Gam —
4-Day Sail June 10–14, 2012
Now in its fourth year, this trip features three guest musicians with evenings of American roots inspired acoustic music. The highlight is a windjammer gathering of the entire fleet! Relive the age of sail during this musical rendezvous of more than a dozen Windjammers.

[back to top]

Solstice & Music Cruise with Nashville songwriters Jenn Schott & Melissa Peirce —
6-Day Sail June 17–23, 2012
Enjoy the start of Summer and the longest days of the year with Captain Noah and special musical guests Jenn Schott and Melissa Peirce, accomplished performers and songwriters. What a more perfect way to end the longest days of the year than an informal concert. Melissa and Jenn's charming songs and sweet harmonies were such a hit last time we just had to have them back!

JENN SCHOTT
Jenn Schott was destined to have a career in music — her grandfather the concert master for the CBS Orchestra, both parents career woodwind musicians — her interest and natural ability were almost a given. Currently working from Nashville, Jenn has penned songs for various artists including Gloriana, Billy Ray Cyrus, Restless Heart, LeAnn Rimes, Jennette McCurdy, Whitney Duncan, Lonestar, Mallary Hope, Katie Armiger, and pop artist Lucy Walsh, earning her widespread success both in the US and abroad.

In addition to writing, Jenn is a formidable acoustic guitar player and has extensive performance credits, most recently touring with Lila McCann & Mallary Hope, while regularly contributing her beautiful voice to various studio projects. She's a 2011 alum of Leadership Music and sits on the Board of Directors for Girls on the Run Nashville.

MELISSA PEIRCE
Blending country, bluegrass, pop and acoustic influences, Melissa's songs have been recorded by Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, Carrie Underwood, Joss Stone, Keith Urban, Dirks Bentley, David Nail, Eli Young Band, Randy Montana, Phil Stacey and Maia Sharp, among others. She has had 2 top ten singles, and "Red Light," written for David Nail, was the longest running single of 2009. Melissa has had international success, with Doc Walker's "I Am Ready" reaching the top 10 in Canada and Bella's "Tumbling Down" hitting the top 10 in Australia. In 2009, Melissa's song "That's Where It Is" was performed by Carrie Underwood for the soundtrack of "New In Town," starring Renee Zelleweger and Harry Connick Jr.

Melissa has written on albums that have collectively sold over 10,000,000 units. Her independent releases, including Lonesome Lullaby and Blend are available on CD Baby, Tunecore and iTunes. She currently works from Nashville, where she writes for BMG/Chrysalis Music Publishing.

[back to top]

Great Schooner Race — 6-Day Sail July 1–7, 2012
North America's largest annual gathering of tall ships. Our most thrilling event of the summer — join us on the Taber as we defend our 3-TIME title as the fastest coaster on the bay! More than two dozen tall ships gather for an exciting all-day race. The race will start in Rockland Harbor, with spectators lining the Breakwater, and end off of Camden. Guests may participate in the race, and this year the post-race party will heat up in Camden Harbor, with band-stand dancing and awards ceremony.

[back to top]

Taber Music & Story Telling Cruise with Capts. Ken and Ellen Barnes/Rockland Windjammer Parade —
6-Day Sail July 8–14, 2012
The entire windjammer fleet participates in an afternoon Parade of Sail past the mile-long Rockland Breakwater, providing spectators with stunning, close-up views of Maine's fleet of Tall Ships. We'll be joined by none other than Capts. Ken and Ellen Barnes who will sing songs of the sea and tell humorous stories of the Maine coast.

[back to top]

Captain's Choice — 6-Day Sail August 5–11, 2012
This one's easy. Captain Noah's birthday is August 8th, so this week, you guessed it, we eat all his favorite things and sail to all his favorite places. And then we get to throw him in the harbor. A tradition as old as the sea, and not even the captain can avoid it.

[back to top]

Camden Schooner Celebration —
4-Day Sail August 28–September 1, 2012
The fleet gathers in picturesque Camden Harbor for festivities reminiscent of the days when hundreds of coastal schooners lined the waterfront. Festivities include a parade of sail, flag-raising ceremonies, live music, dancing and fireworks. This weekend trip will feature the Schooner Crew Talent Show — not to be missed — and a relaxing morning spent in beautiful Camden Harbor.

[back to top]

Photo and Lighthouse Cruise — 6-Day Sail September 2–8, 2012
We are proud to have as our special guest, award winning photographer John L. Shipman. John will be teaching informal classes on digital photography. We will also make a special effort to visit as many of Maine's beautiful lighthouses as possible.

[back to top]

WoodenBoat Sail-In & Harvest Celebration with
Whitefoot Farm — 6-Day Sail September 9–15, 2011
The week of September 11th is the height of harvest season here in Maine, and to celebrate, Trisha Badger (owner of Whitefoot Farm where we source our fresh produce) will be on board to talk about organic and sustainable growing practices for vegetables, herbs, and berries, and ways of enjoying fresh local produce throughout the year with canning and freezing. On one evening during the trip, there is a gathering of the fleet at the headquarters of WoodenBoat Magazine and WoodenBoat School. Now in its 25th year, the event includes refreshments, live music, tours and a world-class gathering of wooden schooners.

[back to top]

Fall Foliage Trips —
4-Day Sails September 23–27, September 28–October 2 and October 4–8;
and a 3-Day Sail October 9–12, 2012
For those of you who have never seen the fiery hills and islands of Maine from the water, you are in for a treat. The typical weather is crisp and cool, the breeze is strong and steady, and we have the whole bay to ourselves. Coastal hardwoods begin to show in late September, and by our last cruise, the hillsides are crimson, yellow, and orange — truly a sight to behold.

[back to top]