Anna Miller’s meals at sea include fresh crudités, duck pastrami, homemade Reubens—and a turducken
Schooners have been the lifeblood of coastal Maine for more than a century — and sailing aboard one of these wooden boats is the best way to experience the beauty of these seaside communities.
"We stumbled upon the Schooner Ladona and fell in love with the ship, the history of the boat (it served as a submarine patrol in WWII), its aesthetic with natural wood and all white accents, and the layout with ample seating and standing for 45 people. We actually booked the wedding sight-unseen—we had never been to Rockland or seen the boat. We later made visits to check out the town and the boat and coordinate arrangements and realized just how awesome a 'venue' and area we had chosen."
“There’s little to do and a lot to enjoy on this three-night excursion. Lobstermen hauling traps, seabirds winging, by, seals basking on ledges, lighthouses winking, and ferries to-ing and fro-ing vie for attention along with inviting islands and remote fishing villages.”
Imagine for a minute that you’re aboard a 1922 racing schooner, anchored off the coast of Maine for the night, wine glass in hand as you soak up a magical sunset. Above it all rise the quiet notes of live acoustic guitar.
Sound Appealing?
Experience it yourself on our upcoming Acoustic Music Cruise, July 6–10.
We’ve invited accomplished jazz guitarist Bill Barnes to join us for the duration. By day, he’ll noodle away as we explore the magnificent coast of Maine. Each evening, Bill’s musicianship will lend a pleasant, musical backdrop as the conversation and camaraderie ebb and flow.
With a diverse career as a professional studio musician in the NYC scene, back-up guitarist, and music journalist, Bill is an approachable, jovial guy with plenty of stories to share.
Final Cabin Availability
We have a few spots remaining on this specialty cruise.
Acoustic Music Cruise
July 6–10, 2019 (4 nights, Sat–Wed)
Departing out of Rockland, Maine
$1,738 per person includes everything
Alternatively, call 1-800-999-7352 or email info@schoonerladona.com.
About Guitarist Bill Barnes
Although jazz has always been his passion, Bill actually began his professional career in the late sixties as a backup musician for touring R&B recording acts. His first national tour was with Atco Records star Arthur Conley (“Sweet Soul Music”) on a series of concert dates to promote the release of Conley’s second hit single, “Funky Street.”
Since then he has played with recording artists such as Eddy Floyd, Spider Turner, Sam the Sham, Rufus Thomas, The Drifters, The Coasters, Tommy Roe, The Marvelettes, Len Barry, Gary US Bonds, Dion, Little Eva, Gabrielle Goodman, and many others.
On the concert stage he has opened for a diverse lineup of top acts including Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show, Dobie Gray, Tommy James and the Shondells, Blue Oyster Cult, Michael Henderson, Betty Wright, Peaches & Herb, The Turtles, KC and the Sunshine Band and Curtis Mayfield.
In New York he worked as a studio musician for over 13 years, doing sessions for Don Casale’s Easy Street and Malaco Records as well as various projects for Columbia Records.
With three CD’s to his credit, Bill is also an accomplished music journalist and essayist. His music reviews and feature articles have appeared in publications such as New York Nitelife and the popular jazz website, Jazz.com. Editor-in-Chief Ted Gioia (History of Jazz, Delta Blues, Healing Songs) called him “Jazz.com’s resident expert on Gypsy Jazz.”
No vintage sail racing vessel would be complete without her own signature cocktail, right? Introducing The Blue 22, crafted exclusively for Schooner Ladona, christened in 1922, and inspired by a well-known ingredient in our very own state of Maine, the blueberry.
Here’s the recipe, just in time for a bit of summer imbibing. Can’t be bothered? Join us for one of our specialty Bar Craft sailing trips and we’ll mix one up for you as we sail the coast of Maine!
Cocktail Recipe for The Blue 22
By Lara Nixon of Bad Dog Bar Craft
Ingredients
5–7 fresh Maine blueberries
1 oz London dry style gin
½ oz dry orange Curaçao
½ oz Maine blueberry shrub
½ oz freshly squeezed orange juice
1 orange
a pinch of ground cinnamon
Method
Put the fresh blueberries in your glass of choice and muddle them a bit.
Add the remaining ingredients. Give everything a quick stir and then top with fresh ice.
Take the orange and slice off a nice piece of the peel.
Twist it over the glass to express the oils into the cocktail before placing it on top.
Finish off with a slight dusting of cinnamon.
Enjoy!
In our newest themed trip, explore the art of bar craft, taking fresh, handmade ingredients and creating an experience worth imbibing.
In anticipation of our upcoming, new cookbook, give one of the recipes by our galley chef Anna Miller a try in your own kitchen — blueberry buckle.
“With only sixteen passengers on the Ladona you will have the opportunity to meet like-minded travelers and perhaps form friendships that will last long after you have disembarked. The kinship you feel with everyone on board in just the short span of a few days is remarkable.”
“…the masterfully restored 82-foot racing schooner Ladona quickly earned a rep for its upscale amenities: hot and cold running water in every cabin, beds topped with premium linens, rain showers, chef-prepared meals, and complimentary wine served with dinner.”
“Expect admiring looks as you [sail] into ports like Castine and Boothbay Harbor aboard the Ladona — kind of like tooling around Boston in a vintage Porsche.”
