sailboat accident in rockland maine

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Rockland doctor identified as woman killed after mast breaks aboard schooner

Dr. Emily Mecklenburg, 40, of Rockland, was killed when the top of the rear mast of the Rockland-based Grace Bailey split and fell, striking multiple people.

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The top portion of the mainmast lies across the deck of the Grace Bailey as the schooner sits off the coast of Rockland on Monday. Kurt Schleicher via Associated Press

ROCKLAND — A doctor at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport was killed Monday when the top of a mast broke and fell on the deck of the Grace Bailey, a schooner partly owned by actor Marc Evan Jackson .

Dr. Emily Mecklenburg Photo courtesy of MaineHealth

Dr. Emily Mecklenburg, 40, of Rockland, was declared dead when she was brought ashore by a Coast Guard boat following the accident. The Maine Medical Examiner’s Office in Augusta said a cause of death has not yet been determined.

Mecklenburg specialized in internal medicine, according to MaineHealth’s website. She had been practicing at Pen Bay since 2016 and Waldo County General Hospital since 2018.

The hospital and medical center said in a statement on Tuesday that they were “heartbroken” to learn of Mecklenburg’s death.

“Emily was friend to so many and well known for the compassionate care she provided to patients,” the statement said, adding that her colleagues would be offered grief counseling and other support.

Mecklenburg graduated from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine in 2013 and did her residency at Maine Medical Center in Portland. Advertisement

The two-masted schooner, built in 1882 and restored in 1990, was about a mile east of Rockland Harbor at about 10 a.m. when the top of the rear mast split and fell, striking several people. Mecklenburg was a passenger aboard the Grace Bailey, which was returning from a sold-out, four-night foliage cruise.

Mecklenburg sustained an apparent serious head wound and was taken off the schooner first Monday. The three other injured people were then taken from the ship and transported to Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport.

A passenger aboard the Grace Bailey said the accident happened “out of nowhere.” The passenger, who asked to not be identified, said the winds were not strong and the vessel had not made any sharp tacks when the incident occurred.

Maine Marine Patrol officers meet the crew of the Grace Bailey after it docked at Lermond Cove shortly after noon on Monday. Photo by Stephen Betts

The Coast Guard began investigating the accident Monday, said Ensign Matthew Bartnick, stationed in South Portland. He said the investigation will be handled by personnel from the Marine Safety Detachment in Belfast. Bartnick did not know when the Grace Bailey was last inspected by the Coast Guard or how often it was required to be inspected, but said that information would be part of the investigation.

The failure or snapping in half of a schooner mast, when neither bad weather nor a collision is involved, is an extremely rare event, said Jim Sharp, a former captain of Midcoast schooners with more than 40 years of sailing experience. Sharp, who now runs the Sail, Power and Steam Museum in Rockland, was not aware of another time in his years of sailing when a mast failed on its own while the ship was under sail.

You’ve seen him on TV. Now, you can join him aboard his windjammer in Rockland

Sharp said the cause of such a failure would likely be rot created by fresh water from the rain getting into the wood at certain points along the mast, including where the metal wires that support the masts are attached. He said regular maintenance is required to repair and seal any areas where fresh water can get into the wood. Sharp estimated that the Grace Bailey’s masts are about 75 feet high. Advertisement

“I’ve never seen anything like this, it’s unheard of,” Sharp said. “Usually these windjammers are very safe vessels. I know the man at the helm (Capt. Sam Sikkema) is not an inexperienced man.”

‘HEARTBROKEN’

Sikkema, the captain of the Grace Bailey and one of Jackson’s three partners, released a statement on the accident Monday afternoon:

“My crew and I are devastated by this morning’s accident, especially since the safety of our guests is always our biggest priority. Most importantly, we are beyond heartbroken that we lost a dear friend.”

Sikkema did not respond to questions about the accident emailed and texted to him. Jackson responded to questions about the accident Monday by saying, “We have no comment at this time.” A third partner, Suzannah Smith, did not respond to questions sent through text and email.

