Journey Through Wooden Boats

This authentic experience offers an exclusive window into life and work within Maine’s maritime culture. A Morning in Maine and The Apprenticeshop coexist in Rockland’s vibrant working waterfront ecosystem—one crafting traditional wooden boats, the other sailing them through the rugged beauty of Penobscot Bay. Their partnership began organically when Captain Tyler sought skilled boatbuilders to help prepare his traditional vessel for the season, leading to a flourishing relationship that regularly sees The Apprenticeshop alumni as crew on A Morning in Maine. Guided by Captain Tyler, you’ll embark on a sail that reveals the history and beauty of Maine’s coast. On shore at The Apprenticeshop, you’ll have an exclusive, behind-the-scenes opportunity to experience an active traditional boatbuilding workshop firsthand.

9:00am depart: and head to The Apprenticeshop’s dock and get a quick peak at Rockland’s working waterfront from the commercial fishing pier and the USCG station to the Ferry terminal and local shipyards.

9:15-10:30am Behind-the-scenes tour of The Apprenticeshop
Discover how maritime traditions vital to Rockland’s history and culture are being kept alive by building and sailing traditional craft. You’ll participate in a hands-on activity that’s one moment along the boat building journey and begin to uncover what you are capable of. You might discover a hidden talent—or simply gain a newfound appreciation for the skill and dedication behind traditional boatbuilding. Even by engaging with just a small part of the process, you’ll walk away inspired by the craftsmanship and the rich maritime heritage that makes Rockland’s working waterfront so special.

10:30am-12:30pm Sail aboard the traditional wooden friendship sloop, Sarah Mead Aboard this 19th century designed lobster boat, you’ll sail through Rockland’s diverse working waterfront, past the iconic Rockland Breakwater Light and Owl’s Head out to the rugged granite islands of Penobscot Bay and haul a few lobster traps along the way. You’ll learn about Rockland’s rich maritime history as Maine’s largest commercial port of the late 1800’s while you help steer or sit back and soak in the briny salt air.

When you choose to Journey Through Wooden Boats with us, you’ll feel good knowing that your participation is keeping alive traditional maritime craft by ensuring access to boats and the water for all people starting at age 6. A portion of your ticket price will go towards affordable, free, or reduced fee programs in boatbuilding and seamanship for over 300 youth annually.

Join us!

1. 9:00am depart from Middle Pier to The Apprenticeshop dock and view the working waterfront.
2. 9:15–10:30am behind‑the‑scenes tour and hands‑on activity at The Apprenticeshop.
3. 10:30am–12:30pm sail aboard the friendship sloop Sarah Mead through Rockland harbor and Penobscot Bay, including hauling lobster traps.

• Exclusive behind‑the‑scenes access to a traditional boatbuilding workshop
• Sail aboard a traditional wooden friendship sloop through Penobscot Bay
• Learn local maritime history while experiencing Rockland’s working waterfront
• Hands‑on activity that connects you to traditional craft and stewardship