Charters & Weddings

Customize Your Maine Adventure

Yes, you can charter the J. & E. Riggin for your own themed cruise or event! We offer a limited number of day sails and overnights tucked into our regular sailing season schedule as well as opportunities for three through six day chartered cruises. Many of our charter guests return year after year to enjoy their own unique experiences sailing with us. 

Celebrate together

Our charter themes have included weddings, family reunions, milestone birthdays and anniversaries, student group events, maker and artist retreats, scouting activities, team building exercises, celebrations of life, and more. Whatever you may have in mind, we can likely accommodate it. 

Weddings

We are always so excited when guests are interested in having their wedding and reception aboard the J. & E. Riggin! The Maine coast and a traditional schooner make an already unforgettable event even more unique and memorable. 

We can arrange for an officiant on board or you may invite your own. Additionally, our chef, Jocelyn, and the galley crew can provide wedding cupcakes or other special requests with advance planning. Some requests may incur extra charges.

Talk to us also about live music as we are fortunate to know and sail with many of the musicians who play traditional maritime and folk music. 

Our vessel can accommodate 24 overnight guests and up to 30 on a day sail. This gives you the option to choose a multi-day cruise for your overall event and have non-overnight guests join us for your ceremony and reception. Think you may have more than 30? Give our office a call as we may be able to hold the ceremony on an island visitors could reach by ferry to accommodate larger groups.

Here’s what to know when considering a charter with us.

Choose the package that suits your crew

The J. & E. Riggin can accommodate 24 overnight guests and 30 on a day sail. For our three through six day charters, you can expect a delicious fresh breakfast, lunch, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, and dessert from our galley starting the morning of departure through the morning you disembark. This also includes an island lobster bake on one of the days. 

For day sails and overnights, meals or hors d'oeuvres/cheese plate/small plate type offerings might be selected. Food service for day sails and overnights can be discussed case by case with Chef Jocelyn directly and cost may vary.

Want to plan a sailing adventure for more than 24 overnight guests? Sometimes we are able to partner with other schooners in the Maine Windjammer Association fleet to accommodate larger groups by splitting them between boats. Just give us a call to chat over the options.

Plan early

Planning and contacting us as early as possible gives you the best possible selection of dates for booking. While we are often able to accommodate same-year requests, it is even better to start planning about a year in advance. The more notice we have the more likely we can put your event on our sailing schedule according to your first choice of dates.

Bring the kids!

Our minimum age to sail for our regular cruises is 12 years, however, on chartered trips we can often be more flexible and sail with children as young as 5. This makes it possible to create meaningful multigenerational vacation experiences for families and friend groups. 

Because of the extremely dynamic environment on a sailing vessel, we are not able to invite children under five years old on board while the boat is underway. All children under the age of 8 will be required to wear a life jacket when on deck. We ask for parents' support in enforcing this life-saving policy.

Estimate your rates

Our charters are nicely customizable and pricing is finalized after a detailed conversation between you and the Captains. Pricing is also determined by the number of days and the time of season, with spring and fall cruises priced lower than summer cruises. Chartering the entire boat does provide a rate that is discounted relative to paying the full individual price for twenty four guests. 

The following estimated ranges should provide guidelines for what to expect. 

  • Day sail rates are $1000/hour for a minimum of three hours and a maximum of six hours duration. 

  • The typical range for a single overnight is between $11,000 and $15,000.

  • These range between $18,000 and $32,000, depending on length of cruise and season. Each of these includes an island lobster bake, shore excursions to natural spaces and cozy coastal villages, and more. 

Make your deposit & plan for your payment schedule

A deposit of 33% the cost of your trip will secure your charter’s place in our schedule.

A second installment of 33% the cost of your trip will come due halfway between your deposit and your balance payment. 

The balance payment will be due 6 weeks before the start of your cruise. 

All payments made must be made via check and mailed to our office at 64 Old County Rd. Rockland, ME 04841. These payments are fully non-refundable.

Would you like to charter our vessel for more than 24 overnight guests?

Sometimes we are able to partner with other schooners in the Maine Windjammer Association fleet to accommodate larger groups.