The 1880s schooner Grace Bailey, right, at Windjammer Wharf in Rockland in August. Brianna Soukup/Staff Photographer

The Coast Guard responded to a report that the Grace Bailey had “demasted” around 10 a.m. and that four of the 33 people aboard suffered head and back injuries, the Coast Guard’s Boston office said in a statement issued Monday night. Advertisement

A Coast Guard 47-foot Motor Lifeboat was dispatched to the schooner and transferred one woman to shore, where she was pronounced dead. The Coast Guard boat then went back to take the other three injured people to shore and eventually to the hospital. The names of those injured were not released.

Marc Evan Jackson on board the Grace Bailey in August. Brianna Soukup/Staff Photographer

“In this time of sorrow, we offer our deepest condolences to the grieving family, and our most heartfelt wishes for a swift recovery to those harmed,” said Capt. Amy Florentino, the Coast Guard Sector Northern New England commander. “Our investigation aims to identify causative factors that led to this tragic incident.”

Charlie’s Marine Services commercial salvage personnel responded and towed the Grace Bailey to Rockport Harbor. 

Jackson, who is known for his roles on TV shows “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “Parks and Recreation” and “The Good Place,” had been a part of several of the Grace Bailey’s overnight cruises this year but was not scheduled to be on this one.

He told the Press Herald earlier this year that a major reason he wanted to be involved with the Grace Bailey is to help preserve the state’s fleet of windjammers – sailing vessels that take vacationers on overnight cruises – and make Maine residents more aware of their existence and history.

A FOLIAGE CRUISE Advertisement

According to the Grace Bailey’s website, the Rockland-based schooner had begun the foliage cruise Thursday and was set to return Monday. A folk trio called Skylark was scheduled to perform on the cruise. One of the musicians who was on board, A.J. Wright, declined in an email to give details of the accident, citing the Coast Guard investigation and the lack of information as to what happened.

“The captain and owners of the schooner have no additional information or knowledge of why the mast failed. Out of respect of the privacy of the crew and guests, no names or information about the passengers will be provided at this time, ” Wright wrote in an email.

Jackson and his partners were offering a 40% discount to Maine residents this season and next. Standard cabin prices for upcoming dates range from $1,110-$1,720 per person, meals included, depending on date and duration. The trips last between three and six nights.

The 118-foot, two-masted schooner has 15 cabins with accommodations for 29 passengers. The trips have no itinerary, Jackson told the Press Herald, so the various stops at Maine islands or in hidden coves are completely unscheduled.

Jackson, who lives in Los Angeles, grew up near Buffalo, New York, but was fascinated by Maine windjammers at an early age. He began applying to work as a deckhand on Maine schooners when he was 12 or 13. After college, he worked one summer as first mate on the schooner Mercantile out of Camden. Last year, after hearing the Grace Bailey might be for sale, he became a part of the new ownership group. The Grace Bailey previously had been owned by Ray and Ann Williamson, of Camden, from 1985 to 2002, according to the ship’s website.

The Grace Bailey was built in Patchogue, New York, in 1882 by Oliver Perry Smith and restored in 1990. It was named for owner Edwin Bailey’s daughter, according the ship’s website. In 1906, the ship was rebuilt and renamed for Mr. Bailey’s granddaughter, Martha, who was nicknamed Mattie. From 1906 until 1990, the schooner sailed using the name Mattie, but in the spring of 1990, after the restoration, the original name was used again.

“The city of Rockland extends our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the victim,” the city said in a statement from the Rockland Fire Department.

Stephen Betts is a staff writer for The Courier-Gazette, and Ray Routhier is a staff writer for the Portland Press Herald.

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Doctor, 40, killed after mast snaps on 150-year-old schooner off coast of maine in ‘unforeseen’ tragedy.

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A doctor aboard a 150-year-old schooner was killed Monday morning when the vessel’s mainmast shattered under sail and collapsed into the deck off the coast of Maine.

The Grace Bailey, a 118 foot “windjammer” that operates tours in the waters off Maine, was returning from a four-day voyage with 33 people onboard when the mast broke, its owner said in a statement.

A towing service rushed to the scene about a mile out from the Rockland harbor, and arrived to find people performing CPR on one victim.

Emily Mecklenburg, 40, a doctor from Rockland, was later declared dead , while three others were rushed to the hospital with head, spine, and crush injuries.

An emergency responder said they saw somebody trapped beneath the fallen mast.

“It is an unforeseen circumstance,” said Charlie Weidman, owner of Charlie’s Marine Service and the first person to reach the schooner after the accident.

