Meet the owners of Schooner Grace Bailey

July 21, 2025

Captain Sam Sikkema, Suzannah Smith and Marc Evan Jackson

Suzannah, left, Sam, front left and Marc, back right, with the crew aboard Grace Bailey

GRACE BAILEY, one of the original Maine Windjammers (she was first renovated from cargo schooner to windjammer in 1940!), entered a new chapter in 2022 when Captain Sam Sikkema, Suzannah Smith, and actor Marc Evan Jackson became her new owners. After the purchase, the trio moved the historic 1882-built schooner from Camden to Rockland and welcomed her into the Maine Windjammer Association. With new leadership at the helm and a strong sense of purpose, the GRACE BAILEY now continues her legacy as both a working vessel and a beloved icon of Penobscot Bay.

Captain Sam Sikkema brings over 20 years of traditional sailing experience to the GRACE BAILEY. Before taking the helm of the schooner, he captained the VICTORY CHIMES, the last three-masted schooner of her kind in the U.S. His résumé also includes stints aboard tall ships like the PICTON CASTLE, S.S. SORLANDET, Brig NIAGARA and others, sailing thousands of miles under canvas across oceans and time zones.

When maintaining VICTORY CHIMES was no longer feasible–as shipyards could no longer accommodate such a large vessel–Sam was devastated to have to pass her on to new owners. However, opportunity knocked when the former owners of GRACE BAILEY decided to retire. The GRACE BAILEY—with her long pedigree and graceful lines—was the perfect fit for Sam.

Jim Dugan Captain Sam coaches a guest at the helm.

Suzannah Smith is the logistical force behind the scenes. A Maine native with a background in sustainable farming and hospitality, she got her start in the windjammer world as shoreside support for the VICTORY CHIMES. Now, as co-owner and operations manager, she oversees everything from bookings to onboard provisioning to guest communications.

As for Marc Evan Jackson, before he became known for his roles in The Good Place, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Parks and Recreation, he was a windjammer sailor. In fact, he aspired to be a sailor from the time he was 12 years old. He’d pour through WoodenBoat Magazine and write to captains asking for a job. In the early 1990s, he worked as a deckhand and first mate aboard the MERCANTILE, which at that time was the sister ship to the GRACE BAILEY. That experience left a lasting impression and a longing to someday return to the world of tall ships.

Marc Evan Jackson, right, working as a deckhand aboard Schooner Mercantile in 1993. photo courtesy Marc Evan Jackson

Fast forward to 2022. While visiting Camden that year, Marc learned that Sam was preparing to buy the GRACE BAILEY. Marc didn’t wait for an invitation. He reached out directly: “If you’re looking for a partner, I’m in.” The timing was right, and the trio closed on the schooner in late 2022.

Though work in California often keeps Marc away from Maine, Marc is a passionate partner in the business. He tries to come out to Maine to sail as often as he can.

Together, Sam, Suzannah, and Marc have turned the GRACE BAILEY into a floating time machine—one that trades on tradition while offering modern-day travelers a truly unplugged adventure. With seasoned leadership and thoughtful hospitality, the schooner continues to carry guests across Penobscot Bay and into the heart of maritime heritage.