Maine might not be the first place you think of when looking to charter a boat. However, its miles of coastline, picturesque towns, and burgeoning food scene make it a worthwhile state to visit.
Julia Towne is part of the Luxury Yacht Charters Team at CKIM Group and grew up in Maine. She now lives in Newport, Rhode Island, and is the team’s go-to for New England charters. Julia has fond memories of summers spent with her family on Deer Isle riding bikes around Acadia National Park. Here are some of her recommendations for the perfect Maine charter.
Portland, Maine
Julia recommends Portland as a starting point for a 7-day or 9-day charter in Maine. Portland International Jetport is the city’s largest airport and is located just minutes from most of Portland’s marinas.
You can take in lighthouses and the rugged Maine coastline with Summer Feet Cycling Adventures in Portland. The company offers personalized bike tours of the area. Enjoy visiting the secluded beaches and boutique shops of the Old Port.
Julia recommends a few restaurants in Portland’s food scene:
Street & Co. serves a simple yet creative seafood menu and features a curated wine list that complements the menu. They also purport to serve some of the best cocktails in the city.
Eventide Oyster Co. is a great place for a more low-key dining experience of oysters, burgers, and sandwiches. It is a popular spot with the Portland crowd, so reservations are a good idea.
Fore Street is part of a family of restaurants and bakeries, including Street & Company, Scales Restaurant, and Standard Baking Company. The restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with a locally sourced menu and a variety of delicacies for all palates and preferences.
Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Boothbay Harbor is a charming seaside town. Also, visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, the most extensive public garden in the country. The Boothbay Craft Brewery at the Watershed Tavern is another great spot.
For family fun, several companies offer whale and dolphin-watching cruises. There is also the Boothbay Railway Village which provides a look back into the history of the locomotive in Maine.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Another must-see while on Maine charter is Bar Harbor, 77 nautical miles from Boothbay Harbor. It is a town on Mount Desert Island along Maine’s Frenchman Bay. You can quickly reach the mountains and cliffs of Acadia National Park, which contains 47,00 acres of pristine nature.
Explore the “bar” of Bar Harbor. At low tide, a sandbar reveals itself and is used by kayakers to launch into the harbor quickly. Hikers can also explore Bar Island, part of Acadia National Park.
Also, Scenic Flights of Acadia offers helicopter flights—another way to take in the park’s vastness.
Relax at the Atlantic Brewing Company, a family-owned operation.
Rockland, Maine
Rockland offers ferries to North Haven and Vinalhaven island communities, two of the 14 un-bridged islands along this coast. For those interested in sustainability, you can learn about growing seaweed at Maine Sea Farms in Clark Cove and sample this superfood. Also, Deer Isle is a paradise for birders, photographers, and artists, as there are 12 nature conservancies. Because of this, there is a plethora of studios and galleries that dot the island too.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Kennebunkport is known for its beaches. Colony Beach is a 150-foot stretch of sand located at the mouth of the Kennebunk River. Gooch’s, Middle, Mother’s, and Parsons are other beaches.
Julia recommends The Clam Shack in Kennebunkport for some no-frills cuisine. Federal Jacks is another locale and the historic site of a 19th-century shipyard. Another option is The White Barn Inn, which offers a more high-end experience, whether you’re interested in enjoying a good meal or if you would like a spa day.
In addition to these recommendations, Julia can recommend a few boats in the area for Maine charters this season.
ARABELLA
| 18 Cabins |
Year/Rebuilt: 1983 Refit: Built: 1983 |
| $80,000 - $89,000 /wk | 157.00 Ft Sail |
Columbia
| 4 Cabins |
Year/Rebuilt: 2014 Refit: Built: 2014 |
| $65,000 - $68,000 /wk | 141.00 Ft Sail |
Scuba Diving On Board
AUGUST MAVERICK
| 3 Cabins |
Year/Rebuilt: 1978 Refit: Built: 1978 |
| $25,700 - $34,500 /wk | 92.00 Ft Sail |
WHEN AND IF
| 3 Cabins |
Year/Rebuilt: 1939 Refit: Built: 1939 |
| $20,000 - $26,000 /wk | 63.00 Ft Sail |
ANAHITA
| 2 Cabins |
Year/Rebuilt: 1991 Refit: Built: 1991 |
| $14,500 - $16,000 /wk | 62.00 Ft Sail |
EROS
S/Y EROS is a 115-foot schooner with four cabins for up to 10 guests.
COLUMBIA
S/Y COLUMBIA is also a schooner with four cabins and can accommodate 12 guests.
AUGUST MAVERICK
S/Y AUGUST MAVERICK is available for Maine charters. She has three cabins and can accommodate 12 guests.
For more information on chartering in Maine and for additional information on available yachts, be sure to reach out to Julia Towne at julia@ckimgroup.com.
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