“No one trains to have a giant mast break on a schooner. Everyone acted with professionalism. Everyone was doing the best they could with the gifts that they had.”

Weidman towed the boat into Rockland Harbor, where one of the victims was airlifted out.

The Coast Guard is investigating what caused the break. Officials noted conditions were calm and not windy when the accident happened.

“We want to make sure the investigation is being done thoroughly and that the necessary boxes are being checked,” Coast Guard Ensign Matthew Bartnick said Tuesday.

Though the Grace Bailey was built in 1882, like numerous other tall ships that operate off the coast of New England it had been refurbished many times over the years.

Almost all the planks of wood have been replaced during the boat’s lifetime, and the mast which snapped was not the original, a spokesperson for the boat, Nicole Jacques, said.

The vessel’s owners also said they had no idea why the mast broke.

“My crew and I are devastated by this morning’s accident, especially since the safety of our guests is always our biggest priority,” said the vessel’s captain, Sam Sikkema.

“Most importantly, we are beyond heartbroken that we lost a dear friend.”

Dr. Mecklenburg worked for the MaineHealth system, primarily out of the Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockland.

With Post wires

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Sailing Vessel That Suffered Broken Mast, Killing a Passenger, Had Previous Incidents

Coast Guard records show that a historic sailing vessel on which a passenger was fatally injured by a broken mast was involved in three previous accidents in recent years when the schooner was under different ownership

Kurt Schleicher

This photo provided by Kurt Schleicher shows the schooner Grace Bailey with its main mast broken off the coast of Rockland, Maine, on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023. (Kurt Schleicher via AP)

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A historic sailing vessel on which a passenger was fatally injured by a broken mast was involved in three previous accidents in 2022 and 2019 when the schooner was under different ownership, according to Coast Guard records.

The Grace Bailey, built in 1882, was returning from a four-day excursion when its main mast splintered and tumbled onto the deck, killing a doctor and injuring three other passengers Monday outside Rockland Harbor.

The most serious previous incident happened on July 8, 2022, when the Grace Bailey's skipper apparently misjudged distance while maneuvering and struck another schooner anchored in Rockland Harbor, with the Grace Bailey’s front boom hitting the American Eagle. American Eagle’s mainsail suffered a large gash, and Grace Bailey’s boom crashed into the water, according to a Coast Guard report.

The Grace Bailey also ran aground in 2022 and in 2019. Both times, there were no injuries and only minor damage, according to Coast Guard reports. The schooner floated free at high tide in both instances.

The vessel was under new ownership this season, according to a spokesperson. It underwent an annual inspection on May 31 and was in compliance with all regulatory requirements, the Coast Guard said.

The mast failure in routine sailing conditions suggests the mast must’ve been weakened, probably by water intrusion and rot, said Jim Sharp, a former schooner owner who runs the Sail, Power and Steam Museum in Rockland.

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The Bailey Grace was carrying 33 passengers and crew when the mast snapped Monday morning. “It’s unbelievable that this could happen this way. It takes me aback,” Sharp said Wednesday.

Nicole Jacques, spokesperson for the Grace Bailey’s owners, said it's “conjecture” to offer theories about why the mast failed. The cause will be determined by the Coast Guard, she said.

It's unclear when the mast was last inspected. Those inspections are less frequent than annual inspections and require the mast to be removed from the vessel and inspected on land, Sharp said.

Copyright 2023 The  Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Mast of historic boat snaps, killing 1 and injuring 3 off the coast of Rockland, Maine

One person is dead and three injured after the mast of a historic vessel snapped in half and fell onto the deck off Rockland, Maine, officials said.

The Grace Bailey, a schooner that takes passengers on excursions up and down the Maine coast, was returning from a four-day cruise Monday when the "unexpected and catastrophic" mast failure happened, the ship's operators said. One person was killed after the main mast fell onto the deck, the Rockland Fire Department said. Three others were taken to local hospitals and were being treated for non-life-threatening injuries, the Maine Windjammer Association said in a statement.

The U.S. Coast Guard evacuated injured passengers within minutes, the vessel's operators said, and authorities were investigating the cause of the accident.

"As of now, we do not have a cause," said U.S. Coast Guard First District spokesperson Diolanda Caballero.

The mast splintered and snapped, the Coast Guard said. The ship had been carrying 33 people.

The Grace Bailey can hold a maximum of 29 passengers, according to her webpage. The vessel was not over capacity at the time, because it can hold 29 passengers plus crew, the windjammer association said in an emailed statement.

The names of the victims were not immediately released.

What is the Grace Bailey schooner?

The Grace Bailey is part of the state’s so-called windjammer fleet, a collection of nine historic vessels that take people on coastal excursions. The vessels are individually owned and operated, according to the group's website, and members work together to preserve the history the boats represent.

The ship's captains, Sam Sikkema and Suzannah Smith, said they did not know what caused the mast to fail, according to the Maine Windjammer Association.

“My crew and I are devastated by this morning’s accident, especially since the safety of our guests is always our biggest priority," Sikkema said. "Most importantly, we are beyond heartbroken that we lost a dear friend. Our entire crew extends our love and support to the family members and to everyone affected by this tragedy.”

The Grace Bailey's overall length is 118 feet, according to its official website. It was built in Long Island, New York, in 1882.

The vessel takes several trips during the summer months every year, according to its online schedule. Operators advertise online that the excursions are "fun and comfortable" trips for couples, families and charter groups.

The accident happened on the last day of Grace Bailey's final trip of the season, the Maine Windjammer Association said. The association said it didn't have any information on what was next for the vessel, including whether it would continue to sail.

Contributing: The Associated Press

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Person killed, several others hurt when the mast breaks on a schooner in rockland.

There were 28 people on board the well-known Grace Bailey at the time

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One person is dead and three others are hurt after a schooner accident in Rockland Harbor.

The United States Coast Guard learned about a large sailboat in distress just outside the Breakwater at about 10:30 a.m. Monday.

The mainmast on the 80-foot Grace Bailey had snapped and the Coast Guard had reports of multiple people hurt. Rockland rescue personnel were transported out to the boat with the Coast Guard to help care for the injured and coordinate medical care once they could get back to the mainland.

Officials say there were 28 people on board the schooner at the time. The owners of the boat say they were returning from a four-day cruise when there was an "unexpected and catastrophic failure" of the mainmast, causing it to split and come down onto the deck.

Three people were transported from the Coast Guard pier: Two were brought to Penbay Medical Center in Rockport and one to an awaiting LifeFlight helicopter. One other person died from their injuries. The three people who were taken to the hospital were expected to recover.

Officials did not immediately release the names of the people involved.

"My crew and I are devastated by this morning's accident, especially since the safety of our guests is always our biggest priority. Most importantly, we are beyond heartbroken that we lost a dear friend. Our entire crew extends our love and support to the family members and to everyone affected by this tragedy," said Captain Sam Sikkema.

The Grace Bailey was built in 1882 and is owned in part by actor Mark Evan Jackson, who is known for his roles on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Good Place, Parks & Recreation, The Baby-Sitters Club and more.

The Grace Bailey offers 3 to 6 night vacation trips along the Maine coast and is very well known in the area.

"It's sad. Whenever there's a loss of life, it's sad, very sad. And especially in a situation like this. It's a it's a sad day for the Windjammer crew. It's a sad day for the city of Rockland," said Ken Dutelle of Rockland.

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Mast snaps aboard historic Maine schooner, killing 1 and injuring 3

This photo provided by Kurt Schleicher shows the schooner Grace Bailey with its main mast broken off the coast of Rockland, Maine, on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023. (Kurt Schleicher via AP)

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ROCKLAND, Maine (AP) — The main mast of a historic excursion vessel splintered and fell onto the deck Monday, killing one person and injuring three others aboard the schooner Grace Bailey off the coast of Maine, officials said.

A nearby Coast Guard vessel began evacuating the injured passengers within minutes of the mast’s catastrophic failure and collapse on the deck, which occurred while the schooner was returning from a four-day cruise, the vessel’s owner said in a statement. Thirty-three people were on board the schooner, which was about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) east of the Rockland harbor, the Coast Guard said.

One person died from injuries and three people were transported to hospitals Monday, the Rockland Fire Department said. A helicopter transported one of the injured, while the other two were transported to a local hospital, fire officials said.

