Maine Windjammer cruise perfect cure for vacation blues

Well, if you've been dreaming of a cruise, but your budget can't make it to the Caribbean ... or you're looking to ply the waves on a different kind of ship, the Maine Windjammer Association may have just the voyage you're looking for. This organization of beautifully preserved wooden sailing vessels is offering a wide-range of specialty cruises that combine the spectacular experience of windjamming along Maine's rugged coast with favorite hobbies ... from whale watching to wine tasting to Tai Chi. And every cruise is just about a tank away. The cruises Wine Tasting Ever since man first crushed grapes, we've been searching for that perfect glass of wine. On this cruise, combine the serenity of windjamming with opportunities to learn the art of wine tastingdiscover different parts of the palate, new vintages, learn about "body, bouquet and finish." This cruise caters to beginners and seasoned veterans alike. Wellness Cruise Spend a few days exploring Penobscot Bay along with the six aspects of well-being; physical, intellectual, occupational, emotional, social, and spiritual. Includes onboard Tai Chi instructor, nutritionist and a menu full of organic and local produce (as well as some tasty indulgences). Festival and Races Many windjamming cruises coincide with summer celebrations on Maine's coast. See all 14 of Maine's tall ships during the Schooner Gam, Windjammer Days, Great Schooner Race, Windjammer Parade, Windjammer Music Festival, Camden Windjammer weekend and the WoodenBoat Sail-In. Art and Photography Shutterbugs and painters will delight in cruises geared toward capturing Maine's unique flora and fauna, lighthouses, coastal architecture, spectacular sunsets and more. This is a great opportunity to take a class and meet other artists. Seamanship This cruise emphasizes hands-on learning, from general seamanship to coastal navigation. The goal for the end of the week is to have the students working together to assume the operation of the vessel. Lighthouses Sparking the imagination of landlubbers and sailors alike, lighthouses are scattered along Maine's coast. And there's no better way to see them than from the sea. These cruises are designed to visit as many as possibleone cruise boasted 14 sightings. Whale and Puffin Watching While no one can guarantee a whale's whereabouts, schooner captains have spent years on the sea and have had good luck finding finback, humpback, mink whales, puffins and other marine life. The broad decks of the windjammers provide optimal viewing and hearken back to life as it was 100 years agothe way sailors of yore saw these magnificent creatures. Kids and Family Some vessels offer cruises catered toward families and young children. Family trips offer guests a nice balance of time together and time alone. There are lots of hands-on learning activities and children and parents get a chance to establish new friendships. Gloucester Schooner Race Cruise Travel to Gloucester the way they did over 100 years ago. This trip gives you a chance to travel from Maine to Massachusetts and view whales along the way. Knitters' Weekend In keeping with the "something for everyone" theme, these trips feature a local knitting expert and provide informative instructions. Learn to design a gansey sock pattern, a nautical sweater or hat pattern especially for this trip. Ships, rates, dates, more For more information about these specialty cruises, contact the Maine Windjammer Association at P.O. Box 1144P, Blue Hill, Maine 04614, 800-807-WIND or check out the website at www.sailmainecoast.com.