To register for any of these programs and get a MITA member discount please contact the Maine Maritime Museum at (207) 443-1316 or visit www.mainemaritimemuseum.org.

Lecture

Curtis Rindlaub Presentation:

 Thursday, May 27 – 7pm

$5 Members of MMM or MITA | $7 Non-members

Join Curtis Rindlaub, co-author and publisher of A Cruising Guide to the Maine Coast and Maine Coast Guide for Small Boats: Casco Bay, as he shares his knowledge about favorite islands and anchorages in the Casco Bay and Mid-coast region, as well as a few to be avoided.  Whether you’re a paddler, sailor or power boater you’ll find this talk informative and helpful.   Co-sponsored by Maine Island Trail Association

Special Trips

The Extraordinary Wildlife of Merrymeeting Bay (2¼ hours)

SUMMER: Monday (June 21, July 5, July 19, Aug. 2, Aug. 16 & Aug. 30 only) – 3:30pm

FALL: Monday (Sept. 13 & Sept. 27 only – 2pm

Members $27 | Non-members $32 | Children under 16 years $15 |Under 4 free

Six rivers converge at Merrymeeting Bay to create a truly unique and rare ecosystem: the breeding ground of osprey and bald eagles and home to Atlantic sturgeon and harbor seals.  Narrated by members of local environmental organizations. The program is made possible thanks to the sponsorship of the Merrymeeting Bay Trust and the collaborative efforts of the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust and Maine Audubon Society.

Kayak Adventures in Merrymeeting Bay  (4 hours)

Sunday Mornings: (June 27, July 11, Aug.  8, Sept. 19, Oct. 3 only) – 9am

Sunday Sunsets: (July 25, August 22, Sept. 5 only) – 3:30pm

Equipment Provided: Members $60 | Non-members $65 | Children under 16 years $30 |

Personal Equipment Used: Members $30 | Non-members $35

No experience necessary; disability accommodations available. Paddle solo or with a partner.

Advanced reservations required; minimum age 12.

These four-hour expeditions of Merrymeeting Bay are lead by registered Maine Guides and members of local environmental organizations.  Your guide will interpret the area’s extraordinary ecological vitality, its abundant wildlife, such as seals, ospreys, eagles and more, and the challenges facing the bay.  All necessary equipment is provided: kayak, paddle, PFD.  Just bring your camera.  This program sponsored by the Merrymeeting Bay Trust in collaboration with the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust and Maine Audubon Society.

Daily and Weekly Cruises

Tickets are available on-line at www.MaineMaritimeMuseum.org. 

SUMMER SCHEDULE:  June 19 through September 6

FALL SCHEDULE: September 7 through October 11

Great Ships and Lighthouses Cruise (1 hour)

SUMMER:  Daily – 12pm | 2pm except Thursdays

FALL:  Daily – 12 pm | 2pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays only

Members $20|Non-members $24|Children under 16 years $10|Under 4 free

This one-hour cruise explores the Kennebec River and its role in American shipbuilding.  Bath Iron Works, lighthouses and nesting osprey. Something for everybody! 

Six Lighthouse Cruise (2¼ hours)

SUMMER:  Sunday & Wednesday – 3:30pm

FALL: Sunday – 2pm

Members $27 | Non-members $32 | Children under 16 years $15 | Under 4 free

The Kennebec Historic Waterway features some of Maine’s most beautiful lighthouses - Seguin Island and Light; Doubling Point Light; the Kennebec Range Lights; Squirrel Point Light; Perkins Island Light, Pond Island Light; and Seguin Island Light. Photo ops galore!

Lighthouse Lovers Cruise (3 ½ hours)

SUMMER: Saturday – 3:30pm

FALL: Saturday – 2pm

Members $35 | Non-members $40 | Children under 16 years $20 |Under 4 free

Ten of Maine’s finest lighthouses the way they were meant to be seen, from the water – Doubling Point Light; the Kennebec Range Lights; Squirrel Point Light; Perkins Island & Light; Pond Island & Light; Seguin Island & Light; Cuckolds Light; Ram Island Light; Burnt Island Light; and Hendricks Head Light.

Beacons of Boothbay (4 ½ hours)

SUMMER: Thursday – 2:30pm

Members $40 | Non-members $45 |Children under 16 years $25 | Under 4 free

Explore a Maine island and its lighthouse.  Cruise the Sasanoa River to Boothbay Harbor, and view four lighthouses along the way.  Then stop to explore Burnt Island, its lighthouse, and meet the keeper and his family who will acquaint you with lighthouse living, 1950s style.  Visit the keeper’s home and climb the spiral staircase into the lantern room to enjoy spectacular views of Boothbay Harbor; or take a picturesque hike around the 5-acre island.