Charlie Weidman, owner of Charlie’s Marine Service, was first on the scene at 10:26 a.m., shortly after the initial mayday, to find CPR was already being performed on one victim. Another victim had a head injury and two others had crush and spinal injuries, said Weidman, a trained emergency medical technician who pulled alongside and went aboard to assist.

“It is an unforeseen circumstance,” Weidman said Monday afternoon. “No one trains to have a giant mast break on a schooner. Everyone acted with professionalism. Everyone was doing the best they could with the gifts that they had.”

The rescue crew returned to the Grace Bailey with two EMS personnel to retrieve the three remaining injured people. The three people were transferred to EMS at Rockland Harbor and taken to Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport.

Afterward, Weidman towed the schooner to Rockland Harbor.

The Grace Bailey is part of the state’s so-called windjammer fleet, a collection of sailing vessels that take people on excursions up and down the coast.

“My crew and I are devastated by this morning’s accident, especially since the safety of our guests is always our biggest priority. Most importantly, we are beyond heartbroken that we lost a dear friend,” the vessel’s captain, Sam Sikkema, said in a statement.

The schooner’s operators said they had no idea why the mast failed. The Coast Guard will conduct a full investigation into the incident, they said. No names of the victims were released.

“In this time of sorrow, we offer our deepest condolences to the grieving family, and our most heartfelt wishes for a swift recovery to those harmed,” Capt. Amy Florentino, the Coast Guard Sector Northern New England commander, said in a statement. “Our investigation aims to identify causative factors that led to this tragic incident.”

The Grace Bailey had posted images on social media earlier in the trip, including an image the day before of passengers carving pumpkins on the vessel.

The Grace Bailey’s overall length is 118 feet (36 meters) and it can carry 29 passengers, according to its official website. It was built in Long Island, New York, in 1882.

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UPDATE: Mast breaks on schooner ‘Grace Bailey’ while under sail, one dead

The mast on the Grace Bailey  schooner broke while just beyond Rockland Harbor after 10 a.m., today, Oct. 9, resulting in one death of a female and several injured.

The woman who was killed has been identified as Emily Mecklenburg, a physician at Pen Bay Medical Center, in Rockport. The cause of her death has yet to be determined, according to Maine’s Office of Chief Medical Examiner.

Three patients were transported from the U.S. Coast Guard pier, with two taken to Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport, and one to an awaiting LifeFlight helicopter.

“Unfortunately one additional patient had succumbed to their injuries and the City of Rockland extends our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the victim,” said Rockland Fire Chief Chris Whytock, in a news release.

A mast on the sailboat had snapped and Knox Regional Communications Center, which took the distress call from the Coast Guard, had reports of multiple people injured, said Whytock.

Rockland Fire and EMS were transported out with the USCG and rendered care to the injured and coordinated medical care once on the mainland.  

The Coast Guard said later in the day that four of the 33 people aboard the schooner were injured, approximately one mile east of Rockland Harbor.

Crew aboard the Grace Bailey contacted the Coast Guard Sector Northern New England command center around 10 a.m. requesting assistance after their mast reportedly broke and fell onto the deck causing head and back injuries to four people. 

Coast Guard watchstanders dispatched a Coast Guard Station Rockland 47-foot Motor Lifeboat (MLB) crew to assist. 

The MLB crew arrived on scene and transferred a woman from the Grace Bailey to Rockland Harbor where she was transferred to awaiting EMS and pronounced deceased. 

The MLB crew returned to the Grace Bailey with two EMS personnel to retrieve the three remaining injured people. The three people were transferred to EMS at Rockland Harbor and taken to Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport. 

“In this time of sorrow, we offer our deepest condolences to the grieving family, and our most heartfelt wishes for a swift recovery to those harmed,” said said Capt. Amy Florentino, the Coast Guard Sector Northern New England commander, in the release. “Our investigation aims to identify causative factors that led to this tragic incident.”

Charlie’s Marine Services commercial salvage personnel responded and towed the Grace Bailey to Rockport Harbor. 

The Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the incident.

The Grace Bailey , once known on Penobscot Bay at The Mattie , was built in Patchogue, New York, 1882 by Oliver Perry Smith at his boatyard on the Patchogue River, in Patchogue, New York.

The schooner is 118 feet in length, and is a member of windjammer fleet, with a homeport of Rockland.

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Victim in Maine schooner accident identified

AUGUSTA, Maine (WMTW) - The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has confirmed that Dr. Emily Mecklenburg was the person killed when the mainmast of a well-known schooner broke and fell to the deck of the boat in Rockland on Monday.

She was a doctor in the MaineHealth system, working primarily out of Pen Bay Medical Center.

The mainmast of the Grace Bailey broke Monday morning as the schooner was returning from a 4-day cruise. There were 28 people on board at the time. In addition to Mecklenburg, three other people were hurt, sustaining head and back injuries.

Charlie Weidman, owner of Charlie’s Marine Service, was first on the scene at 10:26 a.m., shortly after the initial mayday, to find CPR was already being performed on one victim. Another victim had a head injury, and two others had crush and spinal injuries, said Weidman, a trained emergency medical technician who pulled alongside and went aboard to assist.

“It is an unforeseen circumstance,” Weidman said Monday afternoon. “No one trains to have a giant mast break on a schooner. Everyone acted with professionalism. Everyone was doing the best they could with the gifts that they had.”

The schooner’s operators said they had no idea why the mast failed. The Coast Guard will conduct a full investigation into the incident, they said.

The Grace Bailey was built in 1882 and is owned in part by actor Mark Evan Jackson.

Copyright 2023 WABI. All rights reserved.

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1 killed, 3 injured when historic Maine schooner’s mast snaps

The coast guard is expected to investigate why the grace bailey’s mast snapped.

Associated Press

ROCKLAND, Maine — The main mast of a historic excursion vessel splintered and fell onto the vessel’s deck on Monday, killing one person and injuring three others aboard the schooner Grace Bailey, officials said Monday.

A nearby Coast Guard vessel began evacuating the injured passengers within minutes of the mast’s catastrophic failure and collapse on the deck, which occurred while the vessel was returning from a four-day cruise, the vessel’s owner said in a statement.

One person died from injuries and three people were transported to hospitals on Monday, the Rockland Fire Department said. A helicopter transported one of the three injured, while the other two were transported to a local hospital, fire officials said.

Afterward, the vessel was towed into Rockland Harbor. Images posted online showed the vessel with the top of its main mast splintered.

The Grace Bailey is part of the state’s so-called windjammer fleet, a collection of sailing vessels that take people on excursions up and down the coast.

“My crew and I are devastated by this morning’s accident, especially since the safety of our guests is always our biggest priority. Most importantly, we are beyond heartbroken that we lost a dear friend,” the vessel’s captain, Sam Sikkema, said in a statement.

The boat’s operators said they had no idea why the mast failed. The Coast Guard will conduct a full investigation into the incident, they said. No names of the victims were released.

The Grace Bailey had posted images on social media earlier in the trip, including an image the day before of passengers carving pumpkins on the vessel.

The Grace Bailey’s overall length is 118 feet long (36 meters) and it can carry 29 passengers, according to its official website. It was built in Long Island, New York, in 1882.

Bangor Daily News

Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries

Owner of sunken historic fishing boat leaking fuel off Maine’s coast has been charged

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The owner of a sunken 80-foot-long fishing boat  that’s sitting at the bottom of New Meadows River in Harpswell and leaking oil is now facing charges.

The boat, the sardine carrier Jacob Pike, sank in Harpswell during January’s twin storms and record-high tides.

The harbormaster hasn’t received a plan yet for raising and disposing of the sunken boat.

The town is summonsing the boat’s owner, Cyrus Cleary, for the crime of abandonment of a watercraft, according to the harbormaster.

Cleary could be fined the cost of removal plus 50 percent of that cost.

Cleary told the Bangor Daily News in February that he doesn’t think he’s responsible for all the costs of removing the boat and has disagreed with the U.S. Coast Guard on how to get it out.

Removing the boat from the water and towing it piece by piece could cost more than $100,000.

First built in 1949 by Newbert & Wallace in Thomaston, the Jacob Pike was a refrigerated vessel used to fish for and transport sardines. After the collapse of Maine’s sardine industry, the vessel was used to transport lobster, then pogies. The ship was retired from fishing in 2022 and passed through several owners before Cleary acquired it.

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Tractor-trailer rollover on I-95 in Bangor causes traffic disruptions

by Ariana St Pierre , WGME

BANGOR (WGME) -- A tractor-trailer rollover on I-95 southbound in Bangor is causing significant traffic issues.

Maine State Police say exit ramps 185, 186, and 187 are shut down. The right southbound lane will also be closed for an estimated 3-5 hours for clean-up.

• Also read: 21-year-old Bangor woman accused of selling crack, fentanyl

No one was hurt in the crash.

Police say the crash has been described as "weather related" due to the road conditions.

15 Best Things To Do in Rockland, Maine

N estled along the shores of Penobscot Bay in MidCoast, Maine, the city of Rockland is waiting to be explored. In this article, I'll cover the best things to do in Rockland from my recent visit.

Known for its vibrant arts scene, historic lighthouses, and mouthwatering seafood, this beautiful coastal town blends New England tradition and modern flair.

Whether strolling down Main Street, indulging in a fresh lobster roll, or setting sail on a scenic windjammer cruise , Rockland promises a memorable experience for travelers of all tastes.

So grab your camera and your appetite, and let's explore the top things to do in Rockland, Maine.

Lighthouses

Maine's historic lighthouses are a popular draw along its rugged coast, and Rockland is a great place to check two off the list.

1. Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse

In the mid-1800s, several storms battered Rockland Harbor. From 1890 to 1889, the United States Army Corps of Engineers built a massive 4,000-foot-long granite breakwater to protect the town. It used more than 768,000 tons of rock to do so.

In 1902, the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse was added to the end to warn sailors of the stone barrier and entrance to the harbor. The lighthouse was automated in 1964.

Visitors can walk the nearly mile-long breakwater for a closer look at the lighthouse. It's best to time your walk at low tide and only go out in clear, dry conditions.

During my brief stay in town, there was thick fog and low visibility, so I decided against making the walk to this historic lighthouse by myself.

The lighthouse's parking lot is about 2.3 miles from downtown Rockland, so it's best to drive, get a taxi, or take a bike.

Travel Tip: Rideshare apps don't operate in Rockland. There are two local taxi companies (but only one accepts rides on weekends without a reservation in advance).

2. Owls Head Lighthouse

The second active lighthouse in Rockland is the 30-foot Owls Head Lighthouse in Owls Head State Park, about 5.8 miles south of the city.

It was built in 1825 atop a nearly 80-foot bluff and can be visited on foot through the park or viewed from the water, as I did aboard the Schooner J & E Riggin.

Museums, art galleries, and public art are all easily accessible on foot in downtown Rockland, Maine.

3. Farnsworth Art Museum

The Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland is a must-visit for art lovers.

Celebrating Maine's role in American art, it houses a remarkable collection of over 15,000 works, with a particular focus on pieces by Andrew Wyeth and his family.

Visitors can explore galleries filled with American art from the 18th century to the present, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.

The works of art I enjoyed most included a colorful 2021 painting entitled Strawberry Moon by Emilie Stark-Menneg and Daniel Minter's mixed media work—A Distant Holla, Deep Inside Us.

The museum's serene sculpture garden through which I exited and historic homestead add to the charm.

4. Center for Maine Contemporary Art

The Center for Maine Contemporary Art (CMCA) in Rockland showcases the vibrant and evolving world of Maine's contemporary art scene.

Housed in a strikingly modern building, the CMCA features exhibitions from emerging and established artists, reflecting diverse mediums and perspectives.

5. Maine Lighthouse Museum

The Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland is a beacon for maritime history enthusiasts.

Home to the nation's most extensive collection of lighthouse artifacts, the museum pays tribute to the legacy of lighthouses and their keepers.

Visitors can explore fascinating exhibits featuring lenses, models, photographs, and more. This unique museum highlights lighthouses' vital role in Maine's coastal heritage.

6. Owls Head Transportation Museum

A 3.5-mile drive south of Rockland brings you to the Owls Head Transportation Museum , a treasure trove for transportation enthusiasts.

The museum's collection spans decades, from horse-drawn carriages to vintage aircraft.

7. Coastal Children's Museum

The Coastal Children's Museum in Rockland offers interactive exhibits focusing on the natural and cultural world of coastal Maine.