Seven Lights, Hells Gates Cruise (3 hours)

SUMMER: Friday – 3:30pm

FALL: Friday – 2pm

Members $30 | Non-members $35 | Children under16 years $15 | Under 4 free

Travel the winding Sasanoa River through Hells Gates into the serene Hockomock Bay to the mouth of the Sheepscot River, past Hendricks Head Light.  Enter the Kennebec River with its six lighthouses: Doubling Point Light, the Kennebec Range Lights, Squirrel Point Light, Perkins Island Light, Pond Island Light, and Seguin Island Light. Due to tides and currents this trip may take the reverse course at the captain’s discretion.

Navigation & Seamanship Courses  

Paddle Smart (2 hours)

Saturday, May 8 – 2pm

Members $45 | Non-members $50 

Kayaking, canoeing and rowing are fun activities which can also get you close to nature and provide some quality exercise in the process.  Taught by members of the U.S. Power Squadron, this seminar covers terminology, equipment, safety, day-trip planning and more. The fee includes a copy of The Complete Sea Kayaker’s Handbook , handouts, a notebook and an Off-Season Boating, Cold Shock & Hypothermia brochure

Mastering the Rules of the Road (2 hours)

June 11 – 6pm

Members $50 | Non-member $55

Taught by members of the U.S. Power Squadron, this two-hour seminar explains, with examples, the 37 Rules of the Road, both U.S. Inland and International, for waterborne vessels  simplifying the sometimes complex laws relating to boat operation.  Ideal for the recreational boaters, the seminar includes a copy of McGraw-Hill's The One Minute Guide to the Nautical Rules of the Road and student notes with slides.

On Board Weather Forecasting (2 hours)

June 23 – 6pm

Members $40 | Non-member $45

Quickly changing weather conditions can pose a real challenge for boaters, making fundamental understanding of weather forecasting a top priority for safe boating.  In this seminar, members of the U.S. Power Squadron explain weather systems, how to understand clouds and their changes, using changes in  wind, temperature and pressure to hone in on emerging weather fronts. The seminar includes a copies of McGraw-Hill’s Onboard Weather Forecasting and a waterproof copy of Captain’s Quick Guide to take aboard your boat.

Boat Shop Workshops

Building the Wood Duck Kayak (1 week)

May 24 through 28 – 8am to 5pm; Register by May 1.

Members $500 + materials | Non-members $530 + materials | Materials cost $850

Limit 8 students.  The Wood Duck, a recreational kayak designed for paddling in sheltered waters, is built from mahogany plywood, making her pretty, lightweight and strong.  Available in either 10’or 12’ length.  Larger paddlers and those wishing a bit more speed should choose the longer version.  Each student leaves with a completed boat (not varnished) ready for paddling.

Family Half-Hull Model Building (8 hours over 2 days)

July 24 & 25 – 9am to 1pm; Register by July 1

Members $50 | Non-members $60

Do something special with the kids this summer – build a traditional half-hull model and a lifetime memory.  Together you’ll carve a traditional 14” half model, varnish it and affix to a backboard.  Enjoy quality family time, build a beautiful wall hanging, and have fun together.

Family Boat Building (2 days)

July 10 & 11 – 9am to 4pm; Register by June 18

Sept. 4 & 5 – 9am to 4pm; Register by Aug. 20

Members $750 | Non-members $800

Limit 6 Groups in each session.  Over a weekend, each family will build an 11-ft plywood skiff that can be launched and taken home.  All ages welcome.  All materials are precut, ready for assembly and included in fee. No experience necessary

Greenland Kayak Paddle Class (2 days)

Sept. 11 & 12 – 9am to 4pm Register by Sept. 4

Members $150 + $20 materials | Non-members $175 + $20 materials

Limit 8 students. From a solid plank, carve a traditional Greenland-style kayak paddle or beavertail canoe paddle sized to fit your size and needs, then finish it with a coating of linseed oil.

Traditional Boatbuilding Class (12 weeks)

Mondays, Sept. 20 through Dec. 13 – 6pm to 9pm; Register by Sept. 3

Members $400 | Non-members $450

Limit 6 students. In this weekly class, students will build a traditional cedar-on-oak, flat-bottomed skiff.  Instruction and construction will cover everything from lofting the boat to fitting out the interior.  No boatbuilding experience necessary, familiarity with shop tools a plus.  The finished boat will be sold for the cost of materials at the end of the class.

Build a Stitch & Glue Kayak or Canoe (12 weeks)

Wednesdays, Sept. 22 through Dec. 15 – 6pm to 9pm; Register by Aug. 20

Members $500 + materials|Non-members $530 + materials

Materials costs vary with boat; approximately $850-$1000

Limit 8 students.  Build your very own kayak or canoe using stitch and glue kits by Chesapeake Light Craft.  Choose from several styles.  Shop time is available during the week to make up for a missed class.