From touching sea creatures to imaginative arts and crafts, the museum fosters curiosity and creativity.

Additional Activities

8. rockland harbor trail.

The Rockland Harbor Trail is a 3.5-mile path that connects downtown Rockland with the city's working waterfront. Walking the trail is a great way to get some exercise and a feel for the town.

Since the morning I had available was chilly and overcast, I walked a short segment from Harbor Park, host of the city's Blues Festival, to Sandy Beach.

Unfortunately, it was too early to eat at Archer's on the Pier, a seafood restaurant with harbor views known for its lobster club sandwich.

Despite the gloomy weather and low tide, there were splashes of color thanks to pretty wildflowers along the boardwalk.

9. Project Puffin Visitor Center

The Project Puffin Visitor Center is a gateway to understanding the charismatic puffin and other Maine seabirds.

This small educational center features interactive exhibits, videos, and live events. Visitors can learn about the conservation efforts that have helped restore Atlantic puffin populations.

Fun Fact: Baby puffins are called “pufflings.” So cute.

10. Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center

This wildlife visitor center is an informative gateway to the region's diverse coastal habitats. Explore exhibits on seabirds, migratory birds, and marine life and learn about conservation efforts.

With interactive displays and educational programs, it's a starting point for nature enthusiasts looking to discover the beauty and ecological importance of Maine's coastal islands and waters.

11. Primo Restaurant

Primo , one of the best restaurants in Maine, is a mere mile south of downtown Rockland.

This farm-to-table fine dining establishment features seasonal cuisine with many ingredients grown on the property. I splurged on a tasty three-course dinner, which was worth every penny.

Guests are encouraged to walk the grounds after their meal, which include a duck pond, greenhouses, an organic farm, a pig pen, and a barn used as a wedding and special events venue.

12. Windjammer Cruises

Rockland is home to Maine's largest windjammer fleet, totaling six larger schooners.

The following sailboats operate multi-day cruises out of Rockland Harbor:

• Schooner American Eagle
• Schooner Grace Bailey
• Schooner Heritage
• Schooner J & E Riggin
• Schooner Ladona
• Schooner Stephen Taber

In fact, a Maine windjammer cruise aboard the J & E Riggin brought me to Rockland. We lived aboard the 120-foot schooner, a National Historic Landmark, for four days and nights.

We sailed to nearby islands, drank local beer at a brewery in North Haven , enjoyed a lobster bake on a small beach, spotted fin whales around Penobscot Bay, and dined on delicious food .

The windjamming season runs from May to October, and all the schooners offer specialty cruises on everything from knitting to stargazing and fall foliage .

13. Sailing Day Trips

If an overnight windjammer cruise doesn't fit your itinerary or budget, you can still enjoy a few hours on the water with a day sailing experience out of Rockland.

Captain Tyler Waterson takes guests sailing on Morning in Maine , a 55-foot coastal ketch. Two-hour day trips along Maine's coast are available for as little as $50 per person.

Bufflehead Sailing Charters is another company offering sailing experiences. Captain Daniel Bennett has a lifetime of experience at sea and enjoys taking one to six guests out for day sails.

14. North Atlantic Blues Festival

The North Atlantic Blues Festival is a rhythm-filled celebration that draws blues enthusiasts from near and far.

The two-day event is held every July in Habor Park by the waterfront, showcasing a lineup of acclaimed national blues performers.

15. Maine Lobster Festival

The annual Maine Lobster Festival is a five-day event in August that pays tribute to Maine's iconic crustacean with lobster dinners, cooking competitions, and maritime displays.

Add lively entertainment, local crafts, and a parade, and you have a festival that's as rich in flavor as tradition.

Wrapping Up

From the rhythmic blues of a waterfront festival to the delicate flavors of freshly caught lobster, Rockland, Maine, is a destination that sings with coastal charm and cultural richness.

Whether exploring its world-class museums, savoring local cuisine, or simply soaking in the stunning seaside views, Rockland offers diverse experiences that cater to all tastes.

Consider this list of the best things to do in Rockland when planning your next trip to Maine.

Thank you to the  Maine Windjammer Association  and  J & E Riggin  for inviting me to experience one of their cruises at no cost. My night at the LimeRock Inn in Rockland was organized in partnership with the Maine Office of Tourism